CX1020 Embedded PC In order to deliver even greater performance, Beckhoff Automation in 2006 released a major enhancement to the company’s high-end embedded PC, the CX1020. Where the original CX1020 design had a 600 MHz Intel Celeron M CPU, all models now feature a 1 GHz Intelon DIN rail. The CX1020 also requires no rotating media through the use of Compact Flash as its boot and memory medium.While not a required fieldbus, the CX1020 was developed for peak performance with EtherCAT. When EtherCAT is used as the fieldbus, the CX1020 can achieve response times of less thanone millisecond. However, similar master and slave components from the popular CX1000 line can be used – including those for Profibus, DeviceNet, CANopen, Lightbus and SERCOS interface. |
Blue Fusion: Model 5300 Programmable Automation Controller CTC’s Blue Fusion 5300 series represents a significant breakthrough in the performance vs. size tradeoff for industrial automation controllers. By reducing the module size and making all connections via front surface pluggable connectors, a fully wired 5300 system has an I/O density of nearly 8 channels / sq. in — better than twice the industry average! The miniaturization of the controller did not decrease its performance or functionality; on the contrary, both were significantly improved as well. The multi-bus, multi-tasking architecture seamlessly supports multiple CPUs and I/O module processors. This insures an optimally performing system even as the I/O or axis count grows.The 5300 hardware design has been very tightly integrated with CTC’s latest programming environment: QuickBuilder Automation Suite. QuickBuilder’s intuitive graphical desktop gives users a single environment to configure, program, and troubleshoot their 5300 applications.In addition to its impressive automation control features, the 5300 incorporates powerful information management features, such as a high speed data logging, built in web server, bi-directional email capability, Ethernet data exchange with corporate data servers, and a built in web based HMI. These features allow users to directly interface with plant-floor data without the need for external PC’s or third-party software applications. |
EZPLC 32 I/O Modular PLC First modular PLC at the price of fixed I/O PLCs offers 32 I/O for $267, expandable to 2,000 I/O. |
FX3U Series PLC The Mitsubishi Electric FX3U Series PLC is the cost effective solution for high speed, high precision positioning applications. Plug and Play fiber optic cabling reduces setup time and increases control distance for positioning operations in a wide range of applications. The easy to use setup software FX Configurator-FP can be used to quickly set up point table information and servo parameters. The software utility can also be utilized to test and monitor positioning operations during the machine setup phase. The loop update time for two axes of interpolated control is 1.77 msec. The FX3U has standard features such as the ability to read two quadrature encoders, floating point and trigonometric math instructions, advanced data processing operations, and a blazing fast 65 nanosecond per basic instruction processing time. Commands specific to positioning applications include Home Search Zero Return, Batch Data Table Positioning, Interrupt Positioning, and improved high speed comparison capabilities. The FX3U PLC is the perfect choice for machines requiring sequence and positioning control. • Dual Quadrature Encoder Inputs• Three Channel 100kHz Pulse Train Output on Transistor Units• 65 nanosecond Basic Instruction Processing Speed• 64K Step Programming Memory• High Speed Fiber Optic connection to MR-J3-B Servo amplifiers |
Power Series RoHS-Compliant Solid State Relays with LEDs Opto 22’s newest line of Power Series solid state relays (SSRs) are equipped with LED input status indicators. Additionally, in response to the European Union’s directive on the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS)—which went into effect July 1, 2006—the new Power Series 240Di10, 240Di25, 240Di45, and 575Di45-12 SSRs have been tested, certified, and stamped as RoHS-compliant. The new relays—part of Opto 22’s Power Series family for DC control—feature 4,000 volts of optical isolation and include LED indicators that indicate when a control signal is applied, making it much easier for users to troubleshoot their control applications. |
CompactLogix 1768-L43 Market Impact: Controlling up to four axes of motion, the CompactLogix 1768-L43 programmable automation controller (PAC) is ideal for material handling, packaging, metal forming, and other applications requiring speed, motion synchronization, and information-sharing capabilities – all in a small, modular footprint. Service to the Industry: Combined with the Rockwell Automation Kinetix Integrated Motion offering, the CompactLogix 1768-L43 PAC delivers the benefits of a truly integrated motion control solution providing both motion and discrete control into a single, integrated multitasking platform that helps users lower system costs, simplify installation and ease maintenance. CompactLogix leverages the same Logix control engine, motion, networking technology and communications services as the Allen-Bradley ControlLogix and SoftLogix controllers, making it part of a complete scalable control architecture, the Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture. Technological Advancement: The CompactLogix 1768-L43 system provides configuration and programming of the entire system, controller, drives and motors with a single software package, RSLogix5000, helping to reduce commissioning, installation, training and maintenance costs. A full range of networks are also available, including DeviceNet, ControlNet, and EtherNet/IP, enabling a seamless flow of information from the smallest device up through the enterprise business system. |
Jazz Micro PLC+HMI The Jazz Micro PLC+HMI: how to implement PLC control —for the price of a ‘smart relay’. When small machine builders, control engineers and maintenance supervisors make control choices, budget is often the limiting factor. However, their applications often require ‘real’ PLC capabilities.Unitronics developed Jazz specifically for this sector— a compact, low-cost PLC that comprises onboard I/Os, LCD display that supports over 15 languages, and an alpha-numeric keypad.Free Ladder programming software provides one development environment for both Ladder and HMI applications. Ladder provides flexibility that cannot be achieved using‘smart relay’ ‘block’ programming. Jazz’s command set includes math, store/load, compare, clock, ‘immediate read/write to I/Os’, ‘interrupt’, and ‘loop’ functions. The integrated HMI displays operating instructions, system/fault messages, and conditional data (up to 60 user-designed text screens per application). Data entry via the alpha-numeric keypad enables operators to modify run-time parameters.Communication options offer new levels of connectivity for the low-cost PLC sector— datacom with external devices via RS485 and MODBUS, SMS messaging, Remote Access utilities, and PC access via MODBUS or OPC/DDE servers. Jazz’s unique ‘Program Cloner’ enables copying applications from PLC to PLC.This combination of features makes Jazz perfect for any application- simple or complex. |