Machine safety with fieldbus

Abstract

Standards have restricted the use of networks and programmable electronics in safety‐related applications. New standards have released technology to enable improvements in safety and ensure developments take place within an overall safety framework. Best practice in the additional protocol enhancements required is discussed. The installation of a safety‐related fieldbus, replacing conventional hardwiring in a machine safety system is used to illustrate the potential of the technology. The use of fieldbus in safety‐related applications is shown to reduce complexity and enhance functionality, whilst enabling significantly reduced ownership cost.

Citation

Piggin, R. and Young, K. (2001), "Machine safety with fieldbus", Assembly Automation, Vol. 21 No. 1, pp. 29-34. https://doi.org/10.1108/01445150110381655