SICK’s Flexi Loop safety controller node can cascade up to 32 safety switches and OSSD safety sensors onto one loop — independent of the manufacturer. The Flexi Loop, which is part of SICK’s safety controller family, uses a single cable with an M12 plug to connect e-stops, sensors, switches, lamps, pushbuttons and interlocks. Flexi Soft safety controllers can support up to eight Flexi Loops, enabling a total of 256 switches in a small footprint. This modular safety concept integrates all common fieldbuses, including EtherNet/IP, CANopen, DeviceNet and Profinet IO. Diagnostic data about each of the sensors connected to the loop can be shared via these gateways, which helps troubleshoot problems and reduce machine downtime, the company says.
