PROFIsafe, PROFIBUS and PROFINET explained easy!

Depending on the industry and process, safety requirements vary greatly – meaning that an individual safety concept is indispensable. It requires a well-thought-out integration that not only ensures operational reliability over the years but also keeps economic efficiency in mind. If you integrate automation, you have surely come across the terms PROFIsafe, PROFINET, and PROFIBUS. Here, we briefly explain what they stand for – and how safety functions can be standardized and integrated into your communication.

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Seamless Integration for Maximum Efficiency

PROFIBUS and PROFINET are industrial communication systems. PROFIBUS serves classical production and process environments, while PROFINET is based on Industrial Ethernet and meets modern requirements such as real-time capability, modularity, and network transparency. Building on this, PROFIsafe specifies functionally safe communication – without separate safety wiring (Black-Channel principle).

What is PROFIsafe?

PROFIsafe communication plays a central role in automated manufacturing processes, as it enables safe control of machines and systems.

Communication via PROFIsafe thus enables the safe operation of machines and systems. PROFIsafe-enabled components can be integrated easily and in a standardized way.

Malfunctions or failures can have serious consequences – both financially and in terms of safety. By using PROFIsafe, the transmission of safety-critical information can be reliably secured – a crucial component for modern, safe, and efficient automation.

How PROFIsafe Technology Works:

PROFIsafe is based on the Black-Channel principle: safety data runs over the same network as normal process data – separate safety wiring is not required. Protection is provided via the safety telegram, which is safeguarded by additional verification mechanisms such as CRC checksums, counters, and address checks.

A safety proxy is used to implement this, encapsulating the safety-relevant information and ensuring error-free transmission. In case of a fault or failure, communication is immediately interrupted, and the system is brought to a safe state.

Decentralized Concept:

Do you want to convert your existing or older system to PROFIsafe? Thanks to innovative solutions like Simplifier devices, this is now possible with minimal wiring effort. Safety functions are centrally recorded via the Simplifier components and transmitted wirelessly to the Simplifier Gateway. Each safety switch can be integrated safely and reliably via PROFIsafe. A single PROFIsafe device is sufficient to centralize all safety functions and integrate them into the safe environment.

Modular Safety Network with High Flexibility:

The Simplifier devices communicate with each other in the machine network – completely wireless. All safety-relevant data is collected and sent from the gateway to the Siemens controller. The connection is via PROFIsafe and allows seamless integration into existing automation projects. If desired, the Simplifier devices can also communicate via CAN.

Regardless of whether CAN or wireless technology is used: the data always runs bundled through the gateway, is safely transmitted via PROFIsafe, and is available in the Siemens TIA Portal software for centralized programming and management.

We have many more PROFIsafe integrations. Discover them here:

What is PROFINET?

PROFINET – the open future platform for industrial networks as the Industrial Ethernet standard of the PROFIBUS User Organization e.V. – represents the logical evolution of PROFIBUS and establishes itself as a high-performance solution for modern automation.

The abbreviation stands for “Process Field Network” and represents a scalable, future-proof communication concept for industrial applications. PROFINET is characterized by a modular structure with individual adaptability. Users can configure various functions according to their needs, depending on the required data exchange.

There are two main variants:

PROFINET IO (Input/Output): Ideal for connecting decentralized peripheral devices to controllers. Divided into three conformance classes
(CC-A, CC-B, CC-C) for different real-time performance and functional extensions.
PROFINET CBA (Component-Based Automation): For modular machine and plant construction, enabling component-oriented communication with a focus on real-time capability and reusability.

Both variants – IO and CBA – can be combined and operated either separately or in parallel in the same bus system. This offers enormous flexibility and allows a customized automation solution, regardless of system complexity. Thanks to the modular structure, PROFINET can be adapted flexibly to different requirements. Users can select exactly the functionalities they need depending on the application scenario – especially with regard to data exchange and real-time capability.

What is PROFIBUS?

PROFIBUS (Process Field Bus) is a widely used standard for fieldbus communication in automation technology.
It enables reliable data transmission between controllers, sensors, and actuators. There are three main variants:

PROFIBUS DP: Focuses on central control for connecting sensors and actuators. Other applications include extensive standard diagnostic functions and the possibility of networking multiple control systems.
PROFIBUS PA: The specialized solution for process automation. This PROFIBUS variant was specifically developed for applications in process and manufacturing technology. It enables direct communication between field devices such as measuring instruments, actuators, and higher-level systems like PLCs or DCS.
PROFIBUS FMS: An outdated version of PROFIBUS DP, originally intended for use in complex machines and systems.

Do you want to check a use case briefly? Or do you still have questions for our safety experts? Feel free to contact us personally and without obligation.

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