As an industrial Ethernet interface that can be activated and deactivated, the compact control element from Pilz can act like a firewall to protect network connections from unauthorized access from outside on the one hand, and direct access to human machine interfaces and control data from inside on the other. In combination with the 'PITreader' readout unit, the Ethernet interface is only activated with the appropriate authorization. This means that only authorized persons are entitled to use these interfaces temporarily, for example to create new configurations, programs or backup copies.

The control element meets the security requirements of both machine manufacturers and operators. For machine operators in Germany, for example, the Technical Rule for Operational Safety TRBS 1115 already applies today as a supplement to the Industrial Safety Regulation, which requires, among other things, that hardware interfaces that are not required must be deactivated or blocked and unauthorized communication connections must be switched off. PIToe ETH thus supports the implementation of legal and normative requirements, which ultimately protects the investment and minimizes costs.

Simple installation

In accordance with EN 60947-5-1, the control elements are designed for installation openings with a diameter of just 22.5 mm with anti-twist protection. Other members of the PITeo product family are the 'PIToe 4S' control element, which can be used to switch and display digital inputs and outputs, and the 'PIToe USB' control element, which has an activatable USB interface for machines and systems that enables programs to be loaded in a tamper-proof manner, for example.