Fast and easy implementation of functional safety

Functional safety solutions

Get connected to safety networks like PROFIsafe, CIP Safety and FSoE! Ixxat Safe solutions from HMS Networks link data and signals into standardized functional safety communication networks. Our functional safety solutions are based on proven and pre-certified technology and reduce your development risk, cost and time to market.

Solutions for functional safety implementation
Application-areas-for-functional-safety-solutions
Flexible and safe

Functional safety solutions for your requirements

All functional safety solutions are individual. Ixxat Safe solutions from HMS include scalable safety solutions that can be used for a wide range of application requirements in terms of functionality and form factor:

  • You decide which protocol to use – PROFIsafe, CIP Safety or FSoE.
  • Flexible and future-proof – switch between protocols easily.
  • Safety IO module or protocol software – the choice is yours.
  • Proven and pre-certified by TÜV Rheinland – fast final certification.

Based upon more than 15 years of experience in functional safety according to IEC 61508, HMS provides a comprehensive offering for integrating safety communication. All based on EN ISO 13849-1 and EN/IEC 62061.

Fortress-Safety-Lock

Ready-made solutions for safety IO applications.

The fast track to safe I/O integration

The safety module approach

Communicating safe I/O signals to an industrial network requires safe – but also non-safe communication and signal processing capabilities.  

With Ixxat Safe T100 and Anybus CompactCom, HMS offers an out-of-the-box module-based solution for this problem. The small form-factor and the seamless fit allow easy implementation of safe I/O signals into your device. 

Future-proof your application and reduce development time, costs and risk.

  • Achieve SIL 3 (IEC 62061) / PLe/Category 4 (ISO 13849-1) on one board.
  • Support CIP Safety, PROFIsafe and FSoE (Functional Safety over EtherCAT).
  • Ideal for applications with limited safety I/O requirements.
  • TÜV Rheinland pre-certified and hardware for easy re-certification.
Functional safety protocol software
Software that enables you to communicate safely

The safety protocol software approach

Ixxat safety protocol software enables safe communication functionality directly on your micro-controller system. Delivered as C source code, the Ixxat safety software can be easily integrated into any environment. The safety software runs alongside your application taking care of the safety protocol communication, either with or without an OS. 

  • Enables safe communication up to SIL-3 according to IEC 61508.
  • Available for CIP Safety (Originator/Target) and FSoE (Master/Slave).
  • Ideal for complex safety functions and safe operation platforms.
  • TÜV Rheinland pre-certified for easy re-certification.

Solutions for a wide range of applications


Functional safety applications in the field

  1. Robots – Safe interaction with process sub-systems from an upper-layer safety network. For example, for the secure networking of robot cells with conveyor belts within paint shop applications. 
  2. PLCs – Safe communication at the heart of the system – enabling safety PLCs to communicate with distributed safety devices.
  3. Access Control – Know when someone enters a safety-critical zone by communicating the access state over the safety fieldbus.
  4. AGV/AMR management – Fleet control by connecting the wireless moving devices to a central safe PLC.
  5. AGV/AMR sensors – Connection of safety sensors, (e.g. Lidar) for personal detection on AGVs to safe PLCs.
  6. Machine tools – Breaking down complex safety applications by adding safety communication to the different machine parts. Safe IOs or safety sensors within machines enable safe operation or shut down during maintenance or conversion of machines.


Your safety partner

Based upon more than 15 years of experience in functional safety solutions according to IEC 61508, the Ixxat Safe solutions from HMS Networks have been developed to meet the various requirements for integration of safe data communication.
HMS also assist throughout the entire safety implementation process – from conceptual designs, with consulting services in terms of integration options for our safety solutions, to the development of safety hardware and safety software, to the certification, production, and delivery of modules and complete devices.

Product categories

Products used for implementation of functional safety

Our customers speak fo us

Case studies and testimonials

Ixxat Safe T100 - Safety implementation: Safe remote Stop for AMRs / AGVs
Embedded network interfaces Ixxat

Safe remote Stop for AMRs / AGVs – Safety implementation

A comprehensive look at the challenges, solutions, and successes in implementing essential safety features for the European market, facilitated by a partnership with HMS Networks.
Fortress Interlocks Safety Lock with implemented PROFIsafe
Embedded network interfaces Ixxat

Easy PROFIsafe integration into safety interlocks

How Fortress Interlocks integrated functional safety communication into their amGardpro series by using industrial communication solutions from HMS.
Ixxat Safe T100 for PROFIsafe - Opening the door to more tightly integrated safety
Embedded network interfaces Ixxat

PROFIsafe module opens the door to more tightly integrated safety

Safety is an essential element of the operational matrix, as information from safety systems has effect on productivity. Integration into existing infrastructures becomes commonplace as end users look to create unified channels for information.

Q&A

Why are functional safe solutions required?

Functional safety is crucial in engineering because it ensures that systems, machinery, and devices operate reliably, even in the presence of faults or errors. It involves implementing safety measures, like redundancy and error detection, to prevent accidents or failures, particularly in critical applications like automotive control systems and industrial processes, where human safety and asset protection are paramount. Failure to achieve functional safety can lead to catastrophic consequences.

How do I realize the required Safe Torque Off function with HMS components

Using the T100 Safe IO module, the safe digital output signal can be directly connected to either a safe power-breaker relay or the STO input of the drive controller. With the access to the fieldbus provided by e.g. the Anybus CompactCom module, the STO function can be remotely controlled via the safety fieldbus protocol.

Where and in what applications is functional safety used?

Functional safety is applied in various engineering domains, including automotive (ABS, airbags), aerospace (flight control systems), medical devices, and process industries. It is vital in industrial automation, robots, and AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles), ensuring safe operation of machinery and autonomous systems, preventing accidents and harm to personnel in manufacturing, logistics, and material handling processes.

Why is functional safety becoming more and more important?

Functional safety is gaining significance in industrial automation due to emerging trends such as the proliferation of collaborative robots (cobots), the deployment of highly autonomous systems, and the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. These trends emphasize the need to ensure safe operations in complex, interconnected industrial environments.

Additional resources

Do you want to find out more?

Webinars

Join our on-demand and online webinars to get first-hand expert knowledge.

Development and consulting

Our safety development team supports customers when developing safety applications and helps with the certification of the final product.

Talk to an expert about functional safety

Have a communication expert from HMS contact you to discuss your specific requirements.