Sistema Library - Beckhoff

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

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). beckhoff sistema library

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

The Beckhoff SISTEMA library is a digital data collection designed for the free SISTEMA software utility (Safety Integrity Software Tool for the Evaluation of Machine Applications). It provides machine builders and safety engineers with the reliability values and technical parameters needed to calculate the Performance Level (PL) of machine control systems according to the DIN EN ISO 13849-1 standard. Key Functions and Benefits

Safety Modeling: The library allows you to model safety functions before they are physically built or evaluate them after realization to ensure compliance.

Reliability Data: It contains product-specific data for Beckhoff safety components, including failure rates and diagnostic coverage, which are essential for determining the achieved PL.

Streamlined Verification: By importing these pre-defined libraries, engineers avoid manual data entry, reducing the risk of errors during safety calculations. How to Access and Use the Library

Download: You can find the SISTEMA libraries on the Beckhoff Download finder by searching for "SISTEMA" or browsing the dedicated safety documentation area. Importing into SISTEMA: Open the SISTEMA software. Go to the Library menu and select Import.

Locate the downloaded Beckhoff .slb (SISTEMA Library) or .xml file to add the components to your local database. The Beckhoff SISTEMA library is a collection of

Application: Drag and drop Beckhoff components (like TwinSAFE terminals) from the library into your safety function project to automatically populate reliability values. Integration with TwinSAFE

While the SISTEMA library is used for external safety verification, Beckhoff’s TwinSAFE system handles the actual implementation of safety logic. The TwinSAFE application guide provides a collection of pre-certified samples that can be paired with SISTEMA calculations to speed up the certification process.

For further technical support or complex system design, the Beckhoff Information System offers comprehensive manuals and version history for all safety-related products. TwinSAFE project design | Beckhoff Worldwide

Here’s a structured, critical review of the Beckhoff System library (Tc2_System) — which is often what users mean when they refer to the “sistema” library (from the Italian/Spanish word for “system”).

2. Strengths (What’s good)

  • Direct OS/PLC core access – Can control the TwinCAT runtime state, read CPU load, manage files on the target.
  • Low overhead – Most FBs are thin wrappers around ADS or OS calls.
  • No external dependencies – Works on any Beckhoff PLC.
  • Deterministic (if used correctly) – No hidden heavy operations unless you misuse file I/O inside a fast task.

7. Final Verdict

| Aspect | Rating (1–5) | |--------|---------------| | Reliability (if used correctly) | ⭐⭐⭐ | | Real-time safety | ⭐⭐ | | Documentation | ⭐⭐ (outdated examples) | | Security | ⭐ | | Modern compatibility | ⭐ (deprecated) |

Conclusion:
It’s a necessary evil for legacy systems, but avoid for new development. Use Tc3_System and dedicated libraries (Tc3_File, Tc3_EventLogger) for robust, real-time-safe applications.

If you have a specific use case (e.g., reading a config file once at boot, or monitoring CPU load), I can give you a safe implementation example.

The Beckhoff SISTEMA library provides safety-related characteristic values for Beckhoff's TwinSAFE components, allowing users to model and verify safety functions within the IFA SISTEMA software utility. These libraries are essential for calculating the Performance Level (PL) of machine control systems according to DIN EN ISO 13849-1. Accessing the Library Direct OS/PLC core access – Can control the

Direct Download: The libraries are available in the Beckhoff Download Directory under the path /automation/twinsafe/SISTEMA.

Format: The data is typically provided in the VDMA 66413 universal database format, which is a standardized XML format for exchanging safety parameters between manufacturers and analysis tools like SISTEMA.

Download Finder: You can also use the Beckhoff Download Finder by searching for "SISTEMA" or specific hardware component names. download/document/automation/twinsafe/SISTEMA - Beckhoff

A Practical Example: Filling a Tank

Let’s walk through a simple example: a tank filling process with an inlet valve, a drain valve, and a level sensor.

Without Sistema (CASE statement):

CASE iStep OF
    0: // Idle
        bInlet := FALSE; bDrain := FALSE;
        IF bStart THEN iStep := 10; END_IF
    10: // Fill
        bInlet := TRUE;
        tonFill(IN:= (bLevelHigh), PT:= T#5S);
        IF tonFill.Q THEN iStep := 20; END_IF
    // ... and so on for mixing, draining, etc.
END_CASE

With Sistema:

  1. Create an FB_StepChain instance.
  2. Define steps: stIdle, stFill, stMix, stDrain.
  3. Define transitions: trStart, trFull, trMixed, trEmpty.
  4. Configure the chain.
  5. Inside stFill.Action(): bInlet := TRUE;.
  6. Inside trFull.Condition(): RETURN bLevelHigh OR stFill.tTimer.Q;

The result is modular, self-documenting code. If you need to insert a "Heat" step between Fill and Mix, you simply add a new step and adjust transitions. You don't risk breaking the CASE logic's index order.

6. Benefits of the SISTEMA Library

Troubleshooting Tips

  • Check TwinCAT message/trace logs and EtherCAT device states for device mapping issues.
  • Confirm PLC library and runtime versions; rebuild all projects after library updates.
  • Use TwinCAT System Manager’s online device tree to verify addresses and parameterization.
  • Revert to example project to isolate whether issues stem from custom code or library usage.

Part 1: What is the Beckhoff Sistema Library?

Compatibility & Integration Notes

  • TwinCAT 3 is the common development environment; confirm whether Sistema targets TwinCAT 2 or 3.
  • Ensure ADS and EtherCAT network configurations match the library’s expected I/O mapping.
  • For cloud integrations, verify MQTT/OPC UA certificates and network firewall/opening requirements.

5.2 Integration with TwinSAFE

The library is not a replacement for TwinSAFE logic (which runs on EL6900 terminals). Instead, it is a validation overlay. You can pass parameters from TwinSAFE safety inputs (via ADS communication) into the Tc3_Sistema function block running on the standard PLC core.