Posted to News on 26th Feb 2007, 20:52
An easy way to add RS232 to high-speed compact PLC
Idec Electronics is dramatically increasing the serial communications capability of its Pentra programmable controller (PLC) range by introducing an expansion communication module. The FC5A-SIF2 module provides an additional RS232C port with a maximum baud rate of 38.4 kbaud. Furthermore, up to five of these slimline (23.5mm) communication modules can be added to a single PLC. These, coupled with the two already available on the Pentra CPU, should be more than enough to handle connection to a variety of RS232C devices.
Small PLCs can sometimes be limited in the number of available serial ports, but using the Idec Pentra and SIF2 modules enables machine builders to connect displays, serial printers, barcode readers, RFID equipment, card reader and variable speed drives.
The Pentra PLC, with its Idec Logic Engine, is claimed to be the fastest slim CPU in its class, supporting double-word and floating-point maths. When coupled with the FC5A-SIF2 communication module, it can provide a host link to a variety of RS232 devices. In addition, its user communication instructions enable different protocol formats to be implemented.
Options include: 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200 or 38400 baud; internal circuit isolation; up to five modules can be used with the Pentra slim PLC, or up to three with the Pentra all-in-one.
