Pilz Enhances PSENradar Vision for Safe Operation in Tough Environments

Pilz has added two new sensors to its safe radar system, PSENradar, which opens application possibilities and gives users a complete monitoring system for robust environments. 

 

The combination of the PSENradar and the PNOZmulti2 controller gives users a complete zone monitoring system. Image used courtesy of Pilz

 

Safe Radar System PSENradar

Pilz’s expanded safe radar system PSENradar works to improve protection zone monitoring. It was designed with an extended application scope meant to include rugged environments like those common to many manufacturing processes. The system includes enhanced field of vision capabilities that help to streamline its integration into different production environments, ensuring users get seamless operation upon installation. 

The flexibility of adjustable fields of vision is meant to optimize safety and productivity, particularly in confined spaces. The integration of the open safety protocol, Safety over EtherCAT FSoE, aims to reduce wiring labor expenses and overall costs, providing manufacturers with a more efficient and cost-effective solution for safety monitoring.

The PSENradar system is now available with a detection range up to 9 m, opening up its use in mobile applications. Image use courtesy of Pilz

 

Adaptable Fields of Vision

The introduction of the PSEN rd1.2 sensor F-FOV LR creates new possibilities for users. Unlike its predecessors, which have a detection range of 0-5 m, this new sensor variant extends its reach up to 9 m. This enhancement enables more efficient safeguarding for mobile applications.

Both new sensor devices, the mentioned PSEN rd1.2 sensor F-FOV LR and the PSEN rd1.2 F-FOV sensor, offer options for configuring fields of vision, providing greater flexibility to fit into unique circumstances. In addition to the symmetrical viewing angle, users can now also configure asymmetrical and corridor-like viewing angles according to their specific needs. This feature also helps conserve space in production areas, especially in tight quarters where machines are closely situated, or walkways pass by equipment. 

With the ability for users to customize the field of vision settings, Pilz’s radar system can be positioned with greater flexibility. This helps to accommodate various production needs without the costly disruption of operations. It also seeks to not only enhance safety in challenging environments but also improve productivity.

 

Opening angles of the new and existing PSEN sensors (click image to enlarge). Image use courtesy of Pilz

 

PNOZmulti 2 Small Controller

The PSENradar system can be combined with PILZ’s configurable small controller PNOZmulti 2, giving users access to a complete solution for zone monitoring applications. The combination gives manufacturers the ability to safely transfer data with FSoE in the EtherCAT communication system.  

The newest evaluation tool designed for the PSENradar radar system makes it easier to ensure safety in compliance with the IEC 61508 standards, allowing for safety applications up to SIL 3. By serving as the FSoE-MainInstance (FSoE Master), the PNOZmulti 2 simplifies overseeing all safety functions of a radar application in a single device. In addition, it can establish connections with other safe FSoE SubordinateInstances (known as FSoE Slaves) within the network, ensuring comprehensive safety coverage throughout the system.

 

Complete Protection Zone Monitoring

The newest sensor additions from Pilz, along with the use of the safe small controller PNOZmulti 2 as the FSoE-MainInstance, are designed to give users a seamless safety networking system. This comprehensive setup seeks to help streamline safety-related tasks in a convenient, one-cable solution, minimizing the effort needed for wiring. Pilz has expanded its offerings so that manufacturers can ensure robust safety measures and simplify the setup process when they integrate these components.