Safety bus networks grow
Staff -- Control Engineering, 10/1/2006
High growth awaits the global market for distributed/remote I/O (DRI/O) systems using safety buses and networks, a recent VDC study reports. “Industrial distributed/remote I/O: Global market demand analysis and user requirement analysis” says that although the market is small right now, it is poised for significant growth, led by PLCs. The report puts shipments of safety buses/networks at 2.3% in 2010, up from 1.3% in 2005.
DRI/O in PLC system applications had the highest use of safety buses and networks. Only a fractional share of products for PC-based systems is equipped with safety bus capabilities. VDC says total worldwide shipments in 2005 totaled $42.1 million, increasing to $99.4 million by 2010. In 2005, Profisafe accounted for the largest share of the overall market and of distributed/remote I/O for use with DCSs and PLCs. That lead is expected to hold through 2010.
AS-i Safety at Work accounted for the second largest share, with DeviceNet Safety right behind and forecast to move into second place by 2010. More safety bus networks are on the way with the anticipated release of Ethernet/IP Safety and development of Safetybus p Club’s SafetyNet protocol.
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