Programmierbare Sicherheitstechnik

VDMA 2008
44 pages

ISBN 978-3-8163-0565-1

Contents:
Importance for companies: Why functional safety? Safety technology in transition: From wired to programmable logic - What is changing? Programmable safety technology: The right investment? Benefits: What are the benefits of programmable safety technology?

Requirements:
New standards and new technology: What can I expect? Organization: Are my processes and structures suitable for programmable safety technology? System architectures: How do I find the right system for my problem? Decision-making factors: When does it make sense to use programmable safety technology? Summary and outlook: Programmable safety technology - What's next?

This guide supports managers in deciding whether the use of programmable safety controllers in your machine or system is worthwhile. Years ago, many people could not imagine using programmable controllers to protect people and machines. There were also no suitable standards for this technology. Even experts ruled out the use of software to implement safety-relevant functions. Today, safety-related control systems are becoming established and are considered to be state of the art. In line with the general trend in automation, software and information technology are also becoming increasingly important in safety technology. This development is being accelerated in particular by the current paradigm shift in directives and standards. The versatile product range extends from safety relays, safety switches, sensors and actuators with integrated safety functions to freely programmable safety controllers. Manufacturers or operators can use these parts and components to ensure personal and machine protection. However, the boundaries between standard and safety technology are becoming increasingly blurred, leaving users with many questions: Wiring? Parameterizing? Programming? Centrally or locally? Integrated or separate for standard and safety applications? Could the use of programmable safety controllers in my machine or system be worthwhile?

The guide provides assistance here: it enables managers and those responsible for electrical and mechanical design to evaluate the topic, make appropriate decisions and ensure the necessary conditions for the introduction of a technical solution.