Ethernet support for PLCs and HMIs
August 2003
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Mitsubishi Electric Automation offers a wide variety of Ethernet capabilities with its Melsec programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and E series human-machine interfaces (HMIs). These products provide seamless communication throughout a plant and represent the most recent automation solution in Mitsubishi's decade of experience providing Ethernet support.
The Ethernet-equipped PLCs and HMIs support connectivity to move information from the shop floor to upper levels in, aiding in improving profitability. They also support remote programming and diagnostics and offer solutions with Web serving, remote browsing, e-mail and remote control.
Customers implementing intranet and Internet-enabled shop floors can use E series HMIs, connected to their existing control equipment, to create a fully connected solution at a low cost per node. The HMIs connect to many brands of existing equipment using one of more than 40 different communication drivers for the most common types of automation equipment, such as PLCs, servos and drive systems. Some of the manufacturers supporting Ethernet include Rockwell, GE, Siemens, Omron, Control Techniques, Koyo... etc.
The Melsec Q and A series PLCs support common TCP/IP and UDP/IP protocols, and 10Base-T, 10Base-2 or 10Base-5 physical layers. The Q series supports user configurable outbound e-mail for transmitting information and alarm conditions. Web serving and browsing features are currently under development.
"The advanced and innovative Ethernet-equipped Melsec PLCs allow our customers to maximise automation investment and capitalise on commercial technology," said John Browett, PLC product manager for Mitsubishi Electric Automation.
For more information contact Eddie Milne, Circuit Breaker Industries, 011 928 2000, [email protected], www.cbi.co.za
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