Posted to News on 7th Mar 2024, 16:00
Configurable small controller now with FailSafe over EtherCAT connection
For efficient production, it should be possible to seamlessly integrate safety concepts into machine concepts. That is why the PNOZmulti 2 configurable safe small controller from Pilz supports the open communication system EtherCAT in combination with the safe protocol Safety-over-EtherCAT FSoE (FailSafe over EtherCAT).
(See Pilz at MachineBuilding.Live, 2 October 2024, on stand 41)
As a result, PNOZmulti 2 enables the transfer of both control and safety-related information, thereby achieving efficiency in production. So PNOZmulti 2 now offers flexible, economical expansion options when connecting safety-related plant structures.
From Version 11.3 of the PNOZmulti Configurator software tool, the safe small controller PNOZmulti 2 can easily be configured as an FSoE Master, FSoE Slave and also EtherCAT-Slave. Up to four Master-Master and up to 60 Master-Slave connections are possible with the EtherCAT FSoE communication module, in conjunction with the base unit PNOZ m B1.
This way it is simple to implement and expand flexible plant structures with a one-cable solution at fieldbus level. As a result, the certified safety system not only provides a high degree of safety but also efficiency for plant and machinery.
With PNOZmulti 2 as an FSoE Master, it is easy to implement safety-related networking with the Pilz PSENradar safe radar sensor and PMC (Pilz Motion Control) safe drive technology both with FSoE functionality. The one-cable solution is also used here to incorporate FSoE-capable actuators and sensors flexibly into the network. As FSoE Master, PNOZmulti 2 combines monitoring of all of an applications safety functions in one device from E-STOP and safety gate to light curtains and establishes connections to safe Slaves in the network. This minimises the wiring effort and saves costs. Comprehensive diagnostic options also ensure minimal downtimes, making production economical.
The Safety-over-EtherCAT (FSoE) protocol was defined in order to implement safe data transfer for EtherCAT. FSoE enables the transfer of safety and non-safety-related information in the EtherCAT communication system. As a result, in accordance with IEC 61508, FSoE is suitable for safety applications up to SIL 3.
