Platform is economical for control and safety

A Pilz Automation Technology product story

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team May 31, 2006

A decentralised, modular I/O and control platform is economical for standard control functions and/or safety-related functions in mid-range and high-end automation projects.

Pilz is launching a decentralised, modular I/O and control platform, known as PSSuniversal, that is economical for standard control functions and/or safety-related functions in mid-range and high-end automation projects.

Thanks to intelligent dovetailing of standard control functions and safety functions - such as "enable" switching and block switching - standard and safety functions can be combined within one system without the need for feedback.

PSSuniversal's benefit lies in the overall concept: standard control functions and safety functions are carefully united, yet they remain separated in order to maintain the integrity of the safety-related functions.

Furthermore, the system's high modularity offers users excellent flexibility; tailored systems can easily be created, modified or expanded at any time.

A maximum of 64 input/output modules for safety-related and standard applications can be installed in any order alongside a single PSSuniversal head module.

Flexibility is achieved by means of a series of head modules that are combined with base modules; the electronic modules are installed on to these base modules, enabling the system to be matched to the specific requirements of each application.

With each I/O module handling only two or four I/O, customers only pay for modules that they actually use.

To help users integrate the decentralised PSSuniversal platform within a complex system, communication via all common standard fieldbus protocols is supported, as well as SafetyBus p, the fail-safe, open industrial fieldbus system.

Users can therefore create a structure of decentralised inputs and outputs with pure standard control functions or - when SafetyBus p is employed - with pure safety functions.

Alternatively, both standard and safety-related control functions can be combined, such as might be required for an enable function or a block switching function.

Block switching is used to safely shut down specific PSSuniversal modules.

This enables users to build safety-related control systems with different safety categories, depending on the circuit design and wiring, or separate safety zones can be created.

A wide portfolio of input and output modules is already available for the standard (automation control) section for the economic implementation of automation functions.

In the safety section, electronic modules are available for inputs and semiconductor outputs with various currents and for different safety categories.

In addition, relay outputs are also available.

analogue I/O modules are offered for the transfer of process signals, which presents opportunities in the semiconductor industry and for those using burner management systems.

In the future, the PSSuniversal will support a wider range of interfaces to accept analogue signals.

These include standard inputs and outputs for current and voltage signals, as well as incremental rotary encoders and SSI (synchronous serial interface) formats.

Furthermore, additional head modules for Ethernet-based concepts are planned for launch soon.

Indeed, the openness of the PSSuniversal concept with regard to control and/or communication protocols means that customers can be confident that they are investing in a future-proof I/O and control platform.

In terms of its safety credentials, the PSSuniversal's design meets the requirements of Category 4 in accordance with BS EN954-1, SIL 3 in accordance with IEC61508 and Performance Level e in accordance with prEN ISO13849-1, as well as other international standards.

Furthermore, the German engineering trade association BG has granted concept approval and confirmed that the PSSuniversal system meets international safety requirements.

The control platform's mixed design means that savings can be demonstrated for users, even in the planning phase.

This is primarily a result of the fact that cross-wiring is eliminated and fewer components are required.

Resources required for installation, programming and servicing can also be drastically reduced.

In summary, the PSSuniversal is a versatile, scaleable, future-proof I/O and control platform that can be easily integrated within machinery or process control systems.

It enables machine builders and system integrators to save costs through a reduced requirement for engineering resource and by virtue of the fact that customers only pay for what they need.