Benefits
General
PROFIsafe can be simply introduced to existing and new installations using the same network infrastructure as the standard communication.
- Integrated, readily available diagnostic mechanism
- Applications with decentralized Stations
- Machine to Machine communication (e.g. via gateways across network structures)
- Wireless network architecture with PROFIsafe (Black Channel approach)
- From isolated to cooperating safety-related devices
For guidelines and recommendations to ensure the maximum availability of your industrial network please reference against the environmental guidelines for fieldbus networks.
Benefits for Device manufactures
Easy implementation of a PROFIsafe solution
A PROFIsafe solution can be easily implemented and inexpensively replicated using -certified Hard- and/or Software.
The support of the PI recognized Test Labs and the so achieved certification ensures the acceptance in the market and interoperability of the components
Flexibility based on different architectures
The different architectures of safety-relevant control systems from different vendors can easily adapt PROFIsafe communication. PROFIsafe therefore opens the door to new and innovative safety functionality into the Devices.
Benefits for users and integrators
Internationally established technology
PROFIsafe is an integrated safety technology for discrete manufacturing and process automation. The IEC 61508-compliant technology enjoys widespread international acceptance and has been evaluated positively by IFA and TÜV. PROFIsafe is specified as international functional safety communication standard IEC 61784-3
Efficient use of technology and product
The wide range of products from different manufacturers for PROFIsafe Host and Device enables easy, cost-effective system configuration. Training, documentation, and maintenance are required for only a single bus technology, thus saving time and money for system operations. To see a complete listing of all vendors please follow the link to our Product Finder.
Standardized engineering and installation
Standard and safety-related applications can be programmed for PROFIsafe by means of a single tool and certified function blocks. In addition, the technology enables a high degree of flexibility when retrofitting existing installations. The use of certified PROFIsafe devices simplifies system acceptance.
Environmental Standards
Benefits for PROFIsafe is the usage of process data and failsafe relevant data in the same network, and the commonly applied standards are being used as well.
PROFIsafe is designed to be functional safe. Any communication fault- be it caused by failure or by error – will lead to a defined safety reaction.
Cost savings
Due to the flexible configurations, simple parametrization, integrated diagnostics and reduction in wiring effort. Easy and cost-efficient system design with a broad range of certified devices from different manufacturers allow tailoring the HW-Design.
Investment protection
PROFIsafe is a well-established fieldbus technology with significant future potential. PROFIBUS & PROFINET International (PI) functions as a global network of experts who work cooperatively on further technology development. Investments are protected as a result of this long-term development strategy. All existing and future standards are used, and will continue to be used, for safety-relevant applications, as well.
Black-Channel approach
The PROFIsafe protocol is equally suitable for different networks without impacts on the existing fieldbus standards. The transmission of safety messages on the fieldbus infrastructure for Standard (Non-Failsafe) and Failsafe Equipment is being operated on a standard bus system, including the use of standard PLCs with integrated but logically separated safety processing.The PROFIsafe protocol is equally suitable for different networks without impacts on the existing fieldbus standards. The transmission of safety messages on the fieldbus infrastructure for Standard (Non-Failsafe) and Failsafe Equipment is being operated on a standard bus system, including the use of standard PLCs with integrated but logically separated safety processing.
Fig. 1: one single bus
The PROFIsafe protocol has not any impact on the standard bus protocols. It is as independent as possible from the base transmission channels be it copper wires, fiber optics, wireless, or backplanes. Neither the transmission rates nor the error detection mechanisms play a role. For PROFIsafe they are just "Black Channels" (Figure 2). Thus, the PROFIsafe protocol overtakes, for the users, the safety assessment of their individual backplane communication and also transmission paths beyond the PROFINET and PROFIBUS networks. It secures the whole path from the location where a safety signal originates to the location where it is processed and vice versa.
The PROFIsafe protocol can be used for safety applications up to SIL3 according to IEC 61508 / IEC 62061, or Category 4 according to EN 954-1, or PL "e" according to ISO 13849-1.
Fig. 2: The "Black Channel" approach
Safety remedies
It is the task of safety communication between two partners to deliver correct data to the right destination just-in-time. Various transmission errors may occur when messages are transferred in complex network topologies, whether due to hardware failures, extraordinary electromagnetic interference, or other influences.
Out of the numerous remedies known from literature, PROFIsafe concentrates on those presented in the matrix shown in Figure 3.
Fig. 3: Transmission error types and safety remedies