According to the company, this system enhancement was triggered by EU's Machinery Directive 2006/42/EG safety of machines and systems regulation proposal, among other standards aimed at preventing accidents. The EU standards also apply to automatic test systems in applications where high voltages, high currents, compressed air or vacuums can occur or where mechanical actuators are used. It must be possible to quickly and safely turn off these systems in an emergency situation, but implementation in line with standards can be complex and time-consuming.

Rohde�&�Schwarz�Messgeraetebau's R&S PFSC4 is an interlock unit, and is a standalone, universally-applicable test system enhancement. The interlock unit makes it easier to meet the relevant EU safety requirements, such as the EN954-1/ISO 13849-1 control standard. All key system functions, e.g. pneumatics, vacuums and various control functions (PPS/FPS) are covered and available at a system interface. The R&S PFSC4 can be customized to user requirements, making it easy to integrate in systems. It is available as a 19in plug-in and can also be used in non-Rohde�&�Schwarz systems. Existing testers can also be retrofitted.

The R&S PFSC4 interlock unit is now available from Rohde�&�Schwarz Messgeraetebau GmbH.