Which device is used to cycle power to the controller to minimize PCB damage?

• A. Emergency Stop
• B. iPendant
• C. Controller
• D. Keyboard

Answer: (B)

Power cycling the controller is about providing a controlled reset of the electronics to clear faults and reestablish stable power rails, which helps reduce stress and potential damage to the PCB. The iPendant is the handheld control interface designed to interact directly with the controller and initiate a safe, orderly power cycle without needing access to main power switches or service panels. This makes it the best option for performing a restart when faults occur, because it provides a centralized, user-friendly way to shut down and restart the controller in a controlled manner, minimizing transients and avoiding abrupt, uncoordinated power loss.

An emergency stop is a safety feature that immediately halts motion and can cut actuators, but it doesn’t guarantee a clean power cycle or reset of the controller’s electronics. The controller itself is the device being powered, not a tool to cycle power. A keyboard is not designed for safely handling power sequencing or resets of the controller.