Rockwell Automation Publication 1791ES-UM001G-EN-P - November 2016 17
Safety Function Operation Chapter 1
Set Dual-channel Mode and Discrepancy Time
To support redundant channel safety devices, the consistency between signals 
on two channels can be evaluated. Either equivalent or complementary can be 
selected. This function monitors the time during which there is a discrepancy 
between the two channels.
If the length of the discrepancy exceeds the configured discrepancy time, the 
safety input data and the individual-safety input status turn off for both 
channels. The configured discrepancy time is 0…65,530 ms in increments of 
10 ms.
Table 2
 shows the relation between input terminal states and controller input 
data and status.
Dual-channels, Equivalent
In Equivalent mode, both inputs of a pair must typically be in the same 
(equivalent) state. When a transition occurs in one channel of the pair, before 
the transition of the second channel of the pair, a discrepancy occurs. If the 
second channel transitions to the appropriate state before the discrepancy time 
elapses, the inputs are considered equivalent. If the second transition does not 
IMPORTANT The dual-channel function is used with two consecutive inputs that are 
paired together, this process starts at an even input number, such as 
inputs 0 and 1; 2 and 3; and so on.
IMPORTANT Do not set the discrepancy time longer than necessary. The purpose of 
the discrepancy time is to allow for normal differences between contact 
switching when demands are placed on safety inputs. For this testing to 
operate correctly, only one demand on the safety input is expected 
during the discrepancy time. If the discrepancy time is set too high, and 
multiple demands occur during this time, then both safety input 
channels will fault.
Table 2 - Terminal Input Status and Controller I/O Data
Dual-channel Mode Input Terminal Controller Input Data and Status Dual- channel
Resultant
Data
Dual-channel
Resultant
Status
IN0 IN1 Safety 
Input 0 Data
Safety 
Input 1 Data
Safety
Input 0 Status
Safety 
Input 1 Status
Dual-channels, Equivalent OFF OFF OFF OFF ON ON OFF Normal
OFF ON OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF Fault
ON OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF Fault
ON ON ON ON ON ON ON Normal
Dual-channels, Complementary OFF OFF OFF ON OFF OFF OFF Fault
OFF ON OFF ON ON ON OFF Normal
ON OFF ON OFF ON ON ON Normal
ON ON OFF ON OFF OFF OFF Fault