The SIL2/PLd certified gear limit switch "Prime CAM" is the result of the joint development of the companies Baumer and B Command. Both partners have bundled their high level of innovative strength and their know-how in this project, which comes to a successful conclusion with the certification and the start of series production of the Prime CAM. The result of this development is a "best-in-class" electronic cam switch with SIL2 certification, which sets new standards in the areas of accuracy and commissioning.

The jointly developed gear limit switch combines the advantages and know-how of conventional mechanical gear limit switches with modern rotary encoder technology. Both companies are convinced that with Prime CAM a new era of electronic gear limit switch systems begins with a variety of functionality, parameterization and integration options.

"With the Prime CAM we have managed to implement safe switch-off processes through electro-mechanical Relais and at the same time achieve high accuracy in position detection using an optical rotary encoder on a common platform," says Jan Schwonbeck, Key Account Manager at B-Command.

Rotary encoders for axes in drives, machines and systems

Together with the other integrated safety and diagnostic tools for all safety-relevant components, the Prime CAM offers a highly secure performance of wind turbines, an improvement in the existing safety concept and simple implementation of the Machinery Directive. The basic version already includes a wide range of interfaces and thus enables easy integration into existing controls and networks.

Based on an absolute rotary encoder developed by Baumer, the gear limit switch achieves absolute accuracy of 0,1 °. This opens up completely new possibilities for end position limitation and position detection of wind turbines or industrial machines. The design and all components of the system used have been selected specifically for use in wind turbines and allow for use both onshore and offshore. With the new development, it is possible for the first time to check the mechanical switching contacts of a gear limit switch with the aid of the diagnostic function for functionality.