Basics INTERBUS Safety

Economical setting up of fail-safe networks thanks to powerful software

In safety applications, the focus is also on increasing economic viability. System availability and the amortization of your development costs depend on how fast project planning, programming and startup are carried out and on how detailed the diagnostic information is displayed. Phoenix Contact has focused on these requirements and with Safety-Prog, developed a software solution with the following features:



  • Extensive scope of functions
  • Simple operation
  • Clear structure

The solution is complemented by the configuration software Config+ and the diagnostic tool Diag+.




The advantages of Safety-Prog

Safety-Prog is the programming interface for all INTERBUS controller boards with integrated safety controller.

  • All necessary information is displayed structured and separately using the multiple window principle.
  • The associated documentation can be called up for each I/O component.
  • The safe program is created independently of the external connection.
  • For many safety functions, there are components available that have already undergone the acceptance procedure.
  • Safety categories can be changed later by re-configuring the I/O components.
  • Entire processes can be tested in advance by simulating devices and program errors are displayed in plain text


The following basic applications are made available as preprepared function blocks:

  • Emergency stop
  • Safety door
  • Feedback check
  • Reset block
  • Electro-sensitive protective equipment
  • Enable switch
  • Operating mode selector switch
  • Safety door extension
  • Two-handed


Phoenix Contact has actively included its experience in the field of networking safety engineering and in processing safety applications in the PLCopen specifications. Hand in hand with the approval of the INTERBUS-Safety safe fieldbus system by the TÜV [German Technical Inspectorate] Rheinland and the Berufsgenossenschaftliche Institut für Arbeitsschutz (BGIA) [Professional Institute for Safety at Work], the standard safety functions were also approved.  



The modules based on the PLCopen specification can be used with programming and the safe controller up to SIL 3 in acc. with DIN EN 61508 and up to Cat. 4 in acc. with DIN EN 954-1. Phoenix Contact will continue to support the PLCopen standard in future safe controller solutions.



The configuration software: Config+


With Config+, planning INTERBUS networks and putting them into operation is a simple matter. The variables defined by the user are connected either by Drag & Drop or automatically with the process data of the components. If there is a device specific parameterizing software for the PC devices, it can be started in Config+. It is also possible to handle multimaster projects. Finally, the bus configuration can be transferred directly to the safe programming software.



The programming software


SafetyProg accesses the network data created by Config+, parameterizes the safe input and output devices, and programs the safe controller board on the basis of the IEC 61131 languages, Function Block Diagram (FBD) and Ladder Diagram (LD). To accelerate the inspection process of the entire system, sub-applications, such as emergency stop, are made available as certified function blocks and linked to the variables.



Diag+ diagnostics software


The Diag+ diagnostics software can be integrated in the process visualization and has been extended to include application-specific information. Wiring diagnostics, such as short circuit or cross circuit, are now detected and forwarded as are disturbances in the supply voltage or interferences in the network wiring. The diagnostics and status information of the function blocks is also displayed in plain text.



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