Bringing the shopfloor to management's floor
Jan 2000
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Varispeed
In addition to the super small KV-10 - 80 Keyence range of PLCs, Varispeed's control division also supplies and supports the KV300 Series PLC. Despite its many incredibly powerful functions, this PLC still measures one third of the volume and requires only one half of the footprint of conventional units.
Flexible remote I/O units
Even in small systems of only 20 or 30 I/Os, wiring can be a headache - between the PLC and terminal blocks in the control panel, at local sites and at each I/O device. It gets worse every time one changes the program, layout arrangement or I/O devices.
The new KV I/O distribution system requires only two wires for all wiring between the PLC and each remote I/O unit. Plus, it eliminates the intermediate terminal blocks used in conventional systems. What is more, it is fast - one can expect scan times of close to 0,5 ms, even with the maximum of 1774 I/Os.
Four different remote I/O units are available, 8 inputs, 16 inputs, 8 outputs and 16 outputs.
A single CPU can control up to 11 KV-R1 I/O distribution modules, each of which can control up to 10 remote I/O terminal modules of up to 16 I/O points each - for a maximum of 1760 I/O ponts (16 x 10 x 11). Include the 14 I/Os built into the CPU and there are up to 1774 I/O points at the user's disposal.
I/O addressing in programs is simple and easy, even when combining multiple remote I/O terminal modules and ordinary I/O devices. No special commands or addresses are required. The user can also change the I/O layout with ease, without the tedious re-editing of I/O addresses that conventional systems require.
Modular design
Keyence's original modular design allows easy mounting on a DIN rail and employs a quick-disconnect lock mechanism. No additional rack or base is required when extending the system configuration.
Expansion I/O modules (only 14 mm thick) can be added to the CPU. Five models are available, including 16 inputs or 16 outputs (triac/relay) and 32 inputs or 32 outputs transistor).
Keyence now offers both A-D and D-A functions in a single module. This versatile unit can input analog data from Keyence sensors and other measuring instruments for direct input into a PLC. In addition, it enables analog output from a PLC to control such variables as the motor speed of line equipment.
A single analog unit contains four analog input and two analog output channels. Each input channel is switch-selectable for ±5 or ±10 V or 0-20 mA. Each output channel is switch-selectable for ±5 or ±10 V.
The serial interface module has two ports - an RS232C port and a switchable RS232C/RS422A port - for serial communications between PLCs or between a PLC and computer. This set-up makes it easy to control and read data from any external instrument with a compatible serial port. A single computer running Keyence's IncrediWare Ladder software can communicate with multiple CPUs to edit programs and monitor operation.
What is more, a computer can monitor a CPU while communicating with another computer through the serial port. Thanks to the built-in display interface mode, a commercially available display unit can easily be connected to the CPU.
Quick debugging without a PLC
Even without a PLC connected, the Ladder Builder for KV can simulate program execution. The execution can be checked without transferring the program to the PLC. By providing a single step execution function (forward or reverse) in addition to a regular scan execution function debugging efficiency will be increased.
This is a true desktop simulator. Unlike conventional simulators, it requires no machinery, I/O devices, PLC system or wiring. Detailed relationships amongst I/Os can be checked by viewing up to 16 I/Os in timing diagram form, in both simulator and monitor modes.
Varispeed
(011) 466 0830
(021) 559 4590
(031) 579 1452
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