Belden Expands Safety Solutions with New LioN-Safety I/O Modules for Enhanced Functional Safety

Belden Inc. (NYSE: BDC), a global leader in network infrastructure and digitalization solutions, recently unveiled its latest addition to the Lumberg Automation LioN family—the new LioN-Safety I/O Modules. These modules are designed to meet the growing demand for functional safety in highly automated industrial operations, offering seamless integration of safety and non-safety signals within PLC environments.

Belden Expands Safety Solutions with New LioN-Safety I/O Modules for Enhanced Functional Safety

The LioN-Safety I/O Modules support PROFIsafe and CIP Safety protocols, enabling real-time safety data transmission over existing networks. This innovation allows manufacturers to enhance their operational safety without requiring significant network overhauls, effectively saving time, resources, and space. The CIP Safety protocol is expected to be available in the fourth quarter of 2024, further expanding the flexibility of these modules.

Why This Innovation Matters

As automation becomes more prevalent, ensuring the safety of both workers and machinery is increasingly critical. Belden’s LioN-Safety I/O Modules offer an efficient way to meet these safety needs by enabling the smooth transmission of both safety-related and diagnostic information. This not only protects employees but also helps prevent potential machine failures, enhancing overall operational safety.

In the words of Jeremy Friedmar, Director of Product Management at Belden, “LioN-Safety I/O Modules streamline the transmission of essential safety and diagnostic information – from machine-to-machine and machine-to-human – to protect workers, as well as the machines themselves, and the overall plant environment.”

Key Features and Benefits:

1. Seamless Integration: The modules are designed to easily integrate with PLCs via PROFIsafe or CIP Safety, using standardized device description files to transmit safety data and diagnostics. This simplifies the process of upgrading existing networks.
2. Versatility and Flexibility: The LioN-Safety I/O Modules support both safety and non-safety I/O connections, including IO-Link signals, providing users with flexibility in their operational setups. Additionally, the modules can communicate with cloud-based systems, expanding their functionality in a connected, digital environment.
3. Certified Safety Compliance: These modules meet the highest safety standards, including TÜV Rheinland-certification for up to SIL 3, Cat 4, and Performance Level e (PLe). This certification ensures they are suitable for high-risk environments, providing peace of mind to manufacturers.
4. Durable and Compact Design: Built with a space-saving metal housing, the LioN-Safety I/O Modules are designed to withstand harsh industrial environments such as automotive manufacturing, machine building, and logistics.

My Perspective

Belden’s introduction of the LioN-Safety I/O Modules addresses a significant need in modern industrial automation—streamlining safety without compromising efficiency. As automation advances, many manufacturers face the challenge of integrating new safety protocols into existing systems. This solution stands out because it simplifies this process, offering an adaptable and reliable way to safeguard operations.

The ability to support both safety and non-safety I/O connections within the same module offers operational versatility, something crucial in industries that rely on both real-time safety data and continuous production monitoring. Additionally, the upcoming CIP Safety integration will further broaden the application scope, making this a future-proof solution for companies looking to optimize their safety measures.

Belden’s focus on reliability and durability ensures that these modules will perform in demanding environments, reducing the risk of downtime due to equipment failure. The compact, rugged design also saves space, which is especially valuable in industries with limited room for expansion.

Conclusion

Belden’s LioN-Safety I/O Modules offer a forward-thinking solution to functional safety in highly automated operations, providing manufacturers with an easy way to integrate safety protocols without major overhauls. With certifications for top safety standards and the flexibility to connect various I/O types, these modules are set to play a pivotal role in enhancing industrial safety across a range of sectors.

For more information, visit Belden’s website at www.belden.com.

About Belden

Belden Inc. is a global provider of network infrastructure and digitalization solutions, helping industries across the world streamline their digital journeys. With over 120 years of experience, Belden is committed to delivering quality, reliable solutions that push the boundaries of connectivity and performance.