Pilz PSSuniversal I/O Platform for Safety and Control

The PSSuniversal system consists of three key components. The head module primarily undertakes all the communication and processing functions. Base modules are connected to the head modules and are used for installing electronic modules and for connecting the I/O signals. Up to 64 "components," each consisting of a base module and an electronic module, may be operated per head module. All electronic modules have a plug-in connection, so that the plant can be restarted as quickly as possible after expansion or after individual components have been swapped. This is done without the need to remove and then reconnect the periphery cabling.

The system with all its signals is established automatically. The periphery signals are arranged on the respective module according to function. Base modules have the choice between screw and cage clamp terminals. The use of additional supply modules enables the entire system to be divided into any number of supply groups, so that the system can be adapted to suit the most varied of supply concepts, claims Pilz. Alternatively, a block switching module also may be incorporated into such a supply point; this can safely shut down the supply voltage to downstream standard output modules.

Electronic modules for standard or safety I/Os can be arranged at will, so they can be split and adapted to all sub-sections of a plant or machine for an optimum configuration. Each module is standalone, so there is no need for additional external terminals or cross-wiring. According to Pilz, the benefit lies in better clarity and inherent fault prevention.