During the course of Hanover Fair 2009, Beckhoff introduced its PC-based safety PLC. Since 2003, the safety solution TwinSAFE has been supporting the integration of safety related functions into the automation system via flexible bus terminals. Beckhoff has now taken the next logical step and integrated the safety PLC function into the PC. The commercial launch of this new technology is scheduled for the end of 2009.
TwinSAFE, the established safety solution for the Beckhoff Bus Terminal system, is used in many applications around the world. The implementation of the TwinSAFE modules into the compact 12 mm housing of an electronic terminal allows a flexible integration and extension of safety functions and therefore offers a quite different approach than standard safety systems.
With a safety PLC running on a standard industrial PC the performance offered for standard logic is now also available for safety logic. The solution consists of software that is integrated into the TwinCAT system which allows the processing of safety functions. No hardware extension is needed within the PC ie, every PC can be used as a safety PLC.
For reliable communication between the industrial PC-based safety PLC and the decentralised TwinSAFE components (safety inputs/outputs, safety-related drives, safety sensors), the Safety over EtherCAT protocol is used. This protocol is disclosed within the EtherCAT Technology Group (ETG). As it is already used for previous TwinSAFE components, the safety system can be compatibly extended with a high performance PC-based safety PLC.
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