Other than SafetyNET p, SafetyBUS p is one of the two important fieldbus systems of the Safety networks. Safety networks concern themselves with safety engineering in modern industry. The safety engineering refers to humans as well as the environment. In detail, risks resulting from use of new technology and handling of materials and industrial goods are targeted.
Development History
Pilz GmbH & Co. KG developed SafetyBUS p in the years 1995 and 1999. The target was a fieldbus system that could be used for safe communication of data in the industry. In technical terms, the development was based on the existing fieldbus system CAN.
Technical principle of the fieldbus systems of the safety networks
SafetyBUS p, the first safe fieldbus system, based on the fieldbus system CAN, was marketed in 1999. The difference showed in the improved security of the data transfer. This resulted in completely new opportunities for safety engineering: for the first time it was possible to realize safety-related applications via a communication system. SafetyNET p, promising higher performance and functionality, is considered to be a logical further development.
The bandwidth of both systems is approximately 100 times larger than that of conventional fieldbuses, so that now a simultaneous, common operation of different services also becomes possible and meaningful. The fieldbus SafetyNET p has been developed as a publisher-subscriber network and thus does not need a central control. This creates the opportunity for the creation of a modular system architecture and individually tailored partial networks.
The first step towards modern safety engineering
SafetyBUS p is a fieldbus communication system that is suited to decentralized networking of safety-based applications. Up to today, SafetyBUS p has over 200,000 nodes in 15,000 applications, which makes it a proven communication system in many applications and branches.
Errors in the transfer can be found via various mechanisms; for example by consecutive numbers, echoes, or time expectation.
Advantages of the new innovation
Overview of the advantages of the fieldbus communication system SafetyBUS p:
- event-based transfer
- safe, reactionless communication
- group shutdown is possible
- integration of diagnosis
- open connection to other fieldbus systems is possible
- decentralized control structures virtually eliminate wiring work and expense
- installation expansions can be done flexibly
- innovative, simplified network structuring
- effortless programming and installation of the system
- max. standardized safety
In detail, SafetyBUS p has proven itself through the following function methods:
• fast reaction times, resulting from event-based transfer
The fieldbus system acts on an event-basis, which means that messages are sent only at the times when changes of state at central/peripheral inputs or outputs or on other bus participants can be detected. Accordingly, SafetyBUS p is frequently used in installation networks with requirements for the shortest possible reaction times and different reporting frequency.
• safe, reactionless communication
The transmission of safety-based signals is done separately from the data transmission of the standard control process – physically as well as logically. Accordingly, the standardized automation process has no influence on the safety of an installation configuration, which is a very important criterion in case of trouble.
• short downtimes, realized by safe group shutdown
Sensors and actuators are installed on the safety control via decentralized I/O modules. In this way, connected installation parts can be switched off as groups or individually in case of trouble. This guarantees short downtimes, as now it is no longer necessary to stop the entire production.
• max. standardized safety
SafetyBUS p has been tested by the professional society TÜV, which guarantees unlimited and safe use. Furthermore, the bus system meets the EMC requirements of the BWS standard EN 61496-1. It is also the first safe bus system for sensor bus technology in semiconductor engineering, which is part of the E54 suite.
Expanded areas of application
SafetyBUS p is principally used anywhere where safety-based data is transferred by communication. This data is secured by the technology of the fieldbus system against dangers, thus ensuring a safe transfer. Classical application areas are, amongst others, factory automation (for example, in the automobile industry) or transport technology(for example, with fairground rides).
Devices in safety networks
Only devices meeting the safety requirements are used in safety networks. In most cases, these also have a multi-channel internal structure. Before the devices are connected to the network, conformance with the safety requirements of the standard is checked in a test laboratory.
“Safety Network International e.V.”
In 1999, the Safety Networks founded an association, which was initially registered in Esslingen under the name “SafetyBUS p Club International e.V.” and in 2006 was changed to “Safety Networks e.V.”. The purpose of this association is the expansion and the application of the SafetyBUS p and the SafetyNET p, as well as advancement of the integration of these industrial communication systems in current and future automation technologies. Regional association organizations in Japan and in the USA were added in 2000 and 2001. Today, approximately 75 companies are members of the association organizations. The associations also influence the development of both fieldbus systems in order to be able to improve them through new innovation.