Even in the smallest applications, integrated safety technology is now no more expensive than a conventional relay. Safety systems at the smallest scale can now be implemented with a single X20 SafeIO module.
B&R's programmable safety technology is based on semiconductor components that are not subject to wear like conventional electromechanical relays, which have to be replaced periodically to maintain the functionality of the safety application.
Semiconductor-based safety technology is also considerably faster than relay-based systems.