Title :
Functional safety in the field of industrial automation. The influence of IEC 61508 on the improvement of safety-related control systems
Author :
Von Krosigk, Hartmut
Author_Institution :
Autom. & Drives, Siemens AG, Germany
Abstract :
The safety of machinery depends on the correct functioning of its safety-related control equipment. The development of this equipment started with electromechanical devices performing simple interlocking and enabling functions. Meanwhile, it is possible to use programmable electronics such as safety PLCs to implement sophisticated safety functions. The approach to achieve the necessary safety integrity is described in the new IEC 61508 standard.
Keywords :
safety systems; IEC 61508 standard; control equipment; electromechanical devices; enabling functions; functional safety; industrial automation; interlocking functions; machinery; programmable electronics; safety PLC; safety integrity; safety-related control systems; sophisticated safety functions;
Journal_Title :
Computing & Control Engineering Journal
DOI :
10.1049/cce:20000102
