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A Appendix: VersaSafe system
GFK-2731
A 1
The VersaSafe system
A 1.1
VersaSafe technology – Maximum flexibility and safety
In all safety applications in which conventional safety relays are not flexible enough,
parallel wiring proves too complex due to the expansiveness of the safety circuits, or the
use of a safe bus system in connection with a safe controller is cost-prohibitive, VersaSafe
technology from GE Intelligent Platforms offers a cost-effective solution.
The VersaSafe system works independently of the relevant network and the standard
control system used. Both simply act as a transport medium for safe data packets, which
are exchanged between the safe input and safe output modules. The safe inputs and
outputs are distributed in the network and do not require a higher-level safety controller or
a separate safety bus system. Therefore, instead of having to choose a safe network such
as PROFIsafe or CIP Safety with safety controllers available accordingly, users can
instead continue to use the systems or technologies they have come to rely on. This means
that a hitherto unseen level of flexibility can be achieved in bus-based safety applications.
Direct processing of safety operations in the module
VersaSafe technology has been integrated into the proven VersaPoint I/O system. No
special installation guidelines have to be observed when installing the corresponding
modules. They can be distributed in the network and operated at any point in the I/O
station. Due to the technology used, a special bus coupler is not required as the safety
operations are processed directly in the IC220SDL953 intelligent safe output module.
Thanks to the comprehensive range of parameterization options, the input or output
channels can be adapted flexibly to the relevant application. Data transmission over the
network from the safe input module to the output module is protected by a special protocol,
which is operated by the intelligent output module. The standard control system simply has
to copy standard I/O data bidirectionally between the input and output modules. Like the
network used, it does not perform any safety-related tasks.
Easy configuration of the safety logic
The safety mechanisms used in the VersaSafe system, such as the "black channel"
principle, are based on proven technologies that have been used for many years in the
PROFIsafe systems. With appropriate parameterization, applications up to
Cat. 4/SIL 3/SIL CL 3/PL e can be implemented. The VersaConf Safety software supports
user-friendly parameterization of the safe input and output channels and creation of the
safety logic. The tool does not require programming experience, as predefined function
blocks are available for virtually every application. VersaSafe technology can be used to
implement distributed safety applications cost-effectively in a network independently of the
network and standard control system.
Chapter A
A-1
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