Emerson Expands Safety Portfolio with Launch of PACSystems™ RX3i CPS400 Safety Controller
Emerson has introduced the PACSystems™ RX3i CPS400 Safety Controller, a next-generation solution engineered to support Safety Integrity Level 2 (SIL2) strategies across a broad spectrum of mission-critical applications. These include infrastructure protection, fire and gas monitoring, burner management systems, and emergency shutdown operations. The new controller combines compact design, high performance, strong cybersecurity features, and flexible scalability, making it particularly well-suited for modern projects that must balance complex automation demands with rigorous safety requirements.
Meeting Modern Safety and Compliance Demands
As industries advance toward increasingly sophisticated and data-driven automation, the pressure on original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and system integrators has grown substantially. Safety and regulatory compliance are no longer optional—they are essential to protecting workers, facilities, and communities. From discrete equipment installations to large, distributed processing systems, today’s organizations must have reliable safety hardware and software tools that can scale with project requirements while maintaining compliance with international safety standards.
The PACSystems RX3i CPS400 directly addresses this need by offering a scalable architecture capable of handling up to 2,000 I/O points. This ensures the controller can be adapted to support both small-scale and highly complex applications, giving businesses confidence that their safety infrastructure can evolve alongside operational demands.
High-Performance Architecture
At the heart of the new safety controller is a 64-megabyte memory capacity paired with a highly flexible digital architecture. This combination enables the system to support a wide variety of safety and automation applications, even under demanding conditions.
To facilitate seamless integration into modern industrial environments, the controller comes equipped with a suite of built-in industrial communication protocols, including:
- OPC UA for secure, standardized data exchange,
- Ethernet Global Data (EGD) for peer-to-peer communications, and
- Modbus TCP for compatibility with a wide range of automation systems.
These capabilities ensure that the controller can connect both horizontally across devices and vertically with higher-level hosts, delivering comprehensive operational visibility across safety and automation systems.
Cybersecurity and Secure-by-Design Approach
Cybersecurity continues to be a pressing concern for industrial operators, and Emerson has built the RX3i CPS400 with security as a foundational element. The controller incorporates Secure Boot® technology and adheres to the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) standard, protecting the system against unauthorized code execution and safeguarding critical data integrity.
Additionally, the platform leverages safety-certified function blocks and pre-configured templates that simplify system certification in line with the IEC 61511 standard, reducing engineering time and ensuring compliance without sacrificing system flexibility.
Flexible Configurations and Connectivity
The RX3i CPS400 Safety Controller is available in simplex or redundant configurations, giving users the ability to design solutions based on their specific risk tolerance and reliability requirements. Safety data messaging is supported via duplex communications using the black channel principle over EGD, enabling standardized and secure connectivity with Emerson’s PACSystems VersaMax™ SafetyNet I/O system.
The controller is also fully IEC 61508 safety-certified, reinforcing its credibility as a SIL2-capable solution for building safety architectures in diverse industries such as oil and gas, power generation, and manufacturing.
Streamlined Development with Familiar Tools
Another key advantage of the PACSystems RX3i CPS400 is its compatibility with Emerson’s PAC Machine Edition development environment. This software suite provides developers with a unified toolchain for configuring programmable logic controllers (PLCs), operator interfaces, and safety components.
By utilizing familiar software in a user-friendly environment, developers and engineers can streamline their project workflows, reduce development complexity, and accelerate time-to-market. The result is a more efficient path to creating integrated automation, visualization, and safety solutions that are both robust and compliant with global standards.
Emerson’s Commitment to Safety Innovation
The launch of the PACSystems RX3i CPS400 marks another milestone in Emerson’s continued focus on providing reliable, secure, and scalable safety solutions. By combining cutting-edge safety features, cybersecurity protections, and ease of integration, the new controller helps organizations design automation systems that not only meet today’s regulatory standards but also anticipate future operational demands.
“Adding the PACSystems RX3i CPS400 Safety Controller to our extensive portfolio of safety products, we continue to deliver tools users need to create compliant safety systems that are easily developed and integrated into sophisticated automation solutions,” said Daniel Smith, Senior Product Manager with Emerson’s discrete automation business.
