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User Benefits

Approximately 20 million PROFIBUS devices have now been installed. Therefore, the top priority for development has always been and will continue to be ensuring that the system remains fully compatible with the devices that are already in the field.

Thanks to the autonomous functional safety communication protocol of PROFIsafe and its "Black Channel" approach, it is even possible to cross-over from PROFINET to PROFIBUS without any major difficulties. The identical PROFIsafe driver software can be used in both PROFINET and PROFIBUS devices.

Introduction of PROFIsafe has been causing a three-step quantum leap:

  • From safety-related relay logic to safe programmable logic
  • From multi-wire to functional safe serial communication
  • From isolated to cooperating safety-related devices

The following statements perfectly sum up the benefits from several points of view.

Integrators and end users

  • Same cost savings as with the introduction of standard PROFIBUS: reduced wiring, flexible configurations, parameterization, and diagnosis
  • Easy and cost-efficient system design with a broad product spectrum from all types of manufacturers
  • In general no special installation restrictions
  • Highly innovative safety applications through easy communication between sophisticated F-Devices
  • High flexibility in the replacement of existing relay technology as well as expansion and retrofit of existing installations
  • Integrated technology for both factory and process automation
  • Training, documentation, and maintenance required for only one bus technology
  • Programming of standard and safety-related applications with only one tool and certified function blocks
  • Easy documentation of safety-related configurations and logics
  • Cost saving system acceptance due to certified devices
  • International acceptance through IEC 61508-conforming technology
  • Positive assessments by BGIA and TÜV

Device manufactures

  • TÜV-certified software allows for easy implementation and cost-efficient reproduction of a PROFIsafe solution
  • Different architectures of safety-related programmable controllers can adopt the PROFIsafe communication
  • Trailblazer for new innovative device functions

For future investments

  • Huge installed base of PROFIBUS and PROFINET devices
  • PROFIBUS/PROFINET organizations and support centers are present worldwide
  • Use of all existing and future standards defined by PI also for safety-related applications
  • PROFIsafe is an international standard in IEC 61784-3-3
  • Future software to assist the life-cycle of safety applications from design through assessment, validation, and documentation, thus further reducing efforts

PROFIBUS is a standardized, open, digital communications system for all areas of application in manufacturing and process automation.

PROFINET is the innovative open standard for Industrial Ethernet. It satisfies all requirements of automation technology..

IO-LINK is an independent sensor / actuator interface solution for use with PROFIBUS and PROFINET.