Lift control

CANopen-Lift profile updated

The CANopen Lift demonstrator comprises three independent control systems and is used to prove the interoperability of devices from different manufacturers

CiA (CAN in Automation) has released version 2.1 of the CiA 417 CANopen application profile for lift control systems. The four-part specification provides some functional extensions. Besides some additional error codes, the power-measuring unit has been added. Another enhancement is the standardized boot-up and program download procedure. The specifications have been reviewed, some minor editorial failures have been corrected, and some editorial improvements have been introduced.

The CANopen-Lift application profile is the only open communication standard for embedded lift control systems. It allows the migration from proprietary to open control systems. It is also possible to open just a part of the control system. The newly introduced power-measuring unit is a tribute to the energy efficiency requirements. In one control system, there may be installed two of these units. One of them could be embedded in the drive unit, and the other one measures the energy consumption of all other control devices. If the energy consumption increases during the lifetime of the system, in particular of the drive unit, this will be detected and it can be exchanged against more efficient one.