Abstract: A device includes a sensor and an actuator. The sensor has a receiving circuit with a sensor and a detector, as well as a computer connected to the detector. The sensor cooperates with the actuator to generate a first receiving circuit signal during a normal operation when a switching distance between the sensor and the actuator is undershot. The detector generates a first output signal as a function of the first receiving circuit signal, and to transmit transmits the first output signal to the computer. The receiving circuit includes a signal emulator and a switch-over element. The signal emulator generates a second receiving circuit signal during a test operation. The detector generates a second output signal as a function of the second receiving circuit signal and transmits the second output signal to the computer. The device can repeatedly switch between normal operation and test operation.

Abstract: A device includes a sensor and an actuator. The sensor has a receiving circuit with a sensor and a detector, as well as a computer connected to the detector. The sensor cooperates with the actuator to generate a first receiving circuit signal during a normal operation when a switching distance between the sensor and the actuator is undershot. The detector generates a first output signal as a function of the first receiving circuit signal, and to transmit transmits the first output signal to the computer. The receiving circuit includes a signal emulator and a switch-over element. The signal emulator generates a second receiving circuit signal during a test operation. The detector generates a second output signal as a function of the second receiving circuit signal and transmits the second output signal to the computer. The device can repeatedly switch between normal operation and test operation.

Abstract: A method for the serial transmission of data from a sensor to a safety control device. The sensor has two data processing units which examine and process both the data of the sensor and the request data of the safety control device. The same request data of the safety control device are simultaneously supplied to each data processing unit and the data processing units simultaneously perform a check of the request data after receiving the data. The data processing units operate independently of each other. A sensor unit has a sensor, a safety control device and data processing units. The safety control device is connected to the data processing units via a common serial bus and the data processing units are independent of one another and simultaneously perform the data processing. A system for securing hazardous areas of production facilities with a sensor unit.