| |

Functional Safety Over EtherCAT with Ixxat Safe T100/FSoE

May 8, 2023

Functional Safety Over EtherCAT with Ixxat Safe T100/FSoE

HMS Networks now releases a new version of the Ixxat SafeT100 module allowing users to implement safe I/Os for FSoE – Functional Safety over EtherCAT. Previously available for PROFIsafe and CIP Safety, the new version supports Functional Safety over EtherCAT according to ETG 5100 V1.2.0.

Ixxat® Safe T100 is an all-in-one safety solution which allows device manufacturers and machine builders to implement configurable, safe inputs and outputs in applications up to SIL 3 and PLe Cat.4.

The Safe T100 is designed to work hand in hand with Anybus® CompactCom, also from HMS Networks. While Anybus CompactCom handles the standard non-safe communication with the EtherCAT network, the Safe T100 handles the safe communication, in this case over FSoE.
Thanks to the full implementation of the safe protocol and application layer in Ixxat Safe T100, device manufacturers and machine builders get a fast track to add functional safety capabilities to their equipment. A typical application for Ixxat Safe T100 is a safe emergency stop function for automation equipment such as drives, robots or process controllers.

Pre-certified and conformance tested solution

The Ixxat Safe T100 solution is pre-certified by TÜV Rheinland, and its conformity to the FSoE standard ETG 5100 V1.2.0 has been confirmed in the ETG test lab. This enables users to benefit from significantly reduced development time, cost, and risk when realizing safe devices and systems.

Since the Ixxat T100 works together with Anybus CompactCom, the end user will benefit from a device or machine that provides both safe and non-safe functions via just one communication interface. This significantly simplifies configuration and project planning of the overall industrial automation system.

Functional Safety Over EtherCAT with Ixxat Safe T100/FSoE

Key technical highlights

The Ixxat Safe T100 module features three two-channel inputs which can detect external wiring errors, and one two-channel output. The inputs and outputs all operate with 24 V signals.
All service and process data interfaces required for FSoE in the EtherCAT layer are available in the Anybus CompactCom module, such as control of the network and status LED, or transmission of the safe configuration data.
As an additional safety feature, the interface between the Anybus CompactCom module and the Ixxat Safe T100/FSoE is galvanically isolated. Other internal safety features include integrated temperature monitoring and shutdown to a safe state as well as channel-granular error signaling and error handling.

A scalable concept for FSoE, PROFIsafe and CIP Safety

The internal communication between the non-safe Anybus CompactCom and the safe Ixxat Safe T100 module is done according to the “black-channel” principle. Thanks to this clean separation between the safe and non-safe communication layers, it is possible for customers to support all the three major safety protocols – FSoE, PROFIsafe and CIP Safety – with just one hardware design, adding further to the scalability and efficiency of the solution.

Customized implementation or OEM solutions

Thanks to the comprehensive implementation guidelines and user documentation, the Safe T100 module can be implemented by device manufacturers and machine builders themselves. However, HMS also supports customers with implementation services, as well as porting and certification services. 

For specific requirements regarding e.g., form factor, plugs or number of I/Os, customer-specific versions of the Ixxat Safe T100 can be developed by HMS.

Ixxat Safe is more…

For applications where it is not possible to integrate the Safe T100 – e.g. due to limited space within safety encoders, or when already existing safety hardware limits the design flexibility – HMS also offers protocol stacks for Functional Safety over EtherCAT (FSoE), CIP Safety over EtherNet/IP and CIP Safety over Sercos, all pre-certified by TÜV.

More Information

New xxat Safe T100/FSoE

Related Product

HMS Networks Expands the Anybus Brand with Anybus Diagnostics

HMS Networks announces the expansion of the Anybus® brand with the introduction of Anybus Diagnostics, a new business line focused on helping industrial companies avoid costly unplanned downtime.

Industrial automation is becoming increasingly important within manufacturing and other parts of the industry. A critical factor for ensuring full operation and efficiency of automation systems is the reliability of the industrial networks used in these systems. To address this growing need, HMS Networks is expanding the scope and direction of the Anybus brand with the launch of a new business line – Anybus Diagnostics – offering products and services to ensure network uptime and security.

Related Articles



Editor’s Pick: Featured Article

Weidmüller’s u-control 2000: The Automation Controller

Weidmüller’s u-control 2000: The Automation Controller

Weidmüller’s scalable engineering software, u-control 2000, adapts individually to your requirements. And, the u-control is powerful, compact and fully compatible with Weidmüller’s I/O system u-remote. This article looks at what makes u-control the heart of your automation.

Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are one of the main components of any automated system. A typical control system has inputs, outputs, controllers (i.e., PLCs), and some type of human interaction with the system, a human machine interface (HMI), for example.

Read More



Latest Articles

  • Trapezoidal vs Sinusoidal Servo Brushless Amplifiers

    December 4, 2024 Servo brushless amplifiers are critical components in motion control systems, providing precise regulation of brushless motors for torque, velocity, and position. The two most common types of brushless amplifiers, trapezoidal and sinusoidal, differ significantly in their operation and performance characteristics. This paper provides an in-depth comparison of these amplifier types, outlines their… Read More…

  • HARTING: Industrial Connectivity Made Possible

    December 4, 2024 By Krystie Johnston Proven connectivity solutions are necessary for multiple industrial environments and mission critical applications. HARTING has set the gold standard in connectivity by delivering these solutions and pushing performance since 1945. The connectors that join industrial technology to data and power are particularly important. They ensure that communication and energy… Read More…