Safety PLCs use Ethernet as a single network solution

The XPS-MF40 from Telemecanique, a brand of Schneider Electric, is a new breed of compact yet powerful safety PLC designed for applications requiring multiple simultaneous safety functions. It is designed to meet the most critical SIL3 requirements of the functional safety standard EN61508 (EN62061 for machines or EN61511 for process) and category 4 requirements of EN954-1 and EN13849-1.

The hardware features 24 totally configurable digital inputs/outputs for user flexibility, 8 pulsed control channels for category 4 input circuit short circuit monitoring on devices such as E-stops, as well as an integrated 2 port Ethernet switch with failsafe SafeEthernet protocol. To complement this, up to 64 remote safety I/O modules (each with up to 24 I/O) can be connected in the form of XPS-MF1/2/3.

All transfer of safety related data between XPSMF40s and remote safety I/O is over SafeEthernet, a deterministic system suitable for large scale, long distance applications over the standard black channel of Ethernet (copper, fibre or even wireless). SafeEthernet has already found application in large distributed machinery projects, on multi-site lock safety controls over 30km apart, in complex press safety control systems, burner management systems and in the chemical industry. Non-safety related communication for diagnostics (either to other PLCs or HMIs) is over Modbus TCP-IP (Modbus over Ethernet), or if serial comms are required then transfer is over Modbus or Profibus.

The software for the XPSMF40 makes programming simple by separating the hardware configuration from the software configuration. 14 certified safety function blocks and a library of IEC61131-3 function blocks further abbreviate programming.

Schneider Electric

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http://www.schneider.co.uk/