For original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), system integrators and large end users, Safety Network Solutions from SICK provide advanced connectivity options for machine safeguards, including SICK’s C4000 Series of Safety Light Curtains and S3000 Series Area Safety Scanners. With remote device safeguarding diagnostics, simplified configuration, lower mean-time-to-repair (MTTR), programmable logic capability and reduced bus address requirements, customers can reduce the overall installation and maintenance costs of safety-related industrial control systems.

Standard programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are used to control large machines and plants. For the integration of sensors/actuators, fieldbus or network systems are utilized; the sensors/actuators are connected to decentralized peripheral units and information is transmitted to a central controller via the fieldbus. This architecture allows for flexible automation, with expanded diagnostics not only of the central controller but also to all the connected devices.

This new generation of safety fieldbuses offers the same benefits of traditional networking technology while maintaining the integrity of safety-relevant data transmitted over a network. The benefits of networking, including modularity, flexibility, reduced wiring, improved diagnostics and remote maintenance and configuration, can be applied to safety systems by using innovative Safety Network Solutions from SICK.

The Safety Network Solutions from SICK meet the safety requirements for a variety of platforms, including PROFIsafe, AS-Interface Safety at Work, and most recently DeviceNet Safety. The bus and control modules allow flexible connection and control of safe sensors for safety applications. With optimized interfaces to all safety opto-electronic devices, all advanced and expanded sensor configuration and diagnostics information is available on the network.