Distributed safety IO modules without controller

SafetyBridge technology from Phoenix Contact allows a user to distribute I/O modules in a network without a safety controller.

Phoenix Contact’s SafetyBridge technology makes it possible to distribute safe I/O modules in a network without the need for a safety controller.

SafetyBridge technology allows the input and output modules to exchange safety-related signals with one another. Since the modules process the safety function themselves, the standard control system and network are only used as a transport medium. By eliminating the safety controller and safe fieldbus system, SafetyBridge technology can reduce the cost of a safety system.

The safety logic operations are directly processed in the intelligent safety output module. The safety modules can be distributed throughout an automation system using Phoenix Contact’s Inline Modular I/O.  SafetyBridge easily integrates into Profibus, Profinet, Interbus, and EtherNet/IP protocols over Phoenix Contact, Siemens Step7, and Allen-Bradley RSLogix 5000 control suites. 

The Safeconf software parameterizes the safety input and output channels and generates the safety logic. Pre-configured function blocks are available for almost any application.

The standard control only has to copy non-safety I/O data bidirectionally between the input and output modules. Consequently, the control does not handle any safety-oriented tasks.

Phoenix Contact

www.phoenixcontact.com 

- Edited by Chris Vavra, Control Engineering, www.controleng.com