Q&A
Why are functional safe solutions required?
Functional safety is crucial in engineering because it ensures that systems, machinery, and devices operate reliably, even in the presence of faults or errors. It involves implementing safety measures, like redundancy and error detection, to prevent accidents or failures, particularly in critical applications like automotive control systems and industrial processes, where human safety and asset protection are paramount. Failure to achieve functional safety can lead to catastrophic consequences.
Does HMS also offer ready-to-use safety communication solutions?
Yes. HMS offers the Anybus Safe2Link Remote IO device, a rugged, plug-and-play solution for adding functional safety to machines with minimal integration effort. It enables safe communication of local safety I/Os via CIP Safety over EtherNet/IP and includes advanced safety functions like SafeBound™ and SS1-t. It's ideal for mobile systems and industrial applications where fast deployment and certified safety are essential.
How do I realize the required Safe Torque Off function with HMS components?
Using the T100 Safe IO module, the safe digital output signal can be directly connected to either a safe power-breaker relay or the STO input of the drive controller. With the access to the fieldbus provided by e.g. the Anybus CompactCom module, the STO function can be remotely controlled via the safety fieldbus protocol.
Does the T100 also offer safety logic functions?
No, the safe outputs of the T100 are solely controlled via the safety fieldbus network. However, the Safe2Link product series (Safe2Link Pure IO and Safe2Link Remote IO) provide the SafeBound™ function. This implements a configurable safe I/O logic that allows local safe inputs to directly control local safe outputs, helping reduce the safe reaction time in the application.
Where and in what applications is functional safety used?
Functional safety is applied in various engineering domains, including automotive (ABS, airbags), aerospace (flight control systems), medical devices, and process industries. It is vital in industrial automation, robots, and AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles), ensuring safe operation of machinery and autonomous systems, preventing accidents and harm to personnel in manufacturing, logistics, and material handling processes.
Why is functional safety becoming more and more important?
Functional safety is gaining significance in industrial automation due to emerging trends such as the proliferation of collaborative robots (cobots), the deployment of highly autonomous systems, and the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. These trends emphasize the need to ensure safe operations in complex, interconnected industrial environments.
