Svendborg Brakes recently introduced SOBO® iQ, the next generation of their industry-leading SOBO (Soft Braking Option) braking controller. The state-of-the-art SOBO iQ “combines various cutting-edge technologies to provide significant flexibility, safety and durability on heavy-duty mine conveyors.”

The SOBO iQ features three-state digital modulation, an industry first in a braking system, and a revolutionary dual-loop PI control (pressure/speed). The pressure control is based not only on speed but also on deceleration. SOBO iQ controls braking torque by comparing a preset speed ramp with actual conveyor speed feedback. The unit can provide different braking profiles for different operational scenarios. Advanced functions including independent overspeed monitoring, rollback, gearbox and out-of-band monitoring are included.

The SOBO iQ provides only the torque needed for a safe, controlled stop. The new controller can be used with a combination of brake types, mounted on both the high and low speed sides of the conveyor drive. Up to four HPUs can be connected to each controller. The new iQ is four times faster than previous generations and features failsafe hardware based on two-stage backup, and a defined communication failure behaviour. Remote access is possible and an optional touch screen is available for setup and monitoring.

Designed for tough mine installations, the controller utilises an industrial-grade embedded PC, a built-in MODBUS TCP/IP interface, a custom optimised IP67 communications module, and an EtherCAT-based internal network with full BUS monitoring and optional cable redundancy.