Safety Communication
Wireless, Fieldbus or Black Channel safety communication with integration to higher-level PLC.
Wireless Safety Communication
Wireless safety communication enables safe data exchange between distributed safety controllers without the need for additional wiring. The wireless system can operate either in the 2.4 GHz frequency band or via a black channel using for example 5G mobile networks or Bluetooth.
The standard system operates in the 2.4 GHz frequency band with 16 channels, ensuring reliable communication in demanding industrial environments.
Wireless safety communication significantly reduces cabling while enabling more flexible machine layouts.
Safety Bus
Simplifier controllers can communicate using a wired CAN safety bus, creating reliable safety networks between distributed safety stations.
CAN and wireless communication can also be combined within the same system to create hybrid safety architectures.
Black Channel Safety
Black channel safety enables safety communication to be transmitted over standard industrial communication networks without requiring a dedicated safety bus.
This allows safety signals to be transmitted over existing networks while maintaining certified functional safety.
The safety protocol is independent of the underlying communication medium and can operate over different network technologies such as Ethernet, 5G or Bluetooth, enabling flexible system architectures and easy integration with modern automation systems.
Fieldbus & PLC Integration
The Simplifier system can be integrated with PLC systems using both software gateways and hardware safety gateways. Software gateways enable communication and diagnostics exchange with PLC systems from different manufacturers, while dedicated hardware gateways provide certified safe communication.
A PROFIsafe hardware gateway is currently available, with EtherCAT Safety and CIP Safety gateways planned for release. Each gateway can connect multiple Simplifier devices via CAN and/or wireless communication, enabling scalable distributed safety systems.
Safety functions can be programmed either directly in the PLC environment or in Simplifier Manager, depending on the system architecture.
Wireless Access & Diagnostics
Thanks to wireless functionality, the Safety Simplifier can be accessed without cable limitations.
Using Simplifier Monitor for online mode, engineers can connect wirelessly to the system for programming, monitoring and diagnostics.
This simplifies commissioning and significantly reduces setup time.
Wireless Range Extension
A Simplifier Repeater can be used to improve wireless connectivity within the safety system.
Repeaters are especially useful when communication needs to cover long distances or pass through complex industrial environments.
This ensures reliable wireless communication across large machines or production lines.