With the all new PSS4000, Pilz Australia have launched a solution for all machine automation control and safety functions including motion control, diagnostics and visualisation. The primary aim of PSS 4000 is to simplify the decentralisation of control functions and reduce engineering work through the PAS4000 (Pilz Automation Suite), a new software platform which plays a key role in the system. It enables users to retain a centralised perspective of decentralised, distributed control structures. The PSS4000 automation system can be used across a whole range of industries for applications of any size.
With the PSS4000 automation system, Pilz Australia can provide solutions that comprise safety and standard control technology. The PSS4000 is designed as an automation system for all industries: for mechanical engineering and the manufacturing sector alike. It is a system that is easy to operate and considers the requirements for safety of man and machine from the outset.
PSS4000 provides users the benefits of a decentralised control structure, without the increasing complexity normally involved. There are no interface problems associated with the connection of multiple control systems. When identical control programmes and sub-functions are used decentralisation can help to achieve a higher level of reusability and increase the level of standardisation. This in turn allows for a modular structure, so that identical components can be reused with minimum effort. The benefits can be seen in greater availability, due to local error reactions, and higher productivity as a result of shorter reaction times across the whole system.
The PAS4000 software platform is used for all programming and parameter setting functions that are fully compatible with standard data and user interfaces. This makes it easier to start working with or upgrade to PAS4000 and also help to avoid multiple entries. This minimises the error sources which are often associated with manual data entry. PAS4000 offers established programming languages in accordance with IEC61131-3. Pilz Australia have also developed the easy-to-use configuration tool for the PNOZmulti safety system and PASmulti, which provides its own editor and is user-friendly.
Component-oriented programming is a key aspect of the PAS4000 software platform. Tested software blocks for common functions are available in a library, which can be expanded as necessary. An added new feature is the ability to expand this library with the customised components. The benefit can be seen in the high reusability of pre-defined functions and the reduced programming and engineering work. Working with components means that programming can be separated from the hardware design, so that projects can be processed in parallel. Once the machine functions have been standardised by creating components within libraries, it is simple to design the overall structure of the machine a user wish to build, based on initial information. The detailed function can be determined later.
With PAS4000 software platform, standard control functions and, for the first time safety functions too, can be completely created and managed symbolically. This mapping will be extended to the hardware at a later stage. All SafetyNET p devices will have direct access to this system-wide mapping table. The benefit is greater flexibility when implementing an application. This will have a positive impact not only during commissioning but also when changes are made later, because there will be no need to change the wiring. Neither will there be any problem exchanging hardware. Symbolic descriptions and addressing of periphery signals, programmes and devices can be implemented across the board. Self-explanatory descriptions make it easier to find the way round the plant or machine when programming and during subsequent service functions.
The PSS4000 automation system is based on the PSSuniversal decentralised I/O system. Head modules in various performance ratings have been developed in the PSS4000's first expansion phase. These are available for all safety-related and standard control functions. Connection to real-time Ethernet SafetyNET p is always a permanent component. SafetyNET p is used to network all the control components and it transfers safety-related and non-safety-related data, as well as data for diagnostics, visualisation and motion control.
The PSS4000 automation system is an alternative to system solutions. When the PSS4000 was developed, the specific needs of safety technology were considered from the outset. The focus was on user-friendliness, high flexibility and universal support for the user during the whole engineering process. With PSS4000, automation functions in the areas of safety and standard can be easily implemented across a whole range of industries from small to medium-sized machinery, right through to large-scale plants.