Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for controlling safety-critical processes. The apparatus includes at least one safe control unit for controlling the safety-critical processes and at least two safe signal units which are connected via I/O channels to the safety-critical processes. The safe control unit and the safe signal units are connected to a common fieldbus. The safe signal units communicate with the safe control unit, but not with one another, when the apparatus is in the control mode. The safe signal units have an evaluator for evaluating a fault message which is broadcasted across the fieldbus, as well as a switching device which autonomously change the safety-critical process to a safe state when a fault message which is evaluated as being relevant occurs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic safety switching device having at least a first and a second signal processing channel. The channels can be supplied with input signals for signal processing, and they provide redundantly processed output signals. According to one aspect of the invention, the signal processing channels are arranged monolithically on a common semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor structures of each signal processing channel are spaced apart physically by a multiple of their width from the semiconductor structures of every other signal processing channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular safety switching device system for switching actuators fail-safely off. The system comprises at least one input module for fail-safely evaluating a safety transmitter and for generating an output signal. It further comprises at least one output module for fail-safely actuating the actuator in response to the output signal from the input module. At least the input module can be operated in different selectable operating modes. A control module is provided for individually setting the operating mode of the input module and, if applicable, of the output module. A display is provided for fail-safely displaying the operating modes set.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic safety switching device having at least a first and a second signal processing channel. The channels can be supplied with input signals for signal processing, and they provide redundantly processed output signals. According to one aspect of the invention, the signal processing channels are arranged monolithically on a common semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor structures of each signal processing channel are spaced apart physically by a multiple of their width from the semiconductor structures of every other signal processing channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular safety switching device system for switching actuators fail-safely off. The system comprises at least one input module for fail-safely evaluating a safety transmitter and for generating an output signal. It further comprises at least one output module for fail-safely actuating the actuator in response to the output signal from the input module. At least the input module can be operated in different selectable operating modes. A control module is provided for individually setting the operating mode of the input module and, if applicable, of the output module. A display is provided for fail-safely displaying the operating modes set.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for controlling safety-critical processes. The apparatus includes at least one safe control unit for controlling the safety-critical processes and at least two safe signal units which are connected via I/O channels to the safety-critical processes. The safe control unit and the safe signal units are connected to a common fieldbus. The safe signal units communicate with the safe control unit, but not with one another, when the apparatus is in the control mode. The safe signal units have an evaluator for evaluating a fault message which is broadcasted across the fieldbus, as well as a switching device which autonomously change the safety-critical process to a safe state when a fault message which is evaluated as being relevant occurs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for adjusting the data transmission rate in a fieldbus system (10) which is suitable to control safety-critical processes and which comprises at least one subscriber (12, 14) connected to a fieldbus (20), wherein in a first phase the subscriber/subscribers log on at a unit (30/central unit) centrally connected to the fieldbus with a first low data transmission rate. In a second phase the central unit (30) sets the data transmission rate at the subscriber/subscribers (12, 14) to a predetermined higher second value. In a third phase the subscriber/subscribers (12, 14) log on again at the central unit with a higher data transmission rate; and the central unit (30) shuts down the fieldbus (20) if it detects a deviation of the number of subscribers (12, 14) logged on in the first and the third phase.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method of allocating a defined user address to a safe bus user when connecting it to a field bus of a safe control system. The method comprises the step of sending out a first registration message from the safe bus user to an administration unit connected to the field bus. The first registration message contains a predetermined universal address. The method further comprises the step of sending out an address allocation message from the administration unit to the safe bus user, wherein the address allocation message contains the defined user address. Finally, the method comprises the step of storing the defined user address in a memory of the safe bus user.