PROFIsafe - The Leading Technology for Discrete Manufacturing
PROFIsafe is the leading technology for discrete manufacturing and process automation when exchanging functional safety-relevant data. With several million nodes installed, PROFIsafe technology has proven itself in the market as leading technology for functional safety communication.
PROFIsafe Benefits
- offers cost-effective and flexible functional safety at the field level up to PL e, SIL 3
- enables cost reduction through dynamic adaptation of safety-related functions
- enables simple and flexible integration of a wide range of safety components
- has been tested by TÜV -SÜD and complies with the international standard IEC 61784-3-3
- is continuously further developed by the PI and the suppliers of safe automation solutions organized in it
PROFIsafe Implementation
PROFIsafe technology was developed as an additional layer above PROFINET (or PROFIBUS), but can also be used internally on the device ("backplane bus"). It can be used to reduce the probability of errors during data transfers between an F-Host (safety controller) and an F-Device to a level required by the standards, or below. The technology is easy to implement in software (PROFIsafe driver) and covers the complete spectrum of safety applications in process and manufacturing automation. Due to the "Black Chanel" approach, PROFIsafe can also be used together with wireless transmission technologies.
As a general rule, it is not possible to turn a standard device into a safety device (F-device) just by implementing the PROFIsafe protocol: The final SIL of the device is defined by the architecture of the safety technology of the device together with the protocol and the manner in which both are implemented.
Even though PROFIsafe is suitable for safety functions up to SIL3, it may not be necessary to design and develop the F-Device also for SIL3.
Because of the “Black-Channel” principle, the PROFIsafe layer (located above the standard protocol) has no impact on the standard bus protocols and is independent from the base transmission channels. This makes implementation of the PROFIsafe driver software in devices and hosts quite easy. The following choices exist:
- Development of the software according to the specification or
- Use of a PROFIsafe starter kit available on the market from different technology providers. The advantage of a starter kit is obvious: pre-certified PROFIsafe driver software, additional valuable information and tools, and technical support.
- For interfacing PROFIsafe technology any of the available ASICs and layer stacks are suitable; the PROFIsafe driver software must only be adapted to the specific device needs.