PC-based safety solution

In the course of Hanover Fair 2009, Beckhoff announces a 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, known as a leading supplier of PC-based technology, takes the next logical step and integrates the Safety PLC function into the PC. The 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.

In the eighties, Beckhoff has started as a pioneer with control systems that rely on PC-based technology. The rapid development and tremendous growth of performance in PC technology were directly adapted to the performance of a machine control and used to increase the efficiency of the machine.

With a Safety PLC running on a standard Industrial PC, the performance available for the standard logic is now offered for the safety logic as well. The solution consists of software that is integrated into the TwinCAT system. This software allows safe processing of safety functions. No hardware extension is needed within the PC. That means that every PC can be used as a Safety PLC.

For safe communication between the Industrial PC with the 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.