All-in-one PLC + HMI+ I/O
May 2016
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
The Unitronics Vision controller series welcomes its newest member – the Vision430. The wide 4,3” built-in colour touchscreen brings added value to any application that requires a compact PLC controller with onboard I/Os. A flat fascia with an IP66/IP65/NEMA4X rating houses the touchscreen and function keys.
Each Vision430model offers a unique onboard I/O configuration that can include digital, high-speed, and analog I/Os, including PT100/thermocouple and weight/pressure measurement. Expansion modules enable local and remote I/O at distances of up to 1000 m, making Vision430 a cost-effective solution for applications up to 512 I/Os.
Power features include 24 auto-tuned PID loops to control temperature, level, and pressure. Time-based and immediate interrupt support make controller a natural for ‘rapid response’ applications such as packaging machines.
Built-in recipe capabilities are supported by data tables, which store the parameters required to control a specific process. Data tables also enable the controller to store data logs to a micro-SD card, which also stores application back-ups and allows complete PLC cloning.
Communication options include Ethernet, cellular, and industrial protocols such as Modbus, DF1 slave, BACnet, J1939 and CANopen. In addition, the protocol utility allows Vision430 to communicate via almost any ASCII protocol. The unit is directly accessible via mini-USB programming port, and remotely accessed using GPRS/GSM/CDMA and other IP networks, for data acquisition and program download. Another major benefit is the ability to notify supervisors of critical information via e-mail and SMS, enabling real-time remote management.
The machine operator communicates directly with the application via the resistive analog touchscreen – or remotely, via the free Remote Operator utility – which displays data, colour trend graphs, and attention-grabbing alarm screens. Display options are almost endless, with more than 1024 user-designed screens supported by 12 MB of memory for images and 1 MB for fonts.
OEMs and machine builders profit from intuitive, all-in-one VisiLogic software that enables rapid hardware configuration, PLC, and HMI application programming. VisiLogic includes a full library of drag-and-drop function blocks for complex automation and control tasks, such as PID, and a rich library of colour industrial images.
For more information contact Farrel Sher, AC/DC Dynamics, +27 (0)10 202 3300, [email protected], www.acdc.co.za
Further reading:
ABB updates distributed control system
ABB South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Leveraging 30 years of continuous innovation and reliability, ABB’s updated Freelance 2024 distributed control system (DCS) offers greater plant adaptability, faster and more reliable device communication, improved system security, and seamless data exchange.
Read more...
Four ways modern operations control can boost sustainability and efficiency
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
With the growing importance of digital transformation, HMIs and scada have evolved from control panels to vast operational hubs. Next-gen HMI/scada can bring together data, personalisation, and advanced insights to successfully achieve organisational goals, it is important to think about HMI/scada holistically within the operations ecosystem.
Read more...
The convergence of intelligence: DCS, SCADA and TLC
Schneider Electric South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
In the early days of industrialisation, control systems were primarily mechanical, and relied on manual intervention and simple feedback loops to manage processes. Now, in the 21st century, industrial process automation systems are mind-blowingly intelligent, and provide almost unparalleled control and monitoring capabilities, making them integral to modern industrial systems.
Read more...
PC-based control for advanced hydrogen storage technology
Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
The proportion of renewable energies from solar, wind and water is rising continuously. However, sufficient storage options are of the essence to use these energies as efficiently as possible. GKN Hydrogen offers a particularly compact and safe option, low-pressure metal hydride hydrogen storage systems with PC-based control from Beckhoff.
Read more...
ABB modernises key board mill
ABB South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
ABB has secured a landmark contract to modernise Smurfit Kappa’s Paper Machine 5 at its corrugated cardboard mill near Mexico City. ABB will provide Smurfit Kappa with DCS, accompanied by a comprehensive paper machine drives system, encompassing some of the market’s most advanced drives and motors meticulously designed to optimise PM5’s performance.
Read more...
The synapses of the distributed control system
Schneider Electric South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Industrial operations require a distributed control system (DCS) to coordinate and control their process subsystems in real time. Like the brain, a DCS is a multitasking maestro, controlling and coordinating complex processes in a myriad of industrial setting such as large manufacturing plants, providing valuable top-down control.
Read more...
Modular assembly platform for clean manufacturing
Beckhoff Automation
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
JR Automation delivers custom automated solutions for numerous industries. It has done this through its scalable, modular automation platform, FlexChassis, which speeds up time to market while cutting costs. The company chose the XTS linear transport system from Beckhoff because of its speed, and modular design that allows for multiple configurations.
Read more...
Selecting the best remote access solution for your application
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
In today’s Internet of Things (IoT) world, remote mobile access is a necessity for many industrial applications. There are several ways of implementing this connectivity with routers and virtual private networks.
Read more...
PLCs and PACs simplify data acquisition
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Data acquisition, data logging and data analysis are required functions for most modern industrial control systems. The simplest and lowest cost way to provide these functions is often by using the same platform providing real-time control, namely the PLC or the PAC.
Read more...
Small-scale custom development in the information age
H3iSquared
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
In the twenty-first century, the ability to put together custom electronic devices has become much more accessible to smaller companies, and even the private user. With the open nature of these platforms, potential developers can start learning systems easily, and do not need a massive capital output to do so.
Read more...
printer friendly version