Leuze electronic has launched a pair of safety controllers that, it says, offer quick, easy and affordable control of safety systems without the complexity of a safety PLC or the need to commit to a single manufacturer for all safety components.

The smaller controller, the 67.5mm-wide MSI 100, has 20 safe inputs (PLe, SIL 3) and can monitor up to four Category 4 outputs, independently of each other. Its larger brother, the modular MSI 200, can be expanded to up to 140 safety modules or 44 outputs, again to PLe, SIL 3, with Cat 4 outputs. The controllers can be used with devices such as light curtains, safety interlocks, e-stop buttons and two-hand controls.

The controllers are programmed using Leuze’s free drag-and-drop MSIsafesoft software (above), which uses PLCopen-certified function blocks. The software checks the logic automatically and incorporates an emulator which allows programs to be simulated on a PC, before any money is spent on hardware.

The controllers have two clock outputs and LED indicators on all inputs and outputs to help in commissioning. Interface modules are available to transfer diagnostic data to a PLC via various fieldbus protocols.

♦  In the UK, Leuze is offering a series of free one-day safety training workshops in March at its headquarters in St Neots. On 21st and 23rd it is running a course on implementing the free Sistema software tool which evaluates safety-related parts in control systems, and on 22nd, it is running a machine safety workshop covering legislation, standards and case studies. To register, visit Leuze’s Web site or contact the company on info@leuze.co.uk or 01480 408500.