Web enabled controllers have extended I/O, programming flexibililty and memory for more demanding and customised applications

Citation

(2004), "Web enabled controllers have extended I/O, programming flexibililty and memory for more demanding and customised applications", Assembly Automation, Vol. 24 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.2004.03324bad.008

Web enabled controllers have extended I/O, programming flexibililty and memory for more demanding and customised applications

Web enabled controllers have extended I/O, programming flexibililty and memory for more demanding and customised applications

Keywords: Machine, Control, Intranet

INMOCO's Control Technology range of web enabled controllers has been improved and extended with the launch of the model 5104, a controller that offers higher overall performance with features such as virtual I/O support for more demanding applications, expanded facilities for data logging and file storage, “C” programming for customized, multi-tasking applications, and full support of Modbus TCP or serial master and slave protocols (Plate 7).

The model 5104 is the latest addition to the Control Technology 5100 Blue Fusione Series, a range of web enabled controllers that make the idea of running an entire manufacturing enterprise via the web, a practical reality. The Blue Fusion controllers are 32 bit, RISC- based units that combine automation and motion control facilities, monitoring and 10/100 Base T Ethernet web connectivity into a single compact package priced below many non-networking controllers.

Plate 7 The 5104 controller from INMOCO

The new features, available for the first time on the Model 5104, improve the performance/ price ratio of the package further. The integration of virtual I/O means that the total available on the 5104 is essentially doubled, providing up to 100 points plus additional resources and performance for more demanding applications.

The additional I/O also enables users to connect two Blue Fusion controllers together over an Ethernet connection in a master/slave configuration, and run a control program on the master that has full access to the resources on the slave unit. Finally, the ability to support two controller units simplifies system design in cases where wiring is distributed in two different locations, both of which must be controlled via a single program.

Also adding both to the flexibility and processing power of the 5104 Series is “C” or “C++” language programming. This enables users to write routines that have full, multi-tasking access to the Model 5104's programming resources. These routines can be used to do simple tasks such as unit conversions, or more complex tasks such as customized PID algorithms and communication protocols for proprietary hardware or legacy databases.

Underpinning the increased processing capabilities of the 5104 Series is a new, larger flash disk with PC-like file structure, which can be used to update firmware, store recipes and documentation, or log local data. The latter facility, when used in conjunction with a server or other more centralized data repository, provides a location to store process data if at any time access to the server is unavailable.

For further information, contact: Gerard Bush, Sales Application Engineer, INMOCO Limited, 4 Brunel Close, Drayton Fields, Daventry NN11 5RB. Tel: 01327 300320; Fax: 01327 300319; E-mail: GerardB@inmoco.co.uk