Posted to News on 7th May 2013, 14:22
New I/O modules and extended functions in SafetyBridge System
New SafetyBridge I/O modules from Phoenix Contact expand the network-independent SafetyBridge system in terms of flexibility, functionality, and application areas. The new modules include a safe input module with added inputs, as well as a new logic module with extensive functional upgrades.
The logic module can now communicate with up to 16 remote safe I/O modules. Together with the input modules featuring 16 safe inputs each, a SafetyBridge island can encompass up to 256 safe inputs. Up to 31 such islands can be operated from a standard control unit. These systems are able to exchange safety signals with each other. SafetyBridge technology is therefore fully suitable to being installed in large-scale and modularly structured machines and systems. The modules and the safety logic are very easy to set up using the Safeconf software, which is free to download from the Phoenix Contact website www.phoenixcontact.co.uk.
There are 14 different safe function modules in total, ranging from a simple Emergency Stop through to various muting blocks. The safety system is independent from the network and the control units, which makes it highly flexible when it comes to integrating functional safety into machines and systems. The safe modules, mixed with non-safety Inline I/Os, can be distributed across the network below a range of different standard control units.
SafetyBridge can be used with any standard "non-safe' PLC, giving the user distributed local safety I/O where required. The safety signals are transmitted via the standard network cabling, for example Profinet, Ethernet IP, Modbus etc. Because a Fail Safe PLC is not required, and no special safety cabling necessary, SafetyBridge is cost effective for distributed safe I/O. To find out more please visit www.phoenixcontact.co.uk.
