Mini programmable logic controller

May 2017 PLCs, DCSs & Controllers

GIC’s PL-100 mini programmable logic controller is a real-time system designed for multiple input and output arrangements. The PL-100 can control a wide variety of devices to support user’s evolving automation needs. The PL-100 monitors inputs and changes outputs as controlled by the user program, which can include Boolean logic, counting, timing, complex mathematical operations and communication with other intelligent devices. With its free software, compact design, flexible configuration and powerful instruction set, the PL-100 is a perfect solution for controlling a wide variety of applications in the industrial and commercial sectors.

Prominent features include:

• Programming using ladder diagram.

• Supports up to 112 I/Os including isolated digital inputs (sourcing and sinking), digital transistorised outputs with short circuit protection, high-speed inputs and outputs (PTO/PWM/S-profile) and analog voltage or current inputs and outputs.

• Programming is done through a USB port.

• Standard RS-232/RS-485 port with RJ11 for HMI and scada interface.

• Modbus RTU support.

• Stacking using FRC cable up to maximum six expansion modules.

• Rugged and designed to withstand electromagnetic interference, vibrations, temperature and humidity variations.

• Some of the software features includes 128 time switches, multiple timers, counters including retentive counters, hour meters and many other function blocks.

• An independent scale converter block with various SFBs to convert the corresponding parameters. It supports up to 16 points

conversion for various data types.

• The modified preset parameters of the SFBs configured in ladder, can be retained by selecting the ‘Retain SFB Set Value’.

• Complete with LED indication for inputs, outputs, run, stop and error.

• User-friendly software for online and offline simulation that supports regular firmware updates.

Users can now seamlessly and affordably implement automation in almost any electromechanical process.

For more information contact 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...

---