Decentralised machine control

The PSS4000 automation system and PAS4000 software suite provides integration of safety, standard and motion control, as well as visualisation and diagnostics. All data is conveyed via a SafetyNET p ethernet-based industrial fieldbus network.

Three classes of PSS4000 hardware device are being launched, all designed to withstand shock and vibration as well as temperatures of -40 to +70 °C. The PSSuniversal PLC is a programmable controller for safety and standard control functions. Up to 64 I/O modules can be connected for communicating with safety and standard devices. Each PSSu PLC features an integral power supply, an ethernet switch and two ethernet ports. Configuration and program data is stored on an SD card for quick transfer to other systems. For smaller or less complex applications, the PSSuniversal multi is effectively a functional expansion of the existing Pilz PNOZmulti modular safety controller. PSSuniversal I/O modules provide remote I/O connections for safety and standard devices, with two ethernet ports, an ethernet switch and a SafetyNET p interface.

These three types of head unit can be used in virtually any combination within a single overall system, and each head unit can be fitted with a wide variety of safety and standard I/O modules. Up to five head units can be connected using link modules, with a maximum separation between head units of 100 m.

Pilz has developed two speed classes of SafetyNET p: RTFN (real-time frame network) for fieldbus class communication and for networking individual production cells with processing cycles of approximately 1 ms; and RTFL (real-time frame line) for real-time communication in highly dynamic applications where a guaranteed scan time of 62.5 µs or less is required. Both speed classes are compatible with each other and may be used separately or in combination.