Written by Leigh Jenkins, Product Manager- Safety & Networks
Now is the time to switch from PSRtrisafe to PSRmodular – Phoenix Contact is always on hand to help…
With the pending discontinuation date for PSRtrisafe range closing in daily, the time to move over to the latest technology replacement from Phoenix Contact is NOW. Every effort will be made by Phoenix Contact to provide availability as per the timeline. Although we are already seeing an increase in demand on the PSRmodular range (due to customers who have already made the switch), this demand will affect the manufacturing and availability for the PSRtrisafe products, resulting in them becoming extremely limited or not available prior to the planned end of life date.
The reality is we must take some essential steps in order to arrive at the correct safety solution and put it into action. That is where we can help.
Phoenix Contact defines Functional Safety as a Safety life cycle. The safety life cycle shows 8 phases dependent on whether safety related software is used or not.
Here are a few examples of what these stages involve.
Written by Andy Maskell, Product Manager- Safety & Networks
Safe motion monitoring has become increasingly important in machine and system design. Conventional safety technology keeps the operator away from dangerous movement by shutting down the relevant drive when a moveable guard, e.g. safety door, is opened. This usually results in the removal of power sources using contactors or other forms of power disconnection. “Safe Switch Off”.
Written by Andy Maskell, Product Manager- Safety & Networks
Earlier this year the new PSRmodular safety system was launched. Since then the benefits of this new platform have been realised and implemented into a wide range of applications. Every time I get involved with a new application I learn more about how flexible this system can be and how important it has been to simplify making machines safe.
You can choose from two expandable controllers depending on the complexity of your application. Then, if required, you can decide on the expansion modules you need. There are plenty of I/O expansion modules to choose from in various sizes to suit your application, so you only order what you need.
All common input types are catered for :
Emergency stop
Two handed control
Safety light curtains (AOPD)
OSSD (Output Signal Switching Device)
Safety Mats
Zero speed monitoring
Over/Under speed
Safe analogue monitoring
The new PSRmodular software is intuitive and easy to use with pre-configured function blocks and built in monitoring for all of your safety tasks.
One of the many special features of PSRmodular is the Line E-stop function. This feature allows the user to link multiple safety controllers together and create a global emergency stop system whilst allowing local safety functions to operate independently. If an emergency stop device is operated then all controllers will detect this and react accordingly.
If you could benefit from some remote safe I/O then we have the TBUS extension modules. The TBUS module allows the din rail mount communication connectors to be extended by cabling. Just four cores are required to do this and up to six extensions can be used per controller.
And when comes to integrating the PSRmodular system into the rest of the machine we have that covered to with the optional communication gateway options. All popular communication protocols are catered for with non-safe bidirectional communication possible for all types.
Functional Safety by definition provides protection against harm to person/s by the detection of potentially dangerous conditions. This is very much dependent on the hardware used to carry out this task.
Written by Andy Maskell, Product Manager- Functional Safety
Implementation of functional safety can cause a bit of head scratching and confusion over the best way to physically connect everything without creating a complex web of cabling and drawings. Not only does this take time it also creates the opportunity for errors.
Written by Andy Maskell, Product Manager, Safety and Networks
Safety monitoring using IO Link diagnostics
Last year we introduced the PSR SWITCH concept using transponder technology for the highest level of safety in your machine. This year we introduce the other half of the story!
The PSR-MC42 Safety relay
The PSR-MC42 safety relay has two dual channel input circuits allowing for example an emergency stop circuit and up to 30 PSR-SWITCHES to be monitored at the same time offering a complete safety solution in one relay. Continue reading →
As we move inexorably towards the end of the decade every manufacturer of ‘Smart’ products is focused on making sure their products reflect the needs of the market and Industry 4.0 and Phoenix Contact is no exception.
