Page 6 - Issue 4 2023

SOFTWARE, DATA AND SERVICES

Functional elements of a
networked safety system
A networked safety system consists
of several key functional elements.
The following examples illustrate
some sample choices, depending
on the desired configuration and/or
application.

EIP Network Slave Terminal (NX-
EIC202 & NX- SL3300)
The EIC202 is the communications
coupler, and the NX-SL3300 is
the safety CPU. This is for status
information only, fed back over EIP to
a control system. Conversely, it does
not take any control information and master connections. The purpose of this is to operate as a cornerstone ECAT network
sends it to the safety system to control arrangement. The safety monitoring and reporting would run with FSoE. Master
or influence it. The purpose of this is devices simply issue the message and receive the response. Single message in –
to be able to inform safety status via single message out.
EIP to a third-party controller such as
Rockwell Automation PLC. EtherNet/ ECAT & CIP Safety (NX102 & NX-SL5500, 5700)
IP also has its advantages. EIP is the The NX102 Machine Automation Controller serves as the database connection
way that Rockwell controllers connect CPU Unit, while the SL5500- 5700 functions as the independent safety CPU.
field devices, and it is the most widely The exact model is dependent on program capacity and several safety master
used application layer manufacturing connections. The purpose of this configuration allows both FSoE and CIP Safety
protocol in North America. This is the protocols to operate simultaneously. ECAT-equipped devices, non-ECAT devices,
prime configuration that allows Omron and even non-Omron devices can now be connected by ECAT and/or CIP Safety
to be able to connect to a specified network protocols.
Rockwell control system.
CIP Safety Only (NX-CSG320 & NX-SL5500, 5700 & GI-SMD1624, GI-SID1224
ECAT Network Slave Terminal (NX- Modules)
ECC201, 202, 203 & NX-SL3300, 3500) The NX-CSG320 model is the safety gateway for CIP Safety, while the SL5500-5700
The ECC201-3 is the communications functions as the independent safety CPU. The GIs function as safety I/O terminals for
coupler, and the SL3300-3500 is CIP Safety. The exact model of each is dependent on program capacity, the number
the safety CPU. The exact model of safety master connections, and whether inputs only or both inputs and outputs
is dependent on program capacity are required. The purpose of this is to be able to connect with third-party products
and the number of safety master via the CIP safety protocol. This safety solution is the best package to connect to non-
connections. The purpose of this is to ECAT community devices.
be able to operate as an ECAT slave By networking safety rather than using the point-to-point connection of safety
and connect multiple safety devices devices, users ensure maximum efficiency and safety in their manufacturing lines.
over an ECAT network. The safety Industry 4.0-level performance can now be realized: flexibility, ease of use, human-
monitoring and reporting would run machine collaboration and interoperability between vendors.
with FSoE. ECAT slave devices need
to embed a specific hardware ASIC to Conclusion
implement ECAT. Networking safety is the culmination of maximised safety risk mitigation, improved
automation efficiency and increased factory output. Omron’s safety solutions tie
ECAT Master (NX102 & NX-SL3300, into Industry 4.0 level performance of industrial automation. Whereas safety was
3500) once considered a mandatory compliance issue, it is now integral to the elevated
The NX102 Machine Automation performance.
Controller serves as the database From point-to-point connections to a field bus, networking the safety system
connection CPU Unit, while the helps in making the operation robust and future-proofing it. Omron’s safety
SL3300- 3500 functions as the solutions can provide the answer to each of the possible configurations and leading
independent safety CPU. The exact communications protocols that exist.
model is dependent on program
capacity and the number of safety For more information, visit http://www.industrial.omron.co.za

6 | EngineerIT Issue 4 | 2023 SUBSCRIBE FREE