From software version 10.13, Pilz is providing new function blocks for configuring safe user programs in its software tool PNOZmulti Configurator for the configurable small controller PNOZmulti 2. The package includes a new L-muting function block for light curtain applications, new logic function blocks for safety gate solutions and for monitoring analog functions, as well as blocks for more comprehensive coding and decoding. According to the company, they are designed to implement the requirements for monitoring safety functions even more efficiently.

The function blocks in detail

Among other things, the new logic function blocks Digital Encoder and Digital Decoder are available, which are used to encode and decode input signals and output signals. This allows input signals to be encoded or decoded to output signals, i.e. converted into a binary-coded value and vice versa. Connected devices with coded safe input or output signals can thus be monitored or controlled very quickly and easily, which saves time and effort.

Monitor analog values more efficiently

For monitoring analog functions, the 'Mathematics' function has been extended to include multiplication and division of analog values. This means that even more complex calculations for applications consisting of several analog sensors can be handled clearly and simply.

The monitoring of processes, temperatures, pressures or other analog values can now also be managed comprehensively and uniformly using the new functions of the module: from joint consideration to plausibility and calculation, for example for the filling time for containers. Users benefit from more flexible calculations that can save time.

Building blocks for more safety

The new modules can now also be used to implement light curtain applications in which the material is to be transported in only one direction: From version 10.13, it is possible to create such so-called L-muting applications easily and safely via the PNOZmulti Configurator. This function is available in the muting function block of the current version and offers all the functions of L-muting, such as deactivating/activating the light curtain and controlling the muting lamp. This means that light grid applications in the logistics sector, such as the monitoring of conveyor belts and palletizers and the outfeed control of parcels, can now be optimally adapted to the application.

Logical building block for locking

PNOZmulti 2 offers a safety gate solution in conjunction with the safe safety gate system PSENmlock from Pilz: A new logic module for configuring the signal sequence for guard locking of the safe safety gate system PSENmlock now ensures simpler and more economical implementation of such solutions, as parameterization is no longer necessary when controlling bistable (two-channel controlled) safety gate systems.