PLC · Controls · Drives · Networks · Functional Safety

Automation, controls & functional safety

InnovaDrive diagnoses, modifies and verifies the control, communication, motion and safety systems that determine whether a test bench can operate reliably, repeatably and safely.

Typical intervention triggers

A failed sequence may originate in an operator command, a hidden PLC permissive, a safety condition, a network dropout, a drive state or a missing feedback signal.

01

Automatic sequence stops without a clear cause

02

PLC permissive remains false

03

Safety system resets but operation stays blocked

04

Drive is ready locally but cannot be enabled

05

PROFINET, PROFIBUS or CAN communication is unstable

06

Manual procedures need structured automation

01

Trace the complete command and feedback chain

02

Separate the symptom from the actual cause

03

Implement controlled and documented changes

04

Verify safe and repeatable operation

Systems and interfaces covered

The intervention covers the automation layers that control machine state, movement, safety, communication and test execution.

PLC & sequence logic

  • Siemens S7 diagnostics
  • Operating states and permissives
  • Manual and automatic modes
  • Sequence steps and transitions
  • Alarm and fault handling

HMI & operator interfaces

  • Command and status visibility
  • Alarm text and diagnostic feedback
  • Manual controls and mode selection
  • Parameter and setpoint handling
  • Operator guidance and restart

Industrial communication

  • PROFINET and PROFIBUS
  • CAN and CAN FD
  • Device-state diagnostics
  • Signal timing and availability
  • Communication configuration

Drives & motion control

  • Bosch Rexroth IndraDrive
  • Enable chains and control words
  • Parameter and fault-state review
  • Speed, torque and position commands
  • Motor and actuator feedback

Functional safety systems

  • Pilz safety relays
  • Schmersal interlocks
  • E-stop and reset circuits
  • Gate and access monitoring
  • Safe operating modes

Signals, sensors & DAQ

  • Digital and analogue I/O
  • Scaling and engineering units
  • Signal plausibility
  • Measurement-system exchange
  • CANape and ETAS integration
Diagnostic logic — the complete signal chain

Troubleshooting does not stop at the first visible alarm; the investigation traces the requested action through every control, safety and feedback layer.

01

Operator command

Requested action

02

HMI request

Command accepted

03

PLC logic

Sequence and permissives

04

Safety status

Safe conditions

05

Network exchange

Device communication

06

Drive or output

Control command

07

Physical response

Motion or process action

08

Feedback signal

Actual system state

09

Sequence progression

Next operating step

What verified operation should demonstrate

Commands are traceable

Operator requests can be followed through logic, outputs and physical response.

Permissives are explainable

Blocking and enabling conditions are visible and technically understood.

Safety states are consistent

Safety devices, relays, PLC status and machine response align.

Networks remain stable

Required devices and signals remain available during tested operation.

Automatic sequences progress reliably

Expected transitions, interruptions and restart paths are demonstrated.

Changes are documented

Modified software, parameters and resulting behaviour are traceable.

Typical fault scenarios
PLC logic

Permissive remains false without a clear alarm

Hidden conditions, latched faults, missing status bits and incorrect reset logic are traced to the blocking state.

Functional safety

Safety relay resets but automatic mode stays blocked

The physical chain may be healthy while PLC, mode logic, gate feedback or drive safety status remains unresolved.

Drive control

A drive is ready locally but cannot be enabled

Enable paths, safety status, command source, control words and feedback are checked together.

Industrial network

A PROFINET device intermittently disappears

Device diagnostics, topology, connection quality, addressing and timing distinguish random symptoms from repeatable causes.

Signal integrity

The same signal differs in PLC, CANape and DAQ

Scaling, units, byte order, source selection and conversion are compared across all systems.

Automation

A manual procedure reduces test repeatability

The process is mapped, permissives defined and selected steps become controlled, repeatable automation.

Engineering deliverables
A

Diagnostic findings report

Confirmed symptoms, system state, probable causes, checked interfaces and supporting evidence.

B

Signal-trace matrix

Command, permissive, safety, output, feedback and sequence relationships for the affected function.

C

I/O verification record

Checked inputs, outputs, physical response, scaling and relevant device states.

D

Software & parameter change log

Modified logic, parameters, versions, reasons and verification activities.

E

Functional verification record

Tested operating modes, normal behaviour, fault reactions and restrictions.

F

Open-point & risk register

Outstanding issues, temporary measures, responsibilities and recommended follow-up.

Scope and responsibility are defined before modification. InnovaDrive can diagnose, integrate and functionally verify safety-related circuits and machine responses within the agreed project scope.

Formal safety validation, certification or legally required conformity assessment remains subject to the client's appointed responsible parties and applicable procedures.

Technologies and environments
Siemens S7TIA PortalStep 7Industrial HMIsPROFINETPROFIBUSCANCAN FDCANapeETASBosch Rexroth IndraDrivePilz PNOZSchmersal InterlocksIndustrial I/ODAQ Systems24 VDC230 VAC400 VAC
NOVA AI Engineering

Automation knowledge can become easier to retrieve and reuse.

NOVA can structure alarm histories, PLC documentation, fault-resolution records and approved procedures to support future diagnostics and handovers.

Automation, controls & functional safety

Need to resolve a control, communication or safety problem?

InnovaDrive provides hands-on diagnostics, modification and verification support for PLC systems, drives, industrial networks, safety chains and automated test sequences.