Standard IO-Link wiring
The safe module connects on the hardware side through normal IO-Link infrastructure, reducing separate field wiring.
ifm · Functional Safety
Safety over IO-Link & Safe I/O
Use IFM Safety over IO-Link to connect compatible safety sensors and actuators through a safe field I/O module while tunnelling PROFIsafe communication through the standard IO-Link infrastructure. This is a safety-system architecture—not a replacement for risk assessment or safety-function validation.
PROFIsafe8 safe OSSD inputs4 safe outputsUp to SIL 3 / PL e
System architecture
Safe field I/O without a separate safety fieldbus cable
The AL200S PROFIsafe IO-Link module is connected through a normal IO-Link master. PROFIsafe telegrams are tunnelled through the standard IO-Link communication to the safety controller.
Safety devicesOSSD sensors / safe contacts
→
Safe field moduleAL200S
→
Standard field layerIO-Link master
→
Safe protocolPROFIsafe to safety PLC
Important: The stated component capability does not by itself make the complete machine PL e or SIL 3. The full safety function—including sensors, logic, outputs, wiring, diagnostics and validation—must achieve the required performance.
AL200S capabilities
A compact safe I/O point in the field
Current IFM information positions AL200S as the core Safety over IO-Link module.
Safe inputs8Digital OSSD inputs
Safe outputs4Powerful outputs
ProtocolPROFIsafeTunnelled via IO-Link
CapabilitySIL 3 / PL eComponent/system capability per IFM data
Separate actuator power
A separate 24 V supply via L-coded M12 allows connection of higher-power safe actuators.
Configurable output logic
IFM documents the outputs as configurable for PNP or NPN switching.
Machine-safety applications
Field-mounted safe I/O and wiring simplification
The architecture is especially relevant when safety devices are distributed around the machine.
Safety light curtains
Bring OSSD outputs from compatible light curtains into the safe field module near the machine.
Review light curtains →Guard switches
Integrate compatible coded/magnetic safety-device outputs within the verified safe architecture.
Review safety switches →E-STOP / safe contacts
Use the safe input architecture for suitable safety contacts according to the detailed module/system design.
Safe actuators
Use the safe outputs for appropriately engineered actuator circuits with the required external power and validation.
When it fits
Safety over IO-Link for distributed wiring
It is not automatically the best answer for every small machine. A conventional safety relay or direct safety-controller I/O may be simpler where only one or two local safety functions exist.
Good fitMultiple distributed OSSD devices and actuators around a machine.
Good fitExisting IO-Link field architecture where PROFIsafe is available at the safety controller.
Review carefullySmall standalone machines where additional field architecture adds complexity.
MandatoryConfirm safety PLC, PROFIsafe configuration, device compatibility and full safety-function validation.
Requirement capture
Safety over IO-Link requirements
This page should never be used to select safety hardware from part number alone.
Safety functionsE-STOP, guards, light curtains, actuators and reset/restart behaviour.
Target PL / SILRequired risk-reduction level from the machine safety assessment.
Safety controllerPLC/controller and PROFIsafe capability.
IO-Link masterInstalled/current master architecture and port allocation.
Device countNumber, type and location of OSSD/contact devices and outputs.
Power architectureSafe-output load, 24 V distribution and cable lengths.