Modern production environments require an increasingly close integration of machine safety and flexibility. In safety-critical plants with applications such as robot cells, conveyor systems, or CNC milling machines, solutions are needed that combine safety, performance, and easy integration.

The components used should not only guarantee the highest safety standards, but also be able to collect comprehensive value-added data. With the new PROFIsafe and CIP Safety I/O modules1, Pepperl+Fuchs is expanding its portfolio of rugged fieldbus modules with a future-ready solution that integrates safe inputs and outputs up to SIL 3 / PL e as well as standard IO-Link ports in a single device.

Maximum Security and Flexibility in One Device

The new safe I/O modules are available in two versions:

• PROFINET / PROFIsafe I/O module
• Ethernet-IP / CIP Safety I/O module

Both modules feature safe inputs and outputs for connecting safety sensors and actuators, as well as two non-safe IO-Link ports for standard devices. This allows safety, IO-Link, and standard signals to be measured, processed, and transmitted to the PLC via a single module. Thanks to this combination, in many cases an additional IO-Link master is not required. Users benefit from reduced wiring effort and a modular, flexibly scalable system design.

IIoT-Ready: Security Meets Data Intelligence

The modules are IIoT-capable and support the commonly used communication protocols OPC UA, MQTT, REST API, and CoAP. This means that when using the IO-Link ports, direct cloud communication can be established in parallel with the classic PLC level, enabling condition monitoring based on real-time data and predictive maintenance.

Rugged Design for Demanding Industrial Environments

The rugged zinc die-casting housing of the fieldbus modules is weld-resistant and complies with the IP67/IP69K degree of protection. This provides the devices with reliable protection against mechanical influences such as shock, vibration, moisture, and dirt. In combination with the L-coded M12 plugs and a wide operating temperature range from -40 °C to +70 °C, they ensure safe and trouble-free operation even under harsh industrial conditions.

Wide Range of Practical Applications

The PROFIsafe and CIP Safety IO modules enable applications to be implemented in accordance with the highest safety standards up to SIL 3 / PL e.

Possible areas of application include:

• Securing the position of rotary tables in automotive production
• Emergency stop buttons for safe shutdown of systems
• Light grids for monitoring and access control of hazardous areas
• Safe sensor technology on robot grippers, CNC milling machines, and assembly cells

Highlights of the PROFIsafe and CIP Safety I/O Modules

• Flexible for modular safety applications: Safe inputs/outputs and IO-Link ports combined in a single I/O module
• Seamless integration into IIoT environments: IO-Link ports support OPC UA, MQTT, REST, and CoAP for edge-to-cloud communication and smart processes
• Certified safety: cULus-listed modules with approval up to SIL 3/PL e, designed to meet global standards and the highest safety requirements
• Rugged and durable: IP67/IP69K protection class and weld-resistant pressure diecast zinc housing for use in demanding industrial environments
• Uniform network for standard and safety applications: PROFINET with PROFIsafe or EtherNet/IP with CIP Safety via a single Ethernet cable for easy installation

Pepperl + Fuchs