PLC products: Correction

By Control Engineering Staff December 28, 2006
ABB AC500

The following products should have been among those described in Product Research, November 2006, p. 72, but were inadvertently left off. Read the article Product Research: PLC Users Like What They Have .”

ABB : A maximum of options for all-around benefits

The AC500 from ABB offers options for a wide choice of communication couplers to customize automation systems to suit individual requirements. The unit’s scalability and modularized platform concept make it configurable to precisely the automation system needed. Features include:

  • Scalable control;

  • Wide choice of communication and field bus couplers;

  • User-selectable coupler types for simultaneous operation;

  • Fast replacement thanks to plug-in modules;

  • A single software package for the entire range;

  • Seamless integration of control system and field devices;

  • Attractive price-performance ratio.

AutomationDirect DL05

AutomationDirect : Low cost with lots of features

Would a $99.00 micro PLC with incredible features solve your application’s discrete and process control problems? The DL05 and the DL06 product lines are a family of micro PLCs designed to fit more applications than any other PLC family in their class. Starting with the DL05 at 8 inputs/ 6 outputs, all the way up to the fully expanded 100 I/O DL06 PLC, these PLCs are a standard that can grow with the changing needs of your machine or process control applications. The inexpensive DL05 PLC offers many features including:

  • Eight built-in inputs and six built-in outputs, expandable to 30 I/O total;

  • Eight combinations of AC or DC powered PLC units with AC, DC and relay I/O;

  • 6 KB program and data memory;

  • Two communication ports;

  • Supports MODBUS RTU master/slave, DeviceNET slave, Profibus slave and Ethernet networking;

  • 129 instructions, including four PID loops;

  • Powerful functions like FOR/ NEXT loops, subroutines, and drum sequencers;

  • Smallest I/O cards in the micro class;

  • Removable terminal block connectors; and

Siemens Simatic S7-200

Siemens : Windows-based Step 7 programming

Siemens Energy & Automation’s Simatic S7-200 micro PLC includes eight CPU options, 25 digital and analog expansion modules and user-friendly programming software. The hardware programs with version 3.2 of it STEP 7-Micro/WIN 32 programming software. The software simplifies creating and maintaining programs by offering features like FBD (Function Block Diagram) editor and IEC-1131 compliance for both Ladder and FBD. Most of the familiar Windows features are available, including the Add/Remove Programs utility for easy installation or removal, a custom install feature that allows users to decide on the appropriate installation level. Additional software features include single project files for easy project management within Windows, and various save options and automatic launch of STEP7-Micro/WIN 32 by double clicking on the project file in explorer.

Omron CS1 and CS1D controllers

Omron : High performance and connectivity

CS1 and CS1D duplex controllers from Omron deliver superior control performance, flexible communications and connectivity, powerful information management, extensive maintenance functionality. Controllers can integrate logic, motion, drives and process in one system. Features include:

  • Fins message routing and formatting tools for fast, expandable, and transparent exchange of data regardless of network type;

  • Over 150 different I/O, communication and special function modules available;

  • High-density I/O modules shorten installation time and increase accuracy;

  • Open fieldbus systems like DeviceNet and Profibus-DP;

  • Seamlessly combine continuous-path motion control or point-to-point positioning;

  • Protocol Macro creates custom serial communication sequences;

  • Fast 20 ns per instruction processing.