Method and safety circuit for safe limiting of electrical power consumption

A method for a safe limiting of a consumption of electrical power in an electrical component of a field device, wherein the electrical component receives the electrical power via an electrical input path from a superordinated unit, the method comprising:

• controlling the consumption of the electrical power by separating the electrical input path from the superordinated unit by a safety circuit according to a predetermined clocking, wherein the clocking is controlled by a control signal sent to the safety circuit;
• in the case of no control signal, durably separating the electrical input path from the superordinated unit by the safety circuit;
• and
• in the case of a defective control signal, limiting the electrical power by the safety circuit.

A safety circuit for a safe limiting of consumption of electrical power in an electrical component of a field device, wherein the electrical component receives the electrical power via an electrical input path from a superordinated unit, comprising:

• at least one switch arranged in the electrical input path for clocked separating of the input path from the superordinated unit;
• a signal input for a control signal;
• and
• a control circuit configured to control the at least one switch such that the at least one switch:
• separates the input path from the superordinated unit as a function of the control signal according to a predetermined clocking;
• in the case of no control signal, durably separates the electrical input path from the superordinated unit;
• and
• in the case of a defective control signal, limits the electrical power by separating the input path from the superordinated unit for at least a predefined minimum off time,
• wherein a superordinated unit is provided for producing the control signal.