Gateway to safe control across networks

The F-Link unit from Siemens A&D is a standard DP/ASi gateway but with the additional functionality of also transferring Safe data from the ASiSafe components to the ProfiSafe system via standard data traffic between the two systems. For the first time we have the capability to generate safe control across networks without having to hard wire this interaction. image F-Link allows for real automation integrated solutions where global e-stops are required, or where faster responses are needed to improve stop functions. Real cell interaction can be constructed using the standard topologies of ASi and PROFIBUS without any compromise to the overall control philosophy or design.  For the first time this will allow safety data to be transferred between production cells to bring better coordinated functional safety across wider plant areas. Using innovative design this will allow more sophisticated safety engineering systems covering multiple plant areas.  Soon we will see the introduction of ASi Safe outputs too. Combined with the F-Link unit this will then allow for total integration between two networks for both safe inputs and outputs. Cell and plant control will then become much easier to configure while still maintaining the overall safety integrity of the system.

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