The controller platform achieves TÜV-certified functional safety and, when combined with the SM81x series plug-in modules, can be configured to meet SIL 2 or SIL 3 safety levels in full compliance with IEC 61508. It is designed for industrial control applications requiring stringent safety integrity.

A comprehensive redundancy concept is supported across the CPU, CEX-Bus, communication interfaces, and S800 I/O. In a redundant configuration, the system provides a seamless primary–backup switchover with a maximum transition time of only 10 ms, ensuring uninterrupted operation and preventing system downtime.

Powerful Computing and Storage Configuration

The controller is built around the MPC862P processor running at 96 MHz, capable of executing 1000 Boolean operations in just 0.17 ms. It supports up to 32 applications and 32 tasks, with a minimum application cycle time of 1 ms.

A 3.6 V lithium backup battery safeguards system data during power loss. The controller provides 32 MB of RAM for applications, with 22.184 MB available for user programs, and includes 4 MB of onboard Flash memory for firmware storage.

Comprehensive Communication and Expansion Capabilities

The base unit integrates two RJ45 Ethernet ports for control network access and two RJ45 serial interfaces (COM3 as an RS-232C port with modem-control signals, and COM4 as an isolated port for configuration-tool connection).

The CEX-Bus allows multiple communication modules to be added, and the system supports S800 I/O High-Integrity expansion. Engineering and configuration are performed using the 800xA Control Builder environment. Using the CNCP protocol, the AC 800M family can achieve controller-to-controller clock synchronization with 1-millisecond accuracy.