Postgraduate Diploma in Safe Architectures and Stop Functions
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in Safe Architectures and Stop Functions. 8 modules covering IEC 60204-1:2016, IEC 61800-5-2:2016 and TIA Portal Safety. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Apply safe design principles to machine control systems.
Select the appropriate stop category according to IEC 60204-1.
Configure safety functions integrated into drives.
Size protective devices and safety distances.
Design distributed safety architectures over industrial networks.
Integrate stop functions into robotic cells.
Verify stopping times and the operation of safety functions.
Who it's for
- Machinery safety engineer who wants to specialise in Safe Architectures and Stop Functions.
- Automation electrical designer who wants to specialise in Safe Architectures and Stop Functions.
- Safety PLC programmer who wants to specialise in Safe Architectures and Stop Functions.
- Robotics integrator who wants to specialise in Safe Architectures and Stop Functions.
- Commissioning technician who wants to specialise in Safe Architectures and Stop Functions.
- Industrial safety consultant who wants to specialise in Safe Architectures and Stop Functions.
- Graduates in engineering or sciences seeking to enter machinery manufacturing.
What you'll work with
- IEC 60204-1:2016
- IEC 61800-5-2:2016
- ISO 13849-1:2023
- ISO 13850:2015
- ISO 14119:2013
- ISO 13855:2010
- IEC 61496-1
- ISO 10218-2:2025
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Intrinsic safety, guards and complementary measures1.2Fail-safe principle and de-energisation1.3Redundancy, diversity and monitoring1.4Separation between standard and safety control1.5Wired and networked safety signals1.6Safety relays and safety PLCs1.7Contactors with guided contacts1.8Manual and automatic reset logic1.9Prevention of unexpected start-up according to ISO 141181.10Case study: analysis of the safety circuit of an existing machine
2.1Category 0 stop by immediate power removal2.2Category 1 controlled stop with subsequent power removal2.3Category 2 stop with maintained power2.4Selecting the category according to risk2.5Emergency stop versus operational stop2.6Stopping times and safety distances2.7Mechanical brakes and electrical braking2.8Stopping time tests2.9Electrical equipment requirements for machinery2.10Workshop: selecting stop categories on a production line
3.1STO, SS1 and SS2 functions of IEC 61800-5-23.2Safe operating stop SOS3.3Safely-limited speed SLS3.4Safe direction SDI and safely-limited position SLP3.5Safe brake control SBC3.6Safety encoders and feedback3.7Integration via PROFIsafe and CIP Safety3.8Parameterisation of functions in drives3.9Response to encoder fault3.10Laboratory: configuring STO and SS1 on a servo drive
4.1Interlocks according to ISO 141194.2Guard locking and holding force4.3Bypass techniques and their prevention4.4Type 4 photoelectric barriers according to IEC 614964.5Laser scanners and protective fields4.6Safety mats and sensitive edges4.7Distance calculation according to ISO 138554.8Muting and blanking on barriers4.9Enabling devices and sensitive controls4.10Practice: calculating the minimum distance of a barrier
5.1Black channel safety protocols5.2PROFIsafe and its communication model5.3CIP Safety over EtherNet/IP5.4FSoE on EtherCAT networks5.5Monitoring times and watchdog5.6Safe addressing and F-addresses5.7Distributed safety in large lines5.8Zone-based stops and grouping of functions5.9Cybersecurity of safety networks5.10Workshop: PROFIsafe architecture for a line with three zones
6.1Stop functions on robots according to ISO 102186.2Power and force limiting6.3Speed and separation monitoring6.4Safe zones and Cartesian limits6.5Robot safety controllers6.6Integration of the robot into the cell6.7Operating modes and safe selection6.8Protective and emergency stops on robots6.9Validation of the robotic cell6.10Case study: safe zones in a palletising cell
7.1Measuring total stopping time7.2Stop measurement instruments7.3Verification of STO and brakes7.4Periodic testing and proof testing7.5Documenting test results7.6Fault analysis during testing7.7Checking diagnostics7.8Maintenance of safety devices7.9Managing system modifications7.10Practice: stopping time test with a meter
8.1Description of the machine and operating modes8.2Identification of required stop functions8.3Selection of protective devices8.4Design of the electrical and network architecture8.5Configuration of functions in drives8.6Calculation of distances and times8.7Stop verification plan8.8Analysis of results and improvements8.9Report and presentation8.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100 % online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine study with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is TIA Portal Safety, Sick Safety Designer, Pilz PNOZmulti Configurator, Rockwell Studio 5000 with GuardLogix, SISTEMA from the IFA, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for measuring stopping times on a press, configuring STO and SLS functions on drives, and calculating distances for photoelectric barriers. Assessment is continuous per module, plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Apply safe design principles to machine control systems.
Select the appropriate stop category according to IEC 60204-1.
Configure safety functions integrated into drives.
Size protective devices and safety distances.
Design distributed safety architectures over industrial networks.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient level of Spanish to follow the reading of technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme comprises 800 hours in total, spread over 6 to 8 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
The course works with TIA Portal Safety, Sick Safety Designer, Pilz PNOZmulti Configurator, Rockwell Studio 5000 with GuardLogix, SISTEMA from the IFA. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
An own diploma from SEIUM on passing the continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are credited towards the higher programme. Check the credit transfer policy when you enrol.
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