A multiplexed PDO, which allows to write data of object dictionary entries on a group of nodes simultaneously. The multiplexed PDO also has non-group applications. Some of these new mechanisms are also useful not only for intelligent or programmable devices. Therefore it is expected, that these probably will be included in a future revision of the CANopen Communication Profile. It is assumed, that a device with the need of safety-relevant communication can use all the other features defined by the communication profile.
Safety is an additional property of such devices.
Only special communication objects support safety, all other objects remain normal. The manufacturer and the system integrator shall take care, that the safety requirements are allocated to safe communication objects, that the hardware and software of the device support the safety function and that the device is operated within its safe limits. This framework describes only the data transport mechanism on a CANopen network, that allows the exchange of safety-relevant data. Due to CANopen compatibility communication is limited to 64 safe communication objects, so up to 64 suppliers of safety-relevant objects can operate in a CANopen network. All the above devices use communication techniques, which conform to those described in the CANopen Application Layer and Communication Profile.