PROFIsafe is an industrial safety communication protocol designed to ensure the reliable exchange of safety-related information between devices in automated machinery and control systems.
Operating over PROFINET and PROFIBUS networks, PROFIsafe allows standard control data and safety-related information to share the same communication infrastructure. This helps machine builders simplify system design, reduce wiring requirements and integrate functional safety into industrial automation systems.
When combined with compatible safety encoders, PROFIsafe supports reliable position and speed feedback for safety-related motion monitoring.
Developed by PROFIBUS & PROFINET International (PI), PROFIsafe is a standardised communication technology used in industrial functional safety applications.
The protocol incorporates safety mechanisms that detect communication errors, including missing, delayed, repeated or corrupted messages. This allows safety controllers to identify communication faults and initiate appropriate protective actions.
PROFIsafe is standardised under IEC 61784-3-3 and supports applications up to Safety Integrity Level 3 (SIL 3) and Performance Level e (PL e), depending on the equipment and overall system design.
PROFIsafe operates as an additional safety layer over standard industrial communication networks.
Using the black channel principle, it enables safety-related and standard automation data to travel through the same network while maintaining independent safety communication checks.
These mechanisms help ensure that safety information reaches the correct device, in the correct sequence and within the required time.
Although closely connected, the two technologies serve different purposes:
Together, they enable standard machine control and functional safety communication within a shared network infrastructure.
Integrating PROFIsafe into industrial automation systems offers several advantages:
PROFIsafe is commonly used in industrial environments where machinery movement and personnel safety must be carefully controlled.
Typical applications include:
Rotary encoders provide position, speed and direction feedback for industrial motion control systems.
In functional safety applications, PROFIsafe-compatible safety encoders transmit safety-related motion information to a compatible safety controller.
Depending on the encoder and system configuration, this information can support:
When an unsafe condition is detected, the safety controller can initiate an appropriate protective response, such as stopping machinery.
The achievable safety level depends on the complete system design, including the encoder, controller and associated safety components.
Through our partnership with TWK-ELEKTRONIK, a German specialist in encoder and sensor technology, British Encoder Products Company offers PROFIsafe safety encoder solutions to customers across the UK.
Combining TWK’s expertise in functional safety technology with BEPC’s local technical knowledge and customer support, this partnership provides OEMs, machine builders and system integrators with access to specialist motion feedback solutions.
Whether you’re developing new machinery, upgrading an existing system or integrating PROFIsafe into your automation network, our team can help you identify an encoder suited to your requirements.
Looking for a PROFIsafe safety encoder?
Contact our technical team to discuss your application and explore the available solutions.
PROFIsafe is a functional safety communication protocol that enables safety-related data to be transmitted within compatible industrial communication architectures, including PROFINET-based systems.
No. PROFINET provides standard industrial Ethernet communication, while PROFIsafe adds mechanisms specifically designed for safety-related communication.
PROFIsafe is designed so safety-related communication can operate within the same overall network infrastructure as standard communication, subject to the requirements of the safety architecture.
Depending on the encoder, it can provide safety-related position and speed information that the safety controller can use as part of defined safety functions.
PROFIsafe encoders are a strong fit for PROFINET-based factory automation, robotics, material handling, packaging, machine tools, and other automated machinery.
Yes. EPC offers PROFIsafe-compatible functional safety encoders for safety-related position and speed feedback.
