Ensuring secure digital access to plant and machinery

A new addition to the Pilz range of Industrial Access Management solutions, the Control Element PIT oe USB, now makes the use of USB ports possible in a secure way, preventing the possibility of machine tampering.

For security and to prevent machine/production tampering, a common solution is to disable or remove USB port access to the control systems of plant and machinery. Albeit effective, this does create a hindrance for key activities such as upgrades, maintenance and service.

The activatable USB 2.0 host interface on the Control Element PIT oe USB enables tamper-proof import of programs and removal of data. A keyboard or mouse can also be connected. The USB port is activated via a 24 V signal; the ‘ready for operation’ state is displayed via the LED ring. When not activated, the port is functionally isolated.

In combination with an authentication system, for example the RFID authentication system PITreader, activation is only possible with the appropriate permission, enabling access only to authorised personnel. When not in use, a cover protects the compact, robust control element to IP65.