DeviceNet-ready control equipment range

November 2003 System Integration & Control Systems Design

The range of core products offered by Omron include integrated DeviceNet interfaces. These products include PLCs, I/O units, programmable terminals (operator interfaces), DeviceNet wireless links, temperature controllers, sensors, and servo drives.

DeviceNet wireless Links have been added to the DeviceNet line-up to enable freer layout of production lines. The configurator, the set-up software designed for multivendor and global support, makes settings more efficient. This allows group downloads and verification of parameters, shortening the time required for equipment start-up and troubleshooting.

Production sites require maintenance systems that reduce equipment downtime with minimum work. With DeviceNet Smart Slaves, equipment faults can be immediately identified and remedies quickly implemented.

Preventative maintenance

Omron Smart Slaves and Intelligent Slaves can detect reduced equipment performance quickly and countermeasures can be implemented for minor malfunctions before production needs to be stopped. Message communications are also supported, so equipment information can be accessed without affecting the control programs and without being affected by system upgrades or expansions.

Main advantages include:

* Work hours reduced by less wiring.

* Distributed I/O for more compact control panels and equipment.

* Establishing communications with components with plug-and-play simplicity.

* Complete monitoring tools.

* Preventative maintenance.

* Easy identification of fault locations.

* Wide variety of data can be collected from components.

* Online replacement for maintenance without stopping the system.

Claimed to be the smallest in the industry, a DeviceNet unit for the Omron CJ Series for PLCs allows control of up to 32 000 points (2000 words) per master. It can be used as both a master and a slave at the same time and is equipped with settings and monitor functions aimed at improving both design and start-up efficiency. Files of master and slave settings can be uploaded and downloaded using memory cards, allowing effective debugging and easier set-up.

About DeviceNet

DeviceNet is a field network with superior implementation characteristics covering a wide range of levels from unintelligent to intelligent I/O devices. It is highly regarded as an open network and multivendor environment. As borders continue to disappear for the manufacturing industry, there is a worldwide need to simplify wiring work, reduce wiring time, and increase wiring accuracy through standardisation. DeviceNet has already achieved the standardisation required by the manufacturing industry in this borderless age, by complying with the international IEC standards and other local and industrial group standards. DeviceNet was also the first multivendor network to pass the Chinese National Standard.

For more information contact Yelland Control, 011 455 2782.

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