Digital guide
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KEBA AR-181
Product Name
Available references identify AR-181 either as an industrial automation controller or as an AR181 safety relay; the exact product must be confirmed from the unit label and firmware.
Overview
As an automation controller, AR-181 provides digital and analog I/O, communication and program execution for machine control. As a safety relay variant, AR181 monitors guards, doors and emergency-stop circuits. Because both references exist, procurement and maintenance must verify the exact suffix before system integration.
Detailed content
Technical Specifications — Controller Reference
Processor: ARM Cortex-A9 according to supplier controller data.
Memory: 512 MB RAM, 256 MB flash.
Communication: 10/100/1000 Ethernet, USB 2.0, 2 × RS232, 2 × RS485.
Digital I/O: 16 inputs and 16 outputs, 24 VDC.
Analog Inputs: 4 channels, 0 to 10 V or 4 to 20 mA.
Power Supply: 24 VDC ±20%.
Temperature: -20 to +60°C operating.
Mechanical: approximately 141 × 99 × 50 mm.
Technical Specifications — Safety Relay Reference
Safety Channels: 2 monitored channels.
Response Time: 20 ms or less.
Safety Level: SIL 3 according to EN ISO 13849-1 references.
Protection: IP67 according to supplier safety-relay data.
Temperature: -20 to +60°C.
Dimensions: approximately 45 × 22.5 × 112 mm.
Functional Features
Controller version supports logic, communication, HMI linkage and I/O processing.
Safety-relay version supports guard-door, gate and E-stop monitoring with defined stop category.
Both versions provide industrial status indication and structured wiring terminals.
Application Scenarios
Controller version for manufacturing cells, material handling, plastics, textiles and process auxiliaries.
Safety-relay version for interlocked guards, robotic cells and machinery safety circuits.
Material and Structure
Controller version uses metal/industrial plastic housing, PCB, Ethernet/USB/serial connectors and spring/screw I/O terminals.
Safety-relay version uses compact sealed enclosure with screw terminals and LED status according to the IP67 reference.
Working Principle
Controller version executes application programs, scans I/O, communicates with higher-level systems and drives actuators. Safety-relay version supervises contactor or relay outputs by continuously monitoring input loops; when a guard or E-stop condition is detected, it removes hazardous motion power within the rated response time.
Installation Requirements
Install with the voltage, grounding and ventilation defined by the identified variant.
For safety use, follow EN ISO 13849 and local machinery safety wiring rules.
Separate power, I/O and communication cables according to KEBA documentation.
Verify firmware, I/O mapping and safety parameters before operation.
Usage Precautions
Do not assume controller and safety-relay AR-181 share the same wiring.
Validate safety relay stop category, reset mode and bypass rules with the machine risk assessment.
For controllers, back up application project before firmware or parameter changes.
