Siemens has developed a failsafe software controller that allows safety-related tasks to be performed on a PC. The Windows XP or embedded XP-based Simatic WinAC RTX F controller has a runtime system optimised to process control tasks simultaneously with PC applications. It meets the requirements of Cat 4 (EN 954-1), SIL3 (IEC 62061) and PL e (EN ISO 13849-1).

The controller is suitable for high-performance tasks involving large volumes of data and simultaneous real-time requirements. In dual-core PC systems, one core is used for Windows applications, and the other for Simatic WinAC RTX F.

The system is programmed using Step 7, supplemented by a distributed safety package for safety-related applications. It can be installed on any x86 PC hardware platform. Siemens is also offering versions preinstalled on failsafe modular embedded controllers in rail-mounting PC and Simatic S7-300 formats.