Parker Hannifin, the motion and control technologies company, has released new expansion modules for its IQAN family. Four versions of the high-performance modules are available for use in different ways to meet the requirements of any hydraulic mobile machine, making it easy to expand an IQAN control system when connected to an IQAN-MC4x master controller. Communication between the master and expansion module is performed via the proprietary IQAN protocol and can run as classic CAN or CAN-FD (CAN with Flexible Data-Rate). The modules are designed for quick-and-easy set-up with minimal configuration requirements.
A further innovation is the XC4’s auto-baud functionality, which in essence allows it to accept data from a device operating at a different speed without needing to establish data rate in advance.
Offering up to 50 inputs and 36 outputs, the XC4 family shares a common pinout, facilitating easy upscaling/downscaling of applications. Parker has designed the expansion modules to be IEC 61508 SIL2 Functional Safety (FS) compliant (certification pending). When used together with a safety-certified IQAN master, the FS rating will make it possible to use the modules as part of safety functions, up to and including EN 13849-1 PLd.
Of the four modules introduced, XC41, XC42, and XC43 support CAM – a proprietary Parker Hannifin solution for the precision control of proportional mobile valves to a resolution down to 1 mA. Such precision is a necessity when controlling the movements of cranes, for example. In addition, zero-drift control provides the lowest possible output offset current and drift.
