Posted to News on 18th Mar 2009, 07:08
Lenze offers soft-PLC option for EL100 touchscreen HMIs
Lenze is extending its proven EL100 range of touchscreen HMIs with the addition of an optional soft-PLC. This brings together visualisation and machine control in a way that reduces machine build costs. The EL 100 HMI/PLCs are said to be remarkably cost-effective and easy to use, which is illustrated by the fact that visualisation software, PLC programming software and the Windows CE operating system are all included in the price. Windows CE offers real-time capability and is a familiar and suitable platform for both machine control and motion control tasks. The EL100 HMIs include visualisation software called VisiWinNET at no extra charge. The supported visualisation functions include alarms and information messages, as well as formulae and trend charts.
The soft-PLC element of the device helps reduce costs by meeting the IEC 61131-3 programming standard. Programming software is included, together with an additional, maintenance-free GoldCap UPS for bridging brief power failures. This UPS ensures that all necessary variables are saved on the integrated Flash disc in the event of a supply outage or an emergency stop. This ensures that the PLC can be set to a defined status ready for a restart, hence it is not necessary to save the variable cyclically to a 'slow' memory and the controller can therefore run faster.
Connectivity is an important factor to reduce costs in the control system. The EL100 HMI/PLCs include USB-A and USB-B interfaces, which are well established in automation technology, providing for industrial communication with higher-level PCs and also connection of additional devices, printers, keyboards or communication media. The SD card slot, located on the back of the device, allows SD cards of various capacities to be used. Lenze maximises cost savings by installing a CAN interface, which is also the system fieldbus as is used for a range of Lenze L-force products. This system bus approach saves a large amount of engineering time during the installation and commissioning phases.
New engineering products have to deliver benefits that can be equated to cost savings and the Lenze EL100 HMIs with PLC do exactly that for machines that need PLC control and touchscreen visualisation. With TFT display sizes from 5.7 to 12.1 inches, they are cost-effective because the single device gives both visualisation and control, thereby saving engineering time. Similar to industrial PCs, they offer openness with the properties of an embedded system - robustness, stability and simplicity - with their uniform interfaces. A long and trouble-free life is assured by the absence of cooling fans or other moving parts. These devices are easy to use thanks to the familiar Windows CE operating system. In addition, they are cost-effective with VisiWinNET visualisation software and IEC 61131-3 programming software included in the price package.
Follow the link for more information about EL100 touchscreen HMIs.
