CiA 417 documents updated

CAN in Automation (CiA) has released new versions of the CiA 417 application profile for lift control, better known as CANopen Lift standard.

After three years, the four-part specification has been updated. Part 1 (version 2.2.0) contains general definitions, which have been improved editorially. Part 2 (version 2.2.0) specifies additional parameters for program download purposes. The table of CAN-IDs used for lift controller 1 in part 3-1 (version 2.1.0) has been updated, too. Most of the changes are related to part 4 (version 2.2.0), which specifies in detail the application objects (process data and configuration parameter). Input and output functions have been added. Other new parameters are related to the inverter virtual device, also know as car drive unit. The latest versions of the CiA 417 documents are accessible only for CiA members. Non-members can download free-of-charge version 2.0.0.

New is the CiA 814 application note. Part 1 describes the boot-loader. It provides implementation hints for the boot-loader as specified in CiA 417 version 2.2.0. On start-up the boot-loader is executed first. It checks for a valid application program. If the application code is valid, this code is executed and the device resumes operating. When the boot-loader is called during runtime, it waits for commands received via the CANopen Lift network. This includes commands such as erase flash memory, flash a program, or verify the downloaded program. Non-members can download this application note from CiA’s website.

An application profile specifies all CANopen interfaces in an application, e.g. a lift control system, which may comprise different network segments interconnected by means of bridges or gateways. It is a virtual system approach. The interoperability of the connected devices from different manufacturers is one of the most important benefits of CiA 417.