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Programmable Safety Solutions Overview
Rockwell Automation Safety PLCs
Rockwell Automation manufactures three distinct families of safety PLCs and a variety of safety I/O modules.
SmartGuard™ 600 Controllers
The SmartGuard 600 controller is designed for applications that require some complex logic. It is a “packaged safety controller” that includes the CPU, 16 Safety Inputs and 8 Safety Outputs and an embedded DeviceNet communications port all in one unit. Using the DeviceNet communications port, the SmartGuard 600 controller can control additional safety I/O modules including the 1791DS CompactBlock Guard I/O and 1732DS ArmorBlock Guard I/O, as well as 1734 POINT Guard I/O modules via a 1734-PDN module. In addition, the SmartGuard controller can also communicate with standard PLCs and HMIs on DeviceNet or EtherNet/IP networks. SmartGuard 600 systems are programmed using RSNetworx for DeviceNet software. For more information on SmartGuard 600 controllers, see page Overview.
GuardPLC™ Controllers
GuardPLC refers to a family of safety controllers that are programmed with the RSLogix Guard PLUS software package. Like the SmartGuard 600, the GuardPLC 1600 and GuardPLC 1800 Safety PLCs are “packaged safety controllers” with a CPU, safety I/O and embedded communication networks. In the case of the GuardPLC 1600 and 1800 the embedded communication network is Ethernet for communication to GuardPLC Safety I/O modules as well as EtherNet/IP for communications to standard controllers and HMIs. The GuardPLC 1600 includes 20 safety inputs and 8 safety outputs. The GuardPLC 1800 includes 24 safety inputs, 8 safety outputs, 8 analog safety inputs and 2 safety rated high speed counters. For more information on GuardPLC controllers, see page GuardPLC Safety Control Systems Overview.
GuardLogix® Controllers
The GuardLogix system is a ControlLogix® controller that in addition to running all standard control functions like sequential, motion, etc., also has the ability to run a Safety Task and control safety I/O. This enables both safety and standard applications to run simultaneously in a single application project. This reduces integration, spare parts, training and improves the flow of data to HMI and information systems. A GuardLogix is placed in a standard ControlLogix chassis and communicates to any Guard I/O module via standard control networks (DeviceNet™, ControlNet™, or EtherNet/IP). It is programmed with RSLogix™ 5000 software, just like a ControlLogix processor. For more information on GuardLogix controllers, see page GuardLogix® Integrated Safety System Overview.
Guard I/O™ Modules
Guard I/O is the name for Rockwell Automation’s family of distributed Safety I/O modules that communicate on EtherNet/IP and DeviceNet networks. Guard I/O modules on DeviceNet networks are available in both IP20 for CompactBlock Guard I/O (cabinet mount) and IP67 for ArmorBlock Guard I/O (on-machine). Guard I/O modules on EtherNet/IP networks are available in IP20 form factors. Guard I/O modules are block I/O modules that include the communications adapter and either 8 or 16 points of safety I/O in a single package. For more information on Guard I/O modules, see page Overview.