Emerson launches new safety controller

Emerson has launched a new PACSystems RX3i CPS400 Safety Controller, designed to enable Safety Integrity Level 2 (SIL2) strategies for infrastructure, fire and gas, burner management systems, and other emergency shutdown systems

As project automation becomes more sophisticated and data-driven, OEMs and systems integrators require more powerful hardware and software products to ensure compliance with standards and regulations for protecting workers, whether onboard a single piece of equipment or distributed throughout a much larger process.

The PACSystems Safety Controller is a compact, high-performance solution with robust security measures and a scalable architecture with 2,000 available I/O points, ideal for complex projects with evolving requirements. With a 64-megabyte memory capacity and scalable digital architecture it is able to support a diverse range of mission-critical applications. Using built-in industrial communications protocols the RX3i CPS400 controller can connect peer-to-peer and with higher level hosts, providing complete operational visibility.

As a secure-by-design solution incorporating Secure Boot and the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) standard, the new controller delivers rigorous data integrity and protection against potential threats. Safety-certified function blocks and pre-configured templates simplify overall system certification in accordance with the IEC 61511 standard.

Available in simplex or redundant controller configurations, the RX3i CPS400 controller can perform all safety data messaging with duplex communications using the black channel principle over EGD, allowing standardised and reliable connectivity with Emerson’s PACSystems VersaMax SafetyNet I/O system. The platform is IEC 61508 safety-certified, providing a capable SIL2 simplified solution to help designers build appropriate protection schemes.

Developers can configure the new controller using familiar software tools employed for programmable logic controllers (PLC), operator interfaces, and other automation elements, namely Emerson’s PAC Machine Edition development environment. As a unified tool chain with a user-friendly interface, the PAC Machine Edition suite enables users to easily create complete and integrated automation, visualisation and safety solutions.

“Adding the PACSystems RX3i CPS400 Safety Controller to our extensive portfolio of safety products, we continue to deliver tools users need to create compliant safety systems that are easily developed and integrated into sophisticated automation solutions,” said Daniel Smith, senior product manager with Emerson’s discrete automation business.