News » Product News Compact PLC offers Ethernet and analogue I/O
Mitsubishi Electric has released a compact PLC with embedded Ethernet facilities, two analogue inputs (0-10V DC or 4-20mA) and an analogue output (0-10V DC or 4-20mA). It says that these facilities will open up the Melsec FX3GE CPU to a wider range of applications than other models in the FX3G family.
Motion controller works with brushed DC motors
The Californian controls company, Specialty Motions Inc (SMI), has developed a motion controller that provides variable speed control, direction control, and oscillating and jog-able motion, using standard 12V or 24V brushed DC motors. The D-Con controller is designed to be an low-cost and easy means of achieving such motion without needing to learn programming languages, or using expensive motors, complex drives, PLCs or computer controls.
Controller offers ‘shortest move and settle times’
The Israeli motion controls manufacturer ACS Motion Control has developed a combined control module and EtherCat master which, it claims delivers “ultimate servo performance, the shortest move and settle times possible, minimal jitter, and outstanding smoothness”.
Revamped CompactRIO controllers are ‘four times faster’
National Instruments has announced a new CompactRIO controller that is four times faster than the previous generation. The cRIO-9068 has been redesigned completely, but is still compatible with the CompactRIO system's reconfigurable I/O and with NI’s LabView software.
Machine operation is ‘as convenient as a smartphone’
The German controls and automation manufacturer Schleicher Electronic has developed a hand-held operating device that it claims is the first to control machines with the convenience of a smartphone. It predicts that the device will revolutionise the operation of handling systems, industrial robots and machine tools.
Integrated brushless AC motors offer ‘servo-like’ performance
US-based Mechatronics Systems has developed a family of brushless AC motors with integrated drive electronics that, it says, offer variable speed operation with servo-like performance. It claims that the 191mm-long 2.2kW version is the smallest package of its type on the market.
Tool-free push-in connectors handle currents up to 232A
Phoenix Contact has developed a range of high-current terminals that make it easy to connect and wire rigid or flexible ferruled conductors up to 95mm² without needing tools.
XY stages incorporate direct-drive linear motors
Aerotech has announced a range of two-axis linear motor stages that, it says, offer good geometric and dynamic performance in low-profile packages. The Planar DL stages are optimised for high dynamics and stiffness and can achieve velocities to 1m/s, accelerations to 1.5g, straightness to ±0.4µm, and flatness to ±1µm.
High-inertia motors have longer stall than start times
ABB has announced a range of high-power motors designed to accelerate high-inertia loads, such as axial fans. With standard motors, the long start times of such loads can lead to overheating. The new motors have been designed to withstand the increased temperature rise during start and stall conditions, and have stall times longer than their start times.
Motion controller links third-party controls to servos
Mitsubishi Electric has released a motion controller that allows users to combine Mitsubishi’s servo motion systems with third-party control systems. The Q170MCPU-EIP controller allows users to create positioning applications within their existing programming environments and to use these with Mitsubishi servo platforms.
Integrated servomotors incorporate EtherCat ports
Dunkermotoren has announced a range of compact brushless DC servomotors with integrated control electronics and EtherCat connections. There are ten models with power ratings from 50–500W in square frames with sizes ranging from 45–75mm.
Low-I/O controllers include a colour touchscreen option
The Japanese automation manufacturer Idec has announced a new family of low-I/O-count controllers including a version with a colour touchscreen. There are five models in the FT1A SmartAxis series, offering from 12–48 I/O.
Modular inverter system offers flexibility
A German power semiconductor specialist, GvA Leistungselektronik, has developed a modular, scalable inverter system that allows components to be combined flexibly to achieve the required rating and performance.
Rugged modular HMIs support plug-in protocol conversion
US-based Red Lion Controls has unveiled a new generation of rugged HMIs (human machine interfaces) which, it claims, are the first of their type to combine plug-in modules with protocol conversion, data-logging and Web-based monitoring and control.
Pharma software improves automation-layer integration
Rockwell Automation has released a new version of its PharmaSuite software for pharmaceutical and biotech production. It says that version 5 of the software sets new standards for MES (manufacturing execution system) performance in automation, risk management, cost reduction and regulatory compliance.
