Technical information
Chapter
3
EFI
8012622/Z098/2016-11-07
© SICK AG • Industrial Safety Systems • Germany • All rights reserved
7
Subject to change without notice
Basics
3
Basics
This chapter describes the possibilities offered by the Enhanced Function Interface (EFI).
The Enhanced Function Interface (EFI) was developed to implement safe communication
between ESPE, Flexi Soft modular safety controller or EFI gateway.
However, EFI is more than an interface for connecting together SICK devices. EFI expands
the functionality of the individual protective devices.
Using protective devices connected with EFI, safety-related applications can be
implemented that would otherwise only be possible with a large amount of circuitry or
extensive installation effort. These applications include, for example, simultaneous
protective field monitoring using the S3000 safety laser scanner, operating mode
switching on the C4000 or sampling status signals (e.g. for a contaminated front screen).
Status and control information is exchanged between devices via EFI. The applications can
be integrated into higher level bus systems using EFI gateways.
In addition the concurrent configuration of the devices in a project is possible.
You will find the advantages of EFI in SICK safety systems only.
3.1
Devices with EFI
The following product families are equipped with EFI:
•
M4000 multiple light beam safety device: Advanced, Area
•
UE403 switching amplifier
•
C4000 safety light curtain: Standard, Advanced, Entry/Exit, Palletizer, Fusion,
Standard Guest, Advanced Guest
•
M4000 multiple light beam safety device: Standard Curtain, Advanced Curtain
•
UE402 switching amplifier
•
S3000 safety laser scanner: Standard, Advanced, Professional, Expert, Remote,
Cold Store, Anti Collision
•
S300 safety laser scanner: Standard, Advanced, Professional, Expert
•
S300 Mini safety laser scanner: Remote
•
UE4740 EFI gateway
•
Flexi Soft FX3-CPU1, -CPU2, -CPU3 modular safety controller
