{"id":"fsoe","model_id":"Safety over EtherCAT (FSoE)","name":"Safety over EtherCAT (FSoE)","summary":"Safety over EtherCAT (FSoE) is a safety protocol that carries safety-critical process data in safety containers over EtherCAT or other underlying communication systems. It uses a Black Channel approach, so the standard communication path is not considered safety-relevant. It is developed according to IEC 61508, standardized in IEC 61784-3, and supports safety applications up to SIL 3.","study_notes":["FSoE stands for FailSafe over EtherCAT.","Safety containers contain safety-critical process data and additional information used to secure the data.","Safety containers are embedded in the cyclical communication's process data.","A single EtherCAT channel can transfer both standard and safety-critical data.","Safety containers can travel through fieldbus systems, Ethernet, copper cables, fibre optics, and wireless connections.","In robotics, FSoE is used for safe motion control in an 8-kHz closed loop.","Safety over EtherCAT frames can be routed via the EtherCAT Automation Protocol (EAP) on the process control level.","Implementing FSoE in a device is stated to require little resources and can provide short reaction times."],"safety_notes":["The EtherCAT safety technology was developed according to IEC 61508.","It is approved by TÜV Süd Rail.","It is standardized in IEC 61784-3.","The protocol is suitable for safety applications with a safety integrity level up to SIL 3.","The communication system operates as part of a Black Channel and is not considered safety-relevant."],"sources":[{"url":"https://www.ethercat.org/en/safety.html","title":"Safety over EtherCAT (FSoE)","accessed":"2026-10-25"}],"verification":{"status":"source_checked","checked_at":"2026-10-25","values":7,"method":"llm_source_check"},"updated_at":"2026-10-25","type":"protocol","spec":{"transports":["ethernet_l2","other"],"architecture":"master_slave","encoding":"binary","default_ports":[],"data_types":[{"name":"Safety Container","description":"Contains safety-critical process data and additional information used to secure this data; transported as part of process data."}],"standard_body":"IEC","standard_ref":"IEC 61784-3","related":["ethercat","iec-61508"]},"url":"https://machineschema.com/protocol/fsoe","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"}