Functional Safety

What is functional safety?

Functional safety refers to ensuring that a system works safely or switches off even if a fault occurs. It is about reducing the residual risk to people, the environment and the system in the event of a fault or malfunction of the system.

This is achieved, for example, by monitoring sensors, redundancies or an emergency stop.

Where is functional safety used?

Functional safety is always required when electrical systems and devices are used, for example in mechanical engineering for the protection of machine operators, in vehicles or in energy systems. There are various norms and standards that deal with functional safety, for example IEC 61508 or DIN EN ISO 13849.

Synonyms:

FuSi
FuSa
Functional safety
Safety
SIL safety (SIL stands for Safety Integrity Level)
Machine safety

Are you interested in motion control solutions?

We are your technology partner for innovative drive solutions and offer you customised solutions for motor controllers. With our drive controllers, we drive motors in various industries and formats: From logistics to industrial plants to off-highway vehicles, we develop the motion control system that suits your engine.

Cyber Security

Cyber security refers to the protection of computer systems, networks and data against digital attacks, misuse, theft and unauthorised access.

Through Hole Technology

THT stands for Through Hole Technology.

Surface Mount Technology

SMT stands for Surface Mount Technology and is a process in electronics production in which electronic components are mounted on the surface of a printed circuit board.

Synchronous reluctance motors

A synchronous reluctance motor is an electric motor in which the torque in the rotor is generated exclusively by the reluctance force.

Motor controller / motor control

A motor controller is an electronic device used to control and regulate the speed, movement, direction and power of an electric motor.

MODBUS

The MODBUS protocol is a communication protocol based on a so-called client/server architecture.

I/O modules

An I/O module is a component of automation technology. I/O stands for input and output.

Inverter

An inverter is a device for converting direct voltage to alternating voltage.

IEC 61800-5-1

IEC 61800-5-1 is an international safety standard for power drive systems with adjustable speed.

Rectifier

A rectifier is a device for converting AC voltage into DC voltage. A rectifier is a power converter, just like DC-DC converters or inverters.

Functional Safety

Functional safety is the term used to describe the process of ensuring that a system works safely or switches off even if an error occurs.

Embedded software

Embedded software refers to software that is directly optimised for the specific hardware and runs in it.

DIN EN ISO 13849

DIN EN ISO 13849 is a safety-specific standard for the functional safety of machinery.

DC-DC converter

A DC-DC converter, also known as a DC-DC converter, is a device for converting direct voltage into another direct voltage with a different voltage level.

Drive control

A drive control is an electronic system that controls the (electric) motor of a machine so that the motor can deliver the best possible performance.