Integrated TwinSAFE safety system: "Configuring instead of wiring"

Overall system safety

TwinSAFE – the safety solution from Beckhoff – integrates safety functionalities into the existing control architecture. Optimum interaction between standard automation and safety technology results in reduced engineering and hardware costs.

TwinSAFE from Beckhoff offers integrated safety technology in hardware and software. Ranging from safe input and output terminals and safe small controllers for the Bus Terminal system to Drive Technology with the AX5000 Servo Drives. On the software side, the TwinSAFE technology is integrated with the TwinCAT automation software, enabling convenient configuration of safety functionality. Together with the TwinSAFE protocol, very flexible, integrated solutions according to SIL3 are possible.

Safety and I/O technology in one system

The certified Safety Bus Terminals extend the tried and tested Beckhoff I/O system with safety functions. Safe signals can be mixed with standard signals as required. This saves design effort, installation and material. Maintenance is simplified significantly through faster diagnosis and simple replacement of only a few components. The required logical link of the inputs and the outputs is handled by the KL6904 TwinSAFE logic. For small configurations, the tasks of a fail-safe PLC can thus be handled within the Bus Terminal system. The typical safety functions required for the automation of machines, such as emergency off, safety door, two-hand etc. are already permanently included in the KL6904.

Fieldbus-independent communication

The TwinSAFE protocol enables transfer of safety-relevant data via any medium. Since the bus system used does not contribute to safety aspects, all fieldbus systems such as PROFIBUS, CANopen, Ethernet TCP/IP or EtherCAT can be used. No separate bus system is required for the safety circuit.

The TwinSAFE concept enables a wide range of safety tasks to be realised. Structures with mixed standard and safety-relevant signals are possible. Configuration of separate networks is also possible. Alternatively, the TwinSAFE system can be operated as a stand-alone solution or as a decentralised pre-processing system with safe communication between a higher-level safety controller.

Safety-relevant networking of machines and systems can be realised simply and cost-effectively via bus systems such as real-time Ethernet or EtherCAT, through networking of TwinSAFE logic terminals.

TwinSAFE www.beckhoff.com/twinsafe