All-in-one PLC with HMI and onboard IOs

Product Exclusive: Unitronics’ Samba is an all-in-one palm-size PLC with HMI and onboard I/Os that enables data entry and display of variable data, including color trend graphs and alarm screens as two auto-tuned PID loops, time-based RTC control, and data logging.

By Unitronics March 12, 2015

Unitronics’ Samba is an all-in-one palm-size programmable logic controller (PLC) with a human-machine interface (HMI) and onboard I/Os designed for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) on a tight budget who need compact controllers for simple machine control, but still want the competitive advantage of an elegant, color-touch HMI panel. The first model of Samba was released last spring; a few months later, Unitronics expanded the series, adding a model with a 4.3-in. HMI panel. Now Unitronics is introducing a 7-in. HMI panel for an even bolder display. The beautiful HMI 16-bit touchscreen enables data entry and display of variable data, including color trend graphs and alarm screens. Samba supports 24 user-designed screens and 5MB images per application. The integrated PLC offers a broad range of features including two auto-tuned PID loops, time-based real-time clock (RTC) control, data logging, recipes, and more. Onboard I/Os offer digital, analog, and high-speed functionality.

All Samba units come supplied with a programming port, USB for 4.3- and 7-in. models, and RS232 for the 3.5-in. model. Additional ports can be added for serial or Ethernet, and CANbus communications. Samba supports GPRS/GSM, e-mail and SMS, as well as industrial TCP/IP protocols, MODBUS, DF1 slave, CANopen, and J1939. It can also be adapted to any third-party protocol.

Hardware and communications configuration, ladder application development, and HMI design, including a free library of industrial images, are all programmed using VisiLogic, Unitronics single-environment programming software. Free utilities include remote PC access and data export.

Samba offers all the functionality system integrators need for small applications, reduces space and wiring requirements, and eliminates the need to set up Panel-PLC communication—resulting in an excellent price-performance ratio.

Unitronics

www.unitronics.com 

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www.controleng.com/products has additional products. Also see the product section in the March print/digital edition of Control Engineering.

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