Safety Light Curtains for the Automotive Industry

With the new MLC 511 (SIL 3, PL e) and MLC 311 (SIL 1, PL c) safety light curtains, Leuze electronic responds to the specifications of AIDA with regard to the pin assignments of the sensor modules and connection cables.

In addition to the basic functions of the "Basic" MLC series, such as the LED display, automatic start/restart and operating range adjustment, the new light curtain models also feature a 4-pin, M12 plug. These sensors thereby satisfy the AIDA requirements. AIDA is the Automation Initiative of German Automotive Manufacturers, which is supported by Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and VW. Focus of the initiative is on working with safe sensors and actuators in the IP6X environment. An important requirement of the initiative is to ensure the functionality and compatibility of sensors on the sensor and actuator modules across manufacturer borders. It requires that the pin assignments on the modules, the connection cable and, thus, the connection of the sensor represent a functional standard.