Redundancy System
The redundant control system protects the Low-E coating line against single-point failures in both the control and communication layers. With separate redundancy at the control layer and the network layer, a failure in either layer will not interrupt glass transport or the coating process. Key features of the redundant control system include:
- Control & Network Redundancy: Redundancy is built into both PLC control and data transmission, protecting the line against failures in either area.
- Continuous Production: If the active PLC or a network path fails, the backup takes over automatically without interrupting glass transport or coating
- Flexible Configuration: PLC and network redundancy can be used separately or together, depending on how much system reliability the coating line requires
Working Principle
- Two PLCs operate in a primary/standby configuration and synchronize operational data in real time over two full-duplex fiber-optic links. The primary PLC executes control calculations and outputs commands. If it fails, the standby PLC takes over automatically within milliseconds — no operator intervention required.
- The drive network and the vacuum network each form an independent ring using Media Redundancy Protocol (MRP). Data is transmitted across multiple nodes, and if a node or communication link fails, the network automatically reroutes traffic through the redundant path, maintaining uninterrupted communication.
- The PLC and network redundancy layers protect different parts of the control system but work together during operation. A PLC switchover does not interrupt network communication, while a network path change does not affect PLC control.
CNBM Optoelectronic Equipment (Taicang) Co., Ltd., established in 2009, is a wholly owned subsidiary of China Triumph International Engineering Co., Ltd. (CTIEC). The company specializes in large-area magnetron sputtering coating equipment, with Low-E glass coating lines as its core business. Its 100,000 m² manufacturing base includes an R&D center and nearly 20,000 m² of assembly and commissioning facilities. The company provides equipment R&D, engineering design, manufacturing, installation, commissioning, training and system upgrades. Its coating lines support single-, double- and triple-silver Low-E glass, solar-control glass and other functional coatings. More than 20 Low-E coating lines have been delivered and put into commercial operation. Projects are supplied as complete coating systems or turnkey solutions according to customers’ glass sizes, coating processes and production requirements.
