Yokogawa ProSafeRS 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 Yokogawa ProSafeRS 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.

Yokogawa ProSafeRS

Istec SpeedSys 300

Proven-in-use

The Yokogawa ProSafeRS is not certified-by-design, only proven-in-use.

Certified-by-design

The Istec SpeedSys 300® is certified-by-design, its functional safety claims demonstrated through a certified IEC 61508 development and validation process.

System‑integrated protection concept

Standalone protection is not specified as a dedicated function, given the ProSafeRS’ reliance on a full system supporting its overspeed protection.

Standalone protection concept

Each SpeedSys® 300 module performs a complete overspeed protection function independently, clearly separating protection functionality from control and monitoring systems.

Integrated redundancy approach

Redundancy is implemented at system level through rack‑based architecture, dual‑redundant power supplies and configurable cross‑channel voting. Overspeed protection can be implemented using high‑integrity 2oo3 voting configurations within the system.

Modular redundancy approach

Redundancy can be implemented using multiple SpeedSys units, supporting flexible 1oo1, 1oo2, or 2oo3 architectures.

Separate voting and safety outputs

Safety relays and a safety‑related analog output are available directly on the device, reducing external safety hardware.

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 Yokogawa ProSafeRS has been built to have a compact size and ability to slot into space-constrained installations.

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 ProSafeRS uses SIS communication software, allowing it to use it separately for diagnostics and monitoring.

Communication for diagnostics

Modbus RTU over RS‑485 is provided for monitoring and diagnostics only and is not part of the safety function.

Centralized installation concept

The focus of the ProSafeRS is not on it being one cohesive overspeed protection system, requiring multiple modules or the backup of a supporting system.

Standalone and distributed installation

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.

Both the SpeedSys 300® and the Yokogawa ProSafeRS are fit for API 670 environments.

Only the SpeedSys 300 supports 2oo3 voting. The Yokogawa ProSafeRS supports 1oo2 and 2oo2 voting.

AspectYokogawa ProSafe-RSIstec SpeedSys® 300
Key featuresSIS for ESD/F&G/BMS applications, dual redundant architecture, Modbus and TCP supportOverspeed, underspeed, and acceleration protection, SIL2/3 capability, safety relays and safety analog output, external voting, Modbus RS-485
Number of relaysModular I/O output, exact amount of channels is dependent on module type. 30 VDC maximum switching capacity2 safety relays (DPST), 2 non-safety relays (SPST), 1 safety 4-20 mA analog output, 1 frequency output. 30 VDC maximum switching capacity. Binary input/output and Modbus RS-485
Frequency range100 Hz to 32 kHz0.025 Hz to 35 kHz
Hardware response time< 30 ms< 8 ms
Number of inputs ( active)Unknown, with exact amount of inputs depending on module type1 input per module (only one sensor input active at a time)
Voting systemUp to 2oo2 included in votingUp to 2oo3 included in voting
OutputsExact number of outputs unknown, dependent on module type• 1 × safety‑rated 4–20 mA analog output • 1 × binary output • 1 × frequency output • Modbus RTU (RS‑485, diagnostics only)
Input voltage24 VDC24 VDC (18 – 36 VDC), dual-redundant power supply
Functional safetyHas SIL_capabilities, but is not rated fully as a SIL-capable deviceSIL 2 / SIL 3 capable; functional safety embedded in system design
Stand-alone protection Complete overspeed protection, but not independently of a systemYes – each module performs a complete overspeed protection function independently
Relay informationModular I/O output, rest is dependent on module type2 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 mountingNot listedOptional 19‑inch rack for mechanical mounting only; no shared backplane or internal bus
Reverse scalabilityNo reverse scalability listed, which would be with increased difficulty because of necessary system integrationScalable from single module (SIL 2) to redundant
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