Enhancing Automated Operations with I/O Module Functional Safety

Industrial operations are set to receive a significant boost in functional safety efforts with the introduction of innovative I/O modules. These modules are specifically designed to streamline the transmission of safety and non-safety-related data over existing networks, providing a comprehensive solution for ensuring workplace safety.

The latest LioN-Safety I/O modules are equipped to support the PROFIsafe and CIP Safety protocol, with the latter anticipated to be available in the market by the fourth quarter of 2024. This development offers manufacturers a compact and ruggedized product that is tailored to meet the demands of highly automated operations, facilitating real-time data transmission essential for seamless industrial processes.

One of the standout features of these I/O modules is their ability to enable the exchange of safety-relevant data and diagnostic information through pre-existing network connections. By leveraging the safety offering from Belden, industrial facilities can optimize their operational efficiency while ensuring the safety of workers and equipment, ultimately saving valuable time, resources, and space.

Jeremy Friedmar, the Director of Product Management for Data Ingestion and Firewalls, emphasized the critical role of these I/O modules in enhancing industrial safety. He stated, “As industrial automation continues to advance, the need to prioritize the safety of plant workers becomes increasingly urgent. The LioN-Safety I/O modules play a pivotal role in facilitating the seamless transmission of crucial safety and diagnostic information, safeguarding both workers and machinery within the plant environment.”

Furthermore, the design of the LioN-Safety modules reflects a focus on space efficiency, featuring a compact metal housing that ensures durability and reliability even in challenging industrial environments such as automotive manufacturing, consumer packaged goods, machine building, metals, and logistics.