Operational reliability, thanks to consistent redundancy concepts for bridges

• Installation companies, operators, and planners of movable bridges are faced with the challenge of implementing failsafe application control to suit the prevailing situation.
• Phoenix Contact offers control technology, network infrastructure, and the field level connection from a single source.
• Depending on the size and complexity of the system, redundant systems can either be implemented in the application with a small-scale controller or with a high-performance controller.

Movable bridges are often used to transport traffic across waterways. As part of the road network they have to function seamlessly. They should therefore be operated based on high-availability automation technology that opens and closes the bridges reliably. This means that the network technology, the control technology, and, if applicable, the I/O level, need to be designed redundantly.

The bridges themselves can be considered as an independent automation solution, but are usually integrated into a higher-level network or control system. Ethernet-based communication with the control engineering is essential, but can also be used for communication with the bridge. When it comes to frequently used wireless technologies, both WLAN and Bluetooth can be used in place of cables in industrial Ethernet.

Phoenix Contact offers products and systems for redundant systems of various sizes for maximum availability. Network technology that offers various possibilities for rapid reconfiguration in the event of an error forms the basis of the automation solution for bridges. As such, the network technology can be seamlessly integrated into the local or higher-level automation system.

Control technology represents the central function of bridge communication. Tailored to the requirements of the application, the redundant control technology can be designed to be scalable. Phoenix Contact offers a unique range of applications for all system sizes, which can be based on controller hardware or an in-application solution. This means that the control function can be designed and adapted to suit the importance of the transportation route.