Eaton Corporation has introduced its new XC152 compact PLC that supports intelligent and modular automation concepts and various communication interfaces such as SmartWire-DT, CANopen, RS-232, RS-485 or Profibus and Ethernet.
Running on the Windows CE 5 operating system, the compact new device covers all high performance PLC applications with a need for interface flexibility. Users from the modular machine building sector with standard automation solutions will appreciate the XC152 PLC on account of its high performance and its wide range of communication options. SmartWire-DT particularly supports Eaton’s Lean Automation concept which offers several significant benefits in line with the Lean Solutions strategy.
With SmartWire-DT the I/O level is integrated directly in the switching devices. This enables the PLC to access the digital and analog data directly from the control circuit device without the need for separate gateways and I/O level. This allows users to create flexible, streamlined automation solutions with fewer components and little engineering outlay. Eaton’s Lean Automation thus offers the freedom for creative and cost effective solutions. As an alternative to a combined HMI/PLC, modular solutions today use a high-performance PLC like the XC152 together with an external HMI. This solution is future proof as any application extensions or modifications can be implemented more easily and more flexibly. The Ethernet terminal allows direct access, visualisation and data transparency using the WEB visualisation either on the XC152 or the remote server.
The core principle of Eaton’s Lean Solutions strategy is to identify work processes in machine and panel building in order to eliminate waste and fully leverage optimisation potential for customers. It consists of three areas: Lean Connectivity, Lean Automation and Lean Power.
Lean Connectivity eliminates the complex and error-prone point-to-point wiring in the control cabinet and in the periphery. The SmartWire-DT connection and communication technology thus uses a single ‘green’ standard cable connection to replace the individual wiring of switching devices, sensors and actuators to the central controller. This makes it possible to reduce the effort required for wiring, testing and commissioning by up to 85%. SmartWire-DT also facilitates the efficient, intelligent and careful use of resources.
Lean Automation eliminates the need for entire device layers such as the I/O modules of a central PLC, as well as the associated acquisition and maintenance costs. The ‘green’ cable is not only used here for the power supply to all components but also to implement the data communication. In this way all stations on the system are communication enabled. Thanks to this decentralised intelligence, lean automation solutions can be created in combination with Eaton’s HMI/PLCs, which incorporate all control, visualisation and data management tasks in a single device.
Lean Power targets the use of energy efficient components and standardised control wiring. The energy efficiency of a machine or plant is also increased thanks to the inherent data transparency provided by SmartWire-DT: All the relevant current and energy consumption data, from the PLC to the sensor/actuator, is made available for simple analysis and effective optimisation.
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