Yaskawa Electric Corporation (Head Office: Kita-Kyushu, Fukuoka, Japan; Representative Director, Chairman and President: Hiroshi Ogasawara) has launched a Network Safety Option Card (NSO) (Model: JOHB-NSC3-MA) enabling CIP Safety communication over EtherNet/IP Networks for its AC drive product lineup, as of August 31, 2026.

The new NSO supports the GA700, GA800 (available only in the U.S.), CR700 and GA500 drive series and provides network-based safety capabilities including STO (Safe Torque Off) and SS1-t (Safe Stop 1, time-controlled). By integrating safety communication into standard industrial Ethernet networks, the solution simplifies machine design by reducing wiring requirements, engineering effort, and commissioning time. It also helps customers comply with international functional safety standards while lowering system and installation costs, improving operational efficiency, and supporting smarter manufacturing environments.

As manufacturers accelerate automation and digital transformation initiatives, the need for functional safety solutions that enhance both equipment safety and operational efficiency continues to grow. At the same time, compliance with international safety standards is becoming increasingly important, particularly in the European market, where it is often a prerequisite for market entry.

Conventional safety systems typically require dedicated safety wiring for emergency-stop switches and safety relays, resulting in increased engineering effort, wiring complexity and equipment installation costs.

The new NSO addresses these challenges by enabling safety communications over EtherNet/IP networks using the CIP Safety protocol. This allows customers to build safer and more efficient systems while simplifying network architecture. Additionally, the NSO can be retrofitted to compatible AC drives already installed in the field, enabling customers to enhance safety performance while maximizing the value of their existing equipment.

(1) CIP Safety over Ethernet/IP

The NSO enables certified safety communications over EtherNet/IP networks, allowing safety signals to be transmitted over the same network infrastructure used for standard control communications. In addition, the status of safety devices can be monitored via the network, enabling faster fault diagnosis and improved maintenance efficiency.

(2) Simplified System Architecture
By reducing the need for external safety relays and dedicated safety wiring, the solution helps minimize panel complexity, lower system and installation costs, and accelerate system commissioning.

(3) Integrated Functional Safety Functions
The NSO supports the following safety functions complying with IEC 61800-5-2:

Conveyors, packaging machinery, machine tools, robotic systems, automated production lines and other industrial equipment requiring safety functions.

Order started on August 31, 2026.

<Notes on Communication Network Trademarks>
EtherNet/IP is a trademark of ODVA, Inc.

Ethernet is a trademark of FUJIFILM Business Innovation Corp.

For inquires, contact:

Corporate Communications Dept.

YASKAWA Electric Corporation

E-mail: pr@yaskawa.co.jp