Banner SSM-FM-11A vs Istec SpeedSys® 300
In turbomachinery, overspeed protection is critical to preventing failure and ensuring compliance. To help you come to the best decision in choosing the right system, we’ve put out a comparison. In this comparison, we’ll be looking at Banner’s SSM-FM-11A and the Istec SpeedSys® 300.
Why forward-thinking OEMs, integrators, and end users choose SpeedSys® 300
Established brands usually work with what’s already there for many years, not taking into account customer feedback and improvement points. Istec however, has built new systems from scratch to fulfill all your current day needs in machine protection and monitoring.
SSM-FM-11A
Istec SpeedSys 300
Proven-in-use
The SSM-FM-11A is not certified-by-design, only proven-in-use.
Certified-by-design
The SpeedSys® 300 is certified-by-design, with functional safety requirements embedded directly into the system architecture. SIL 2 and SIL 3 capability are integral to the product design rather than added later.
(Background on this approach: The difference between SIL certification by design and proven in use — Istec)
System‑integrated protection concept
The Banner SSM-FM-11A does not perform as an independent safety layer, but instead functions as a safe speed monitoring relay.
Standalone protection concept
The system operates as an independent safety layer, separating overspeed protection from control and monitoring functions.
Integrated redundancy approach
The SSM-FM-11A is not fully redundant, owing to its reliance on other systems or components.
Modular redundancy approach
Redundancy can be implemented using multiple SpeedSys units, supporting flexible 1oo1, 1oo2, or 2oo3 architectures.
Separate voting and safety outputs
The SSM-FM-11A functions as a single safety relay.
Integrated safety I/O
Safety relays and a safety‑related analog output are available directly on the device, reducing external safety hardware.
Backplane‑based system design
The SSM-FM-11A does not list any compatability with space-constrained installations or retrofit projects, nor with confined spaces.
Compact and practical design
Its compact footprint fits space‑constrained installations and retrofit projects, while maintaining full overspeed protection functionality within a single module.
Communication for diagnostics and integration
The SSM-FM-11A does not boast any Modbus integration or with any similar communication software for diagnostics and monitoring.
Communication for diagnostics
Modbus RTU over RS‑485 is provided for monitoring and diagnostics.
Centralized installation concept
Given the Banner SSM-FM-11A’s reliance on other systems or modules to form a complete protection, it cannot perform fully standalone.
Standalone and distributed installation
The SpeedSys® 300 is installed as a standalone device, mounted individually in a control or protection panel. Multiple SpeedSys units can be installed side‑by‑side to implement redundancy concepts, without requiring a shared rack, backplane, or central baseplate.
Lifetime Support
SpeedSys 300 delivers a clean architectural separation between control and trip logic ensuring uncompromised protection compared to integrated systems.
SIL3 by Design
Adapt as needed: from single-channel setups to fully redundant 2oo3 architectures, SpeedSys 300 supports stepwise scalability at every stage.
Compact Footprint and Seamless Integration
Engineered for space-limited panels and demanding environments, it’s ideal for both retrofits and new installations.
FAQ
Yes, it protects against underspeed, overspeed, and acceleration.
Yes, both products are 35 mm DIN-rail mountable.
Only the SpeedSys 300 supports 2oo3 voting. The SSM-FM-11A supports 2oo1 and 2oo2 voting.
Accuracy disclaimer
All of our comparison pages have been filled in to the best of our knowledge, using publicly available sources. However, we cannot guarantee that they are fully up-to-date or completely correct.
| Aspect | Banner SSM-FM-11A | Istec SpeedSys® 300 |
|---|---|---|
| Key features | Safe speed, underspeed and standstill monitoring, dual-channel safety monitoring | Overspeed, underspeed, and acceleration protection, SIL2/3 capability, safety relays and safety analog output, external voting, Modbus RS-485 |
| Number of relays | 2 safety relays plus auxiliary relay contacts | 2 safety relays (DPST), 2 non-safety relays (SPST) |
| Frequency range | 5 - 20,000 IPM | 0.0025 Hz to 35 kHz / 1.5 - 2,100,000 IPM |
| Hardware response time | < 350 ms (A20) < 700 ms (A10) | < 8 ms |
| Number of relays/outputs | 2 safety relays outputs plus auxiliary relay contacts, maximum switching capacity of 230 VAC | 2 safety relays (DPST), 2 non-safety relays (SPST), 1 safety 4-20 mA analog output, 1 frequency output, up to 30 VDC maximum switching capacity. Binary input/output and Modbus RS-485 |
| Voting system | Internal dual-channel architecture | Up to 2oo3 included in voting |
| Outputs | 2 safety relay outputs | • 1 × safety‑rated 4–20 mA analog output • 1 × binary output • 1 × frequency output • Modbus RTU (RS‑485, diagnostics only) |
| Input voltage | 24 VDC | 24 VDC (18 – 36 VDC), dual-redundant power supply |
| Functional safety | SIL-capable up to SIL 2 | SIL 2 / SIL 3 capable; functional safety embedded in system design |
| Stand-alone protection | Fulfils overspeed protection, but not independently of a system | Yes – each module performs a complete overspeed protection function independently |
| Relay information | 2 safety relay outputs and auxiliary relay contacts | 2 safety relays (DPST), 2 non-safety relays (SPST), 1 safety 4-20 mA analog output, 1 frequency output, up to 30 VDC maximum switching capacity. Binary input/output and Modbus RS-485 |
| Rack / backplane mounting | Rack or backplane mounting is not specified in available documentation | Optional 19‑inch rack for mechanical mounting only; no shared backplane or internal bus |
| Reverse scalability | No reverse scalability listed or specified | Scalable from single module (SIL 2) to redundant |
Istec ensures the availability and safety of your rotating machinery by providing the most convenient and accessible hardware solutions, delivered by the world’s leading vibration and speed sensing experts.