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Beckhoff Sistema Library May 2026

Redundancy requires bumpless switching. If both PLCs think they are the Leader, you have a "Split Brain" scenario, which will destroy your actuators.

Here is the typical flow for setting this up in Structured Text (ST):

PROGRAM MAIN
VAR
    RedCtrl : FB_RedundancyControl;
    SyncData : FB_SynchronizeData;
    Guard : FB_SwitchGuard;
    LocalData : ST_CriticalProcessData; (Your custom struct)
    RemoteData : ST_CriticalProcessData;
END_VAR

// 1. Initialize the heartbeat (10ms cycle)
RedCtrl( bEnable := TRUE, tCycleTime := T#10ms );


// 2. Broadcast your critical data
SyncData(
bSend := (RedCtrl.eState = RED_LEADER),
bReceive := (RedCtrl.eState = RED_FOLLOWER),
DataSend := LocalData,
DataReceive := RemoteData
);


// 3. Manage the fieldbus permissions
Guard( bActivate := TRUE, eState := RedCtrl.eState );


// 4. Drive your outputs
if (RedCtrl.eState = RED_LEADER) then
MyOutput := LocalData.Valve_Command;
else
MyOutput := RemoteData.Valve_Command; (Trust the Leader)
end_if

The Beckhoff Sistema Library is more than just a convenience—it is a strategic asset for modern automation engineers. By embedding ISO 13849-1 calculations directly into TwinCAT 3, it:

Whether you are building a small packaging machine or a multi-axis CNC machining center, integrating Tc3_Sistema into your PLC project ensures that your safety calculations are as agile and reliable as your control logic. beckhoff sistema library

Next Steps:

In the era of Industry 4.0, safety should not be a static sticker—it should be a living calculation. With the Beckhoff Sistema Library, it finally is.

This article was written for control systems engineers, safety professionals, and automation integrators seeking to master TwinCAT 3 functional safety. For specific applications, consult a certified functional safety engineer and refer to the latest Beckhoff documentation and IFA guidelines.

The Beckhoff SISTEMA library is a collection of safety-related parameters for Beckhoff components (like TwinSAFE I/Os and logic units) designed for use in the SISTEMA software. This tool allows engineers to evaluate the Performance Level (PL) of safety functions according to ISO 13849-1. 1. Downloading the Library

You can find the Beckhoff SISTEMA library files (typically with a .slb or .ssplib extension) through the following official channels:

Beckhoff Download Finder: Search for "SISTEMA" on the Beckhoff Download Finder to locate the latest safety data.

Direct FTP/Web Directory: Files are often hosted in the TwinSAFE documentation directory on Beckhoff's download server.

IFA Website: The IFA (Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) maintains a list of manufacturer libraries, though it often directs users to the manufacturer's own site for the latest versions. 2. Importing into SISTEMA Redundancy requires bumpless switching

Once you have downloaded the file (usually a .zip containing the library): Extract the file to a local folder. Open SISTEMA software. Go to Library -> Local library in the menu.

Click Add library and browse to the extracted Beckhoff file.

Note: If you are using SISTEMA 3.0 or higher and have an older .slb file, you may be prompted to use the SISTEMA Library Version Converter to update the format. 3. Using the Library in Your Project

Select Components: After importing, you can search the library for specific Beckhoff terminals (e.g., EL1904 for safe inputs, EL2904 for safe outputs).

Modeling Safety Functions: Drag and drop the component into your SISTEMA safety function. The library automatically populates critical safety values like MTTFd, DCavg, and Category.

Reference Application Guide: For complex setups, Beckhoff provides a TwinSAFE Application Guide that includes sample calculations and hardware interconnections that have been pre-verified by TÜV SÜD. Commonly Used Safety Components Software: SISTEMA libraries - IFA - DGUV

Beckhoff SISTEMA Library is a digital dataset provided by Beckhoff Automation to help engineers evaluate the safety of machine control systems. It is used within the SISTEMA software utility

(Safety Integrity Software Tool for the Evaluation of Machine Applications), which calculates reliability values and the achieved Performance Level (PL) according to DIN EN ISO 13849-1. Beckhoff Automation Key Features & Contents Reliability Data : Contains product-specific safety values (e.g., cap M cap T cap T cap F sub cap D cap B sub 10 cap D end-sub cap P cap F cap H sub cap D ) for Beckhoff safety-relevant components like terminals, logic modules, and safe drive technology. Pre-modeled Subsystems The Beckhoff Sistema Library is more than just

: Allows users to import pre-defined blocks directly into SISTEMA projects, reducing manual entry errors. Broad Compatibility

: Covers the modular TwinSAFE portfolio, including digital inputs/outputs (EL1918, EL2911), safe motion (AX8000), and integrated logic. Beckhoff Automation How to Use the Library : Obtain the latest library file (typically a ) from the Beckhoff TwinSAFE Project Design page or directly from the Beckhoff Download Server Import to SISTEMA Open the SISTEMA software. Navigate to the Library Manager and select Add Library

Choose the downloaded Beckhoff file to integrate it into your local repository. Application

: Drag and drop the specific Beckhoff components into your safety function model to automatically populate the required safety characteristic values. Beckhoff Automation Availability and Support

Beckhoff regularly updates these libraries to reflect new hardware releases and updated certification data. It is recommended to use the Beckhoff Download Finder

to ensure you have the most current version for your safety calculations. Beckhoff Automation

You can also find related technical documentation and configuration files on the Beckhoff Information System Do you need help finding the safety characteristic values

for a specific Beckhoff part number, or are you looking for a step-by-step tutorial on modeling a specific safety function? Software: SISTEMA libraries - IFA - DGUV

Once the safety logic is running, the library allows you to calculate DC (Diagnostic Coverage) dynamically based on: