Greater safety in a small space
STOBER expands SB6 drive controller with the SX6 safety module.
With the compact SB6 drive controller, STOBER offers a stand-alone device that is suitable for applications with up to four axes and features excellent control performance. The SX6 safety module is now available for this series, as for the two other 6th generation controllers, the SC6 and SI6. It provides numerous safety functions, including a safe brake test.
Pforzheim, 26.01.2026 – With the SX6 safety module, STOBER adds modern safety technology to its 6th generation drive controllers. The module monitors movements, reliably puts axes into safe states and can be seamlessly integrated into EtherCAT-based automation systems via the integrated Fail Safe over EtherCAT (FSoE) interface. Developed in collaboration with Pilz GmbH & Co. KG, the SX6 combines high safety standards with practical handling.
“We previously equipped two of our 6th generation drive controllers, the SC6 and SI6, with this safety module,” says Matthias Meyering, Technical Product Manager at STOBER. “Now it is also available for the new SB6.” The SB6 is a compact stand-alone solution for applications with up to four axes. The series is available in three sizes for low to medium power ranges. It can control both linear and rotary synchronous servo motors, asynchronous motors, and also lean motors. Because the SB6 is especially compact, it fits into control cabinets with installation depths as low as 210 millimeters.
Extensive safety functions
Equipped with the SX6, the SB6 is suitable for safety-relevant applications up to SIL 3, PL e (category 4) in accordance with DIN 61800-5-2 or DIN EN ISO 13849-1. “The safety module enables the conventional Safe Torque Off (STO), Safe Stop 1 (SS1) and Safe Stop 2 (SS2) stop functions,” explains Meyering. It also features Safely-Limited Speed (SLS), Safe Speed Range (SSR), Safe Direction (SDI), Safely-Limited Increment (SLI) and Safe Operating Stop (SOS).
In order to continue increasing the productivity and availability of the machine, STOBER has expanded the monitoring mechanisms of the safety functions beyond basic standardized requirements. Through position-based limit value monitoring and targeted suppression of interference signals, the intended limit values can be approached with a minimal interference distance. The SX6 continuously runs system tests during operation. As a result, cyclical function tests of safety functions that are subject to documentation at the end customer’s location are unnecessary – a clear advantage for operational reliability.
“Users benefit from short worst-case response times of less than ten milliseconds, reduced safety distances and rapid restoration of availability,” explains Meyering. This significantly increases productivity and system availability.” The integrated safety module can intervene in the axis movement immediately and stop the drive in the event of a limit value violation or an emergency stop. Alternatively, it can be configured to only report limit value violations. The successful EtherCAT and FSoE certification also forms the basis for easy integration into EtherCAT-based automation solutions.
Brake management: protection against falling axes
Gravity-loaded axes can inadvertently drop or fall due to mechanical wear or contaminated brakes, endangering people in the hazard area. Meyering explains: “Therefore, the design must incorporate suitable actions to significantly reduce this risk.” For this application, STOBER has added a safe brake management system to the SX6. As a result, the SB6 drive controller with safety module meets German Social Accident Insurance (Deutsche Gesetzliche Unfallversicherung – DGUV) requirements for gravity-loaded axes. “In combination with a motor with a holding brake and the ServoStop motor adapter with an integrated brake, we offer a solution for planning and design in mechanical engineering that is simple and safe at the same time,” says Meyering.
The brake management of the SX6 includes the Safe Brake Control (SBC) function, which ensures that the brakes are controlled safely. In addition, the Safe Brake Test (SBT) feature checks the defined braking torque as needed and detects deviations due to factors such as contamination or defects – before the braking torque reaches a critical state. The parameterized inspection interval is also monitored. Depending on the application or the specifications of the risk assessment, this could be once per production cycle, or every eight hours at the start of a shift, for example. If the holding torque of the brake is no longer sufficient, the “Bed in brake” function is available in the drive controller. The system can then recheck whether the required test torque has been reached again. Since the brake management system supports control of up to two brakes, it covers all the applications specified in the DGUV Division Information Sheet on gravity-loaded axes.
Captions:
Photo credits: STÖBER Antriebstechnik GmbH + Co. KG
You can find high-resolution image material for downloading here and here.
STOBER develops and produces precise, highly efficient drive components and systems, including gearboxes, motors, gear racks and drive controllers for custom solutions. They are used in various industries, including automation and robotics, as well as the plastics, packaging and machine tool industries. STOBER has 14 locations and 80 service partners in over 40 countries. In addition to its headquarters in Pforzheim, Germany, there are also production facilities in Hungary and the US. The family-owned company currently employs around 1,000 people worldwide.
Contact data for country-specific publication:
| Germany: | Austria: |
| STÖBER Antriebstechnik GmbH + Co. KG Kieselbronner Str. 12 75177 Pforzheim Phone: +49 7231 582-0 sales@stoeber.de www.stober.com | STÖBER Antriebstechnik GmbH Hauptstraße 41a 4663 Laakirchen Phone: +43 7613 7600-0 sales@stoeber.at www.stoeber.at |
| Switzerland: | |
| STÖBER Schweiz AG Rugghölzli 2 5453 Remetschwil Phone: +41 56 496 9650 sales@stoeber.ch www.stober.ch |
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