The Modicon M580 ePAC and Safety PLC both use the same Modicon X80 I/O range and EcoStruxure™ Control expert (formerly known as "Unity Pro") software for programming and configuration. Process controllers (not safety Controllers) can also be applied as part of the EcoStruxure™ Hybrid DCS (formerly known as PES) system.

The high-end Modicon M580 Ethernet Programmable Automation Controller (ePAC) features redundant controllers, safety controllers (safety PLC) with native Ethernet, and cybersecurity embedded in its core. It brings:

• Native Ethernet capabilities
• High performance
• High availability for processors (including Safety processors) & networks
• Common Safety SIL3 rating available (with M580 Safety PLC, Safety X80 I/Os including safety power supplies and capability to connect CIP Safety devices on Ethernet)
• Enhanced cyber-security
• More flexibility in design and greater agility for your operations
• Smooth modernization solutions

Reduce time to market

• Design and commission systems quickly with EcoStruxure Control Expert
• Hardware and software modernization tools for fast, low-risk upgrades

Improve Reliability and Sustainability

• High availability with redundant CPUs and intelligent power supplies to achieve close to zero downtime for critical applications
• Configure and change on-the-fly (CCOF)
  • Add new RIO drops or new modules in the architecture
  • Hot swap modules
  • Modify channel configuration parameters, applications or change variables

Manage Cybersecurity and Operating Risk

• IPsec communications protocol
• Achilles Level 2 certified Cybersecurity
• Built-in monitoring of firmware and software integrity
• SIL3 Common Safety including connection with CIP Safety devices

Improve Productivity with High Performance

• High level of computing power for increasingly data-intensive processes
• Up to 64 MB memory — typically 8 times more than legacy ranges
• Application response time up to 10 times compared with legacy ranges

Increase Operating Profitability due to Improved Access to Data

• With a built-in Ethernet backbone, the M580 architecture interconnects all your devices and provides continuous communication flow to reap IIoT benefits
• High performance 100 Mbps speed across the network