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Safety Controller

Slava Zhuchenya
Prodigy 20 points

Hello, I am looking for a PCB mounted PLC for use as a basic safety controller (i.e inputs from some switches, outputs turn on some relays) I have been looking at the SafeTI devices, I've looked into the RM4x devices. Only I need just basic functionality. Also, the device needs to comply and be certified to either ISO 13849 or IEC 61508 or something similar. What do you recommend? Does TI have other devices that comply to an safety standard that is similar, that is for simpler applications? Thank You!

- Slava Zhuchenya

  • 0
    TI__Guru 69050 points
    Slava,

    You want a PLC off the shelf? TI makes chips not PLCs. So you would need to go to one of our customers who is building PLCs [and I don't think we can disclose customer names... certainly not on the forum without prior permission..].

    Or do you want to BUILD a PLC and want a recommendation for a TI Chip that you could use if the PLC is a safety PLC. If the latter then you are in the right place and we can discuss further.
  • 0 in reply to Anthony F. Seely
    Prodigy 20 points
    Not looking for PLC specifically. Simple safety control capabilities that is mounted on a PCB. The RM4X series looks like it would work, only it seems like it is "overkill" because I need only basic functionality. DO you have any devices that would work like a PLC that I can put on a PCB, that is complaint to a safety standard like IEC 61508. Thanks!
  • 0 in reply to Slava Zhuchenya
    TI__Guru 69050 points
    Hi Slava,

    When you build the system - you'll need to certify it to 61508. The various microcontrollers in the Hercules family have certificates but this doesn't cover you (certification - wise) all the way to 'PLC'. However the Safety Manual, FMEDA calculator, and the fact that the Micro has already been looked at by a notified body really are going to help you complete the task .. as compared to an unknown micro with questionable diagnostic coverage.

    So just to be clear - it's not like you just put this micro on a board and automatically you have a Safety Certifiable PLC.
    Your hardware design for the board has it's own lifecycle, and also importantly your software does too.

    But all that said - I think this product line will give you the closest starting point.

    The RM4x series has programmable timing units. I am actually writing up a report now on how to implement a PLC's HSC and PTO type timing peripherals on N2HET -- so yes I'd say these are definitely suitable to the task.

    There is also software available for these platforms from CodeSys that could help w. a PLC application.

    Anyway to reiterate - it's not a rubber stamp to use the Hercules MCU. You have a lot of work to do. But you'd have even that much more if you pick a different platform.