Configurable small controller PNOZmulti 2 from Pilz

For the safe configurable small controller PNOZmulti 2 from Pilz, Version 11.0 of the corresponding software tool PNOZmulti Configurator is now available, “with new software architecture for even higher performance and no licence costs for the ‘Basic’ version”, says the company.

“From this version onwards, users can also rely on the new, modular and expandable, compact base unit PNOZ m B0.1 for smaller to medium-sized applications. The modular, adaptable – and therefore economical – new base unit offers maximum flexibility, thanks to freely configurable inputs and outputs.”

Version 11 has a new, higher performance software architecture, based on the Windows 64 Bit system, and so offers cutting-edge safety, adds the company.

Get the basics for automation, free

From Version 11, there is a significant change in terms of licensing: the ‘basic’ functionality version of the software tool PNOZmulti Configurator is now available to use without licence costs. This software can be downloaded free of charge and used in automation projects. A licence fee is still payable for ‘Advanced’ software elements. “All in all, users can already save costs when creating the project.”

All elements of a safety circuit – function (E-STOP, safety gate etc), output (relay, semiconductor or safety valves) and logic elements – are offered as function blocks on the graphics user interface. “So, the software tool enables complete management right up to the start of production: this includes project creation, as well as management of documentation and commissioning. As a result, the time and costs for project configuration can be reduced, so lowering the engineering costs.”

Intelligent tool support

The hardware is selected directly in the PNOZmulti Configurator: the software tool lists the available expansion modules, displays a table showing the number of available inputs and outputs and provides assistance, if the permitted number of expansion modules is exceeded or the modules are positioned incorrectly. Users benefit from faster configuration times and cost savings, as errors are reduced.

In the tool, you can create new PNOZmulti 2 projects, as well as open and edit existing PNOZmulti 2 projects. That enables users to upgrade to the new version quickly and simply. Offline simulation also helps to simplify and speed up commissioning. Users save time and therefore costs.

New base units for 11

Version 11 also includes the new base unit PNOZ m B0.1, introduced with this version. This can be used as a standalone device or expanded, with a maximum of one I/O module each as part of a modular system. Different I/O modules are available for this purpose. In addition to the existing expansion modules, there's the new relay output module PNOZ m EF 2DOR.

“The variety of modules with PNOZ m B0.1 means that individual customer requirements can be assembled according to need: all safety functions can be freely configured to suit the specific application. This enables systems to be adapted and tailored exactly to the most diverse applications. Costs are only incurred for modules that are actually used, reducing costs as a result.”

Compatible succession planning

As a compatible successor to the compact controllers PNOZmulti Mini, the new base unit – in conjunction with the new relay output module – undertakes all the specific tasks for this product range. “From Version 11.0, existing PNOZmulti Mini projects can easily be migrated to the new base unit PNOZ m B0.1,” adds Pilz. Existing link modules and fieldbus modules can also be used with the new base unit. “The result is a compact, but at the same time modular system for the safety of small and medium-sized machines; a system that supports users during engineering and, in doing so, saves costs.”