A single network solution for safety-related applications using CANopen

Every now and then a simple idea can be elected as the best idea. Many times we look to make things more complex instead of looking at existing solutions to see if they can be modified to work. Historically, safety-related systems used only mechanical backups which were specialized. In only a few application fields or pilot projects the mechanical systems are replaced by electronic solutions. But having separate network solutions does not really simplify the solution. In its current usage, CAN, does not have all the requirements necessary for use in safety-related applications. Even after adding CANopen as the higher-layer protocol specific needs were not met. After exploration of these deficiencies, the CANopen framework for safety-related applications was created. This framework allows the use of safety-related and non-relevant communication on the same network. The basic idea is to transmit each safety-related message twice using different message identifier. The data is bit-wise inverted as well with a time-out attributes assigned. CANopen can now be used for safety-related applications. If CANopen is the solution, then a one microprocessor can be the single solution for the application within a device.