PROFIsafe is defined for PROFIBUS and PROFINET and is believed to be the only solution, which completely covers factory and process automation applications, says Profibus.

In recent years, safety technologies have progressed from conventional technology based on relay controls to digital technology with special bus systems to integrated solutions using standard bus systems. PROFIBUS International (PI) is the trendsetter in this new safety technology and technology leader with PROFIsafe. PROFIsafe is defined for PROFIBUS and profinet and is the only solution which completely covers factory and process automation applications.

PROFIsafe has taken over the market-leading position with this concept.

More than 20,000 PROFIsafe systems and nearly 190,000 PROFIsafe nodes are already in use worldwide, 10% of which in process automation.

Safety applications cannot be ignored in automation technology.

They protect people from injury (e g, with presses, automated handling systems, moving parts), they protect machines and goods from damage and they protect people and environment in the process industry from injury, e g, by the escape of hazardous materials (overflow, over pressure, temperatures).

PROFIsafe on PROFIBUS and on PROFINET IO is used for secure communication, in factory automation and in process automation.

The spectrum of available devices includes secure input and output modules of the remote I/O to light curtains, laser scanners and transmitters to drives with integrated safety functions and robots.

With PROFIsafe, safety technologies can be combined with the benefits of standard automation systems in terms of control systems, field devices and communication.

The PROFIsafe layer covers the complete transmission path from sensor to safety control and even proprietary backplanes, if necessary.

The result is, as follows.

* Cost savings in the wiring and flexibility in commissioning, extension and retrofitting.

* Consistent engineering and high-performance parameterizing and diagnostics.

* Flexible adaptation with modifications and extensions.

* Considerably lower costs than when using two separate systems.

Motors and drives play a key role in the new safety technology.

PROFIsafe enables actuator functions that guarantee not only the safe separation of the power supply to the motor but also the safe monitoring of motor movements.

Safe stop functions can be implemented by stop categories 0, 1 and 2, e g, safely-limited torque, safely-limited speed or safely limited position.

Savings potential for the user results, among other things, discontinuation of switches and a quick, regular restart after triggering the protection function.

Device manufacturers appreciate PROFIsafe for the simple and universal software solution, the convenient development support and established certification processes.

PROFIsafe is already being used in machines and plant construction and by well-known car manufacturers worldwide.

Nearly 10% of all PROFIsafe applications are used today in process automation.

The traditional process instruments with 4-20mA or HART communication can be integrated over secure remote IO in PROFIsafe applications.

Initial PROFIsafe-compatible PROFIBUS PA products have been announced for mid 2006.

PROFIsafe meets the new NAMUR recommendation NE97, i e, process instruments can be operated through parameterization in safety or standard mode.

Guidelines were established with TUV and BGIA for testing and certification of PROFIsafe products.

Two test labs of PROFIBUS International are accredited for PROFIsafe.