New Safety Modules for Analog Value Processing

August 12, 2020

Wieland Electronics adds new input modules for processing analog signals.

In many applications it is essential that analog variables such as pressure, flow, and temperature are monitored in order to ensure safe automation, so Wieland Electric has now extended the portfolio for its samos® PRO COMPACT safety controller. With three new input modules, namely SP-SAC, SP-SAR4, and SP-SACR22, it is now possible to reliably detect and further process analog signals as well. These modules are ideal for use in process engineering applications in the glass, metal, or chemical industry or also in specific areas of mechanical engineering such as conveyor systems, presses, and CNC machines.

The new modules support sensors with a 0/4-20mA interface as well as temperature-dependent resistors like Pt/Ni sensors and deliver their analog data to the samos® PRO COMPACT safety controller. The analog values can be monitored with the new and reliable “Limit”, “Range”, “Relation”, and “Difference” function blocks in user programs created with the license-free programming software samos® PLAN 6. These efficient function blocks enable comparative or arithmetic operations involving analog data as well as scaling of the measured current values, and the presentation and visualization of the analog values in samos® PLAN 6. 

 Integrated USB and ETH interfaces enable access to the system at any time. Industrial Ethernet protocols have been included from the outset, and further additional gateways for fieldbuses will make any necessary integration into a wide variety of industrial networks incredibly simple. This ensures greater transparency for the user as the analog values too can easily be transferred to other control systems. Up to three different fieldbus systems can be operated from one samos® PRO COMPACT in parallel.

 For safe operation of the system, all inputs and outputs have uniquely assigned visual displays that clearly show the operating status at any time. The samos® PLAN 6 software provides a customized report, ensuring that the plant’s documentation complies with all applicable regulations. It goes without saying that the modules meet all safety standards, including SIL CL 3 according to EN 62061 and PL e / category 4 according to EN ISO 13849-1.

 As a special feature for combustion plants like thermoprocessing plants and steam boiler systems, the entire samos® PRO COMPACT family is also approved according to EN746-2 and EN50156-1.