Electrical Interfaces

The SD/SDV-Series screwdriver tool is always operated via the Spin Bridge. Direct control of the tool without a Spin Bridge is not supported.

This section provides an overview of all electrical interfaces.

Detailed connector pin assignments are provided in:

Supported Control Methods

The SD/SDV-Series can be controlled through the Spin Bridge using:

  • Robot-integrated software (e.g., URCap, Kassow CBun)

  • I/O control (for other robots or PLC systems)

System Interfaces

Power and communication between the SD/SDV-Series tool and the Spin Bridge are established via two separate cables:

  • Communication cable (M12, 8-core, shielded)

  • Power cable (M12, 4-core, shielded)

The communication cable provides:

  • 24 V supply for tool control electronics

  • RS485 communication between tool and Spin Bridge

  • Transmission of safety-related signals

The power cable provides:

  • 48 V supply for the screwdriver motor

Supplied Cables

The following cables are included with the SD/SDV-Series:

  • 1 × M12 8-core shielded communication cable (5 m)

  • 1 × M12 4-core shielded power cable (5 m)

  • 1 × safety cable, with flying leads at the robot end

  • 1 × CAT6 Ethernet cable

It is recommended to use the supplied CAT6 Ethernet cable for communication between the Spin Bridge and the robot controller.

The Spin Bridge is powered via an IEC C13 connector.

Electrical Reference and Grounding

The Spin Bridge is connected to protective earth (PE) via the 230 V power input and internal chassis connection.

Warning

The system must not be operated without proper grounding. The Spin Bridge must be connected to a properly grounded power supply using the supplied or an equivalent grounded power cable, and the robot flange must have a reliable connection to protective earth. Missing protective earth causes unstable communication, EMC problems and unexpected system behavior.

Signal Reference (0 V)

The SD/SDV-Series system uses multiple voltage domains:

  • 24 V for tool control electronics (internal, derived from 48 V)

  • 24 V for I/O and safety signals (external, provided by robot/PLC)

  • 48 V for motor power

The I/O module is galvanically isolated from the internal electronics of the Spin Bridge.

To ensure correct signal behavior:

  • The robot or PLC must supply 24 V and 0 V for I/O and safety

  • This establishes a common reference potential between systems

Communication Interface (RS485)

Communication between the tool and Spin Bridge is based on RS485.

  • Half duplex communication

  • Point-to-point architecture (1 master, 1 slave)

  • Internal termination (120 Ω in both ends)

The RS485 interface is not designed for multi-drop configurations.

Note

Modifying or extending the communication cable, or routing signals through intermediate connectors such as tool changers, may result in communication failure.

Safety Interface (OSSD)

The safety interface is implemented separately from the standard I/O and is available on a dedicated connector on the Spin Bridge.

  • Dual-channel OSSD outputs (OSSD1 and OSSD2)

  • Short-circuit monitored

  • Pulse-tested signals

The safety interface is powered by the robot or PLC (24 V / 0 V).

The wiring is described in Connect the Safety Signal, and the safety requirements in Connecting Safety to Robot or PLC.

Digital I/O Interface

The Spin Bridge provides a 24 V industrial digital I/O interface.

  • Inputs support IEC 61131-2 types 1, 2, and 3

  • Outputs are high-side (sourcing) outputs

The I/O interface can be used for:

  • Tool control

  • Status signaling

  • Integration with external systems

The I/O module is galvanically isolated from internal electronics and powered by the robot or PLC.

Shielding and EMC

The system has been tested for EMC compliance (emission and immunity).

To ensure reliable operation:

  • Communication cables must be shielded

  • The cable shield must be connected at both ends

  • Power and signal cables should be routed separately

The product is designed and tested in accordance with applicable EMC standards for industrial environments; a complete list of applied standards is given in Applied Standards.

Note

Only shielded cables may be used for communication and safety signals. Proper shielding and grounding are required to maintain compliance with EMC standards.

Common Electrical Mistakes

The following issues are the most common causes of malfunction:

Missing ground (PE) - Spin Bridge not connected to protective earth - Robot flange not properly grounded

Incorrect communication cable - Use of non-shielded cables - Modified or rewired cables - Routing through tool changers without proper shielding

Missing 0 V reference - No shared reference between robot/PLC and Spin Bridge

Incorrect safety wiring - Only one OSSD channel connected - Missing 24 V supply - Connection to non-safety inputs