PSS4000 automation systems available from Pilz Australia

The software platform's tools for programming and parameter setting functions are compatible with standard data and user interfaces. The PAS4000 automation system is based on standards such as the IEC61131-3 programming languages. The PAS4000 automation system features the easy to use PNOZmulti configurator. With this graphics editor, Pilz Australia have created a standard for safety-related programming. As a result of the expansions on the PAS4000 automation system, the graphics editor also known as the PAS multi is now flexible to use, serving as a central tool for networking the available automation components. The graphics editor is suitable for safety-related applications and for automation functions in a non-safety-related environment.

With the PSS4000 automation system, the hardware and software designs can begin immediately as the software can be developed independently of the hardware. The required hardware can also be developed faster, as the PSS4000 automation system enables the system and hardware development to run in parallel.

The following aspects need to be considered when selecting control components for the hardware:

• The cycle time a machine needs to achieve
• The operating and monitoring structure such as number of HMI devices and where to be installed
• Different type of devices for representing different aspects

The structure of the automation devices and programmable logic controller (PLC) should also be considered. The question of whether each individual machining station can have a PLC or whether several stations can be operated from a common control system is to be considered. As a result of the PSS4000 automation system’s structure and properties, decisions such as the selection of a PLC to suit the design can be postponed to a later point in the design phase. With the PSS4000 automation system, it is possible to concentrate on the design of the components required for the process, issues of performance and structure can take a back seat.

Along with the new hardware, the PSS4000 automation system offers a new programming tool, PAS4000, the Pilz Australia automation suite. The PSS4000 automation system features component-oriented programming. Earlier it was only possible to select ready-made safety blocks from libraries, but now it is also possible to create one’s own blocks, components and manage these in libraries.

The PAS4000 automation system provides the option to create components and to manage these within libraries. It has the option of assigning the components as "properties". These allow the parameters for the required functions to be set through drag and drop, as with the PNOZmulti Configurator. This is beneficial in terms of the standardisation of functions. Earlier the users had to ask themselves how many functions they could bundle into a block without adversely affecting clarity. In practice, the result was either a vast number of blocks, or too few blocks with a vast number of parameters.

With the PAS4000 automation system, the users “write” their optimum blocks, also called components and create a user level for its application, through which the various functions are selected. As a result, only the selected function is visible as a parameter. The block hides any complexity and remains easy to manage for the users.

The use of components has an additional advantage. Programming and hardware design can be split and can be run in parallel, not in sequence as before. It is a common practice for the software development only to start once the machine specification has been established. With the PSS4000 automation system, these processes can be split and run in parallel. As soon as the machine functions are standardised by creating components within libraries, the overall structure of the machine can be designed with some initial information. The detailed function of a component can be established later through the individual properties.

The components that the machine require can be roughly deduced from the initial project approval of all the functions. Detailed functions can be defined retrospectively through properties. To make it simpler, “aspects” have been defined as structure elements. Filter functions and its actual functions are issues that should be considered. Each component has additional tasks such as diagnostics or visualisation. It is possible, therefore, to concentrate on one task. Only this one task will be displayed in the editor. With such an approach, it is possible to add a mechatronic structure to the task structure.

The PSS4000 automation system offers an additional automation model, a set of rules for component interconnection. The automation model also considers issues such as operating mode, interlock, diagnostics or visualisation. As a result, the users have a tool which they can use to generate a complete automation solution.

With the PSS4000 automation system, the communication setup is no longer explicit, but implicit. All information is known and accessible equally to all network subscribers. Communication functions go beyond the norm, extending to data exchange between control systems and distribution of the application program across multiple control systems.

The system platform of the PAS4000 automation system offers supporting auxiliary functions. The compiler function runs in parallel to the software generation and ensures that invalid entries or structural errors are displayed immediately. Download times are reduced. The PAS4000 automation system can also run functions such as ToolTip, entry completion or suggestions for whole sections, similar to an “IF then Else structure”.

The PSS4000 automation system features an expanded editor, the components, the automation model, intelligent communication support and integrated tool support.