Ms. Fuchs, what was special about the first 'PNOZmulti'?

Lilli Fuchs: What was new worldwide in 2002 was the ability to create the safety circuit very simply via a graphical user interface, just by dragging and dropping. Knowledge of a 'higher' programming language was not necessary. The whole thing ran under the motto 'wiring with the mouse', so to speak. With this new type of safety system, it was possible to monitor several safety functions with one device. Previously, either hardwiring was required and a safety switching device monitored just one safety function. Or the user had a programmable safety controller, but had to know the programming language.

What was the response on the market in 2002?

The handling and user-friendliness of PNOZmulti and the associated
PNOZmulti were already strong arguments at the time: As a rule, engineers had to program the safety circuit and electricians could wire safety relays. With PNOZmulti, electricians or electrical designers could now also take on the software part, because our small controller is as easy to use as a safety relay, but at the same time as flexible as a controller. The software tool, the PNOZmulti Configurator, therefore plays a key role in its success. To summarize: Our configurable safety relay closed the gap between hard-wired safety relays and freely programmable safety controllers.

How did the journey continue?

In 2009 Pilz launched a second, 'slimmer' generation PNOZmulti on the market: the 'classic' 135 mm base unit was reduced to a narrow 45 mm width, with the same range of functions and a display. The diagnostics for short machine downtimes were and are also important for users, as is the option of connecting to numerous automation environments and communication systems. The fact that users only had to use one system from planning to maintenance contributed significantly to its success.

What developments have taken place since then and where do we stand today in terms of safety control?

The latest standalone base unit 'PNOZ m C0' is now only 22.5 mm wide. It is particularly suitable for small machines because it has eight safe inputs and four safe semiconductor outputs. This means it can monitor up to four safety functions up to PL e or SIL CL 3. But this generation of devices can do even more: it grows with the safety requirements because migration to the modularly expandable basic devices is possible!
And if we look at the planned Machinery Directive, which, as the successor to the Machinery Directive, also places requirements on the security of units, then this is no challenge for our safety controller PNOZmulti 2, as it is now also secure on the move. The data on the PNOZ m C0 is protected against unauthorized access by a so-called security key. And PNOZmulti 2 also acts as a door guard, so to speak, to ensure secure access to the machine: in conjunction with the PITreader readout units with RFID technology. And last but not least: all our PNOZmulti 2 units are certified to the latest standards such as EN IEC 62061 or EN ISO 13849-1. And of course we will continue to develop the PNOZmulti family in the future and adapt the products to the changing requirements of the market.