Feature PLCs & Industrial PCs Taking the next logical step
Over the past decade, logic modules have stood the test of time - whether they were employed on simple components such as time switches or in more advanced technology environments such as PLCs. Here, Joanne Banks from Siemens Industry highlights some additional functions that have been added to the latest generation of LOGO! logic modules, which have widened the fields of application and simplified configuration tasks
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gaping void between conven- tional switch technology and PLCs in the automation market was rectified back in the mid-1990s with the introduction of the LOGO! logic module from Siemens. It offered an efficient alter- native for simple automation tasks and its secret was the novelty of its flexibility in application, together with easy configuration.
For the user this meant a combina- tion of benefits ranging from space saving and reduced wiring require- ments through the use of a programma- ble logic module, instead of many conventional components. This lead the way to programming without a PC and simple commissioning and testing. From this point, the logic module has gone on to lead the market in this performance category, developed in many areas such as increased digital outputs, larger programme memory, integrated analogue inputs, modular expandable units, reduced cycle time and external display improvements. Other selling points have included the usability of all three power phases in one configuration, or the option to combine units for 230V signals in domestic use.
Added functionality Today’s LOGO! logic module has evolved to include a number of additional functions to support solutions for the flexible, efficient and cost effective automation of small applications for industry and building requirements. Two addi- tional logic modules, 12/24 RCE and 230 RCE can take advantage of the Ethernet world communication stan- dard, opening the possibility for programming and communication via Ethernet, using interfaces such as SIMATIC S7 CPUs, HMI panels or via OPC servers and PCs. This opens up new opportunities for data stor- age and graphic visualisation, online remote access to the logic module, or for operator guidance such as touch screen technology. Standard SD cards can be used as a cost effective external storage medium. Programmes can be copied, as well as data and projects saved for
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Right: today’s LOGO! logic module has evolved to include a number of additional functions to support solutions for the flexible,
efficient and cost effective automation of small applications for industry and building requirements
ready availability.
The LOGO! software Soft Comfort has been continuously opti- mised over recent years, especially to aid configuration needs. Simplicity and flexibility objectives have been met to ensure configuration can be undertaken simply by both ladder dia- gram and function block diagram means. Individual function blocks can be linked to the user programme using drag and drop, while programme tests are possible as offline simulations or as online tests.
The software also offers professional documentation and printing functions. Important new features of Version 7 of
the software are the implemen- tation of the commands for communi- cation, the creation of user defined function blocks with a library func- tion, the support of the data logging and the five new function blocks. LOGO! is well suited for imple- menting simple automation tasks in industry and building management systems. and with the use of expan- sion modules, LOGO! can control complex plants.
Siemens
www.siemens.com T: 07808 823 011
Configurable IPC concept
hoenix Contact has introduced a new industrial PC to meet rising demands in the areas of process visualisation, robotics and industrial automation. The Valueline P7000 industrial PC can be configured as a box PC with various mounting options or as a classic panel PC - and can be used in ambient temperatures up to 45°C.
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The TFT touch screen monitors, available in sizes between 12" and 24", allow complex processes to be visualised. Equipped with Intel Core-i7 processors, the industrial PCs offer processor and graphic performance, and also includes integrated turbo boost technology. The hyper-threading technology increases processor performance to allow threads (tasks) to be more effi- ciently processed. This is complemented by fast DDR3 memory with ECC support and solid state drive (SSD) storage with fast single level cell (SLC) memory tech- nology. The hardware is supported by Microsoft Windows XP Professional or Windows 7 Ultimate oper- ating system in the various embedded versions. The IPCs set themselves apart as a result of an intelli- gent fan concept based on an external convection blower.
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This concept prevents dust from being whirled up on the main board. Additionally, the integrated power manage- ment of the processor reduces energy consumption. Important components such as the replaceable
hard disk or the CMOS battery can be easily and quickly accessed due to the maintenance friendly design. As a result of the modular production tech- nique, this industrial PC has fast delivery times - even for customised configurations. Phoenix Contact
www.phoenixcontact.co.uk T: 0845 881 2222
Enter 211 SEPTEMBER 2013 Automation
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