ESX.3xm

The ESX.3xm is a robust and efficient control unit. In addition to the ESX.3xm (x = expandable, m = medium), an ESX.3xl (x = expandable, l = large) is also available, which approximately accords with a double ESX.3xm with regard to the construction size and the number of inputs/outputs.
Both control units are suitable for safety-oriented applications up to Performance Level PL d or Safety Integrity Level SIL 2, and are based on a common architectural concept: The robust aluminum die cast housing with automotive plug-in connectors contains a fast 32-bit microcontroller with six MB Flash and four MB SRAM, four CAN interfaces, one serial interface, one buzzer and several LEDs. 

Flexibility/scalability
In addition to the flexible adaptation possibilities available in the basic versions – for example, all inputs can be configured via Init functions as current/voltage/digital or speed inputs – the extendibility using “Expansion Boards” represents a unique selling proposition of our control unit series: 
Expansion boards cover a wide spectrum of applications for your machine across three slots and with almost any additional functions. Currently, 14 expansion board variants are available in the standard with different inputs and outputs, additional interfaces or also a programmable Linux system including Ethernet and USB. It is also possible to develop customer-specific expansion boards quickly and cost-effectively and thus to fulfil highly specific requirements, for example for technical special solutions or to protect against product piracy.

Safety and diagnostic capability
A second, independent processor monitors the various system voltages and the program sequence. If required, this switches off all outputs via a second shut-down method or resets the main controller. Digital and analog feedback for almost all signal branches permit comprehensive diagnostics for the system including the inputs and outputs.  
For safety-oriented applications, a safety layer API is available which permits the separation of safety and non-safety (feedback-free) application sections using a memory protection unit. This makes the effort required for recertification in case of changes to the (non-safety) application software substantially easier. The creation and updating of a safety-oriented application can be conveniently carried out using a safety manual and a diagnostics library.  

Software
The application software for the ESX.3xm can be highly efficiently created either in “C” or also acc. CODESYS V3.5 IEC61131. A Matlab package is also available.