CIP Safety Communication Between Rockwell AB and B&R X20SLX910

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1

I have been working on establishing a safety-rated Ethernet communication between a Rockwell 1756-L81ES GuardLogix controller and a B&R X20SLX910 SafeLOGIC controller. I was able to configure a standard EtherNet/IP generic module communication between the two sides, but I am trying to determine what safety architecture—if any—would allow a safety-rated connection between these two platforms.

From what I can tell, this may come down to CIP Safety compatibility versus B&R’s native safety communication (open SAFETY), and I am not certain if there is a supported method to bridge or integrate these protocols directly.

Any guidance, past experience, or recommended architecture would be greatly appreciated.

I am currently using Automation Studio v4.9

Safe Designer v4.3.5.3

2

Hi and welcome!

Unfortunately I think the short answer is that there isn’t an easy way to do this. CIP Safety and openSafety are very different protocols, and CIP Safety isn’t very open. You can do non-safe EtherNet/IP communication easily but it won’t have the extra layers that make it certified safe.

There might be a way to bridge them (i.e., by going through a device that supports both protocols), but it seems easier to just use digital inputs at that point. :sweat_smile:

Does your other controller support PROFISafe by chance? That is supported via an interface module connected to a Safety PLC.