Pilz has made the function "non-persistent online change" available in the automation system, PSS 4000, meaning that individual changes in user programs can be transferred to the control system. This new function is part of Release 13 of the automation system PSS 4000. Other new features include a device interface for communication with PROFINET networks.
The "non-persistent online change" function allows individual changes to be fed into one or more control systems of the automation system PSS 4000 without it being necessary to compile and load the entire program. The changes apply for a maximum of 12 hours or until the control system is next restarted, so they are not permanent (non-persistent). One entirely new feature is that this function is now also available for safety-related applications.
As well as simplifying and accelerating commissioning, the function improves the handling of safety in hectic commissioning processes, the company says.
Other new features in the Release 13 automation update include the device interface for communication with PROFINET networks. Pilz has integrated PROFINET into the devices as a communication stack. This cuts inventory costs and reduces the range of types because this approach makes it possible to use the same hardware to operate different communication connections, including UDP RAW, Modbus/TCP, Ethernet/IP and now also PROFINET, merely with a change in the configuration. Users do not need a specific device type–one PLC head module can be used for universal access to the various communication systems.
