Many safety systems are based on hardware components that must be wired separately from the control network. The consequences are costly cabling and limited diagnostics. Another idea uses a safety controller that receives all signals directly or through a proprietary safe bus. Both of these systems involve special cables and specific safe bus components, which adds to the costs.
A third option developed by B&R is its Ethernet Powerlink Safety Technology. All safety-oriented mechanisms, which are open and available, are executed in the data transfer process so that safety-relevant data can be transferred over a standard fieldbus. With this approach, safety function is integrated in the control system and does not require special cabling. All relevant standards for safe data transfer, as required by the automation industry, are achieved according to IEC 61508 SIL Cat3.
EPL Safety Technology is independent of the transport protocol – it is completely compatible with other fieldbuses such as CANopen. And it reduces wiring, prevents errors and provides real-time transmission and 10 times shorter reaction times.
B&R Industrial Automation Corp.
www.br-automation.com
:: Design Staff ::
Filed Under: Networks • connectivity • fieldbuses
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