Micro PLC Provides PAC Power with Fast Processing

IDEC (Sunnyvale, CA) has released the FC6A MicroSmart, a PLC with up to 520 I/O. The MicroSmart PLC provides the power of a PAC (programmable automation controller) in a controller with a small form factor, making it a fit for demanding applications. Features include:

• The ability to execute basic instructions in 0.042 microseconds.
• Program memory is 640 kB.
• 1,024 timers.
• 6 of the 512 counters are high-speed at rates up to 100 kHz.
• The ability handle large programs with complex control requirements such as PID, flow totalization and recipes.
• Three MicroSmart PLC models, each with 24 VDC or 100-240 VAC input power.
• The 16 I/O model has 9 inputs, and 7 relay or transistor outputs.
• The 24 I/O model has 14 inputs, and 10 relay or transistor outputs.
• The 40 I/O model has 24 inputs, and 16 relay or transistor outputs.
• An integral 0-10 VDC analog input.
• The 16 and 24 I/O models can accommodate one plug-in analog cartridge, and the 40 I/O model can accommodate two plug-in analog cartridges. Each cartridge has two analog I/O points, either two inputs or two outputs.
• Up to 12 expansion modules can be added to the 16 I/O model, and up to 15 expansion modules can be added to the 24 and 40 I/O models.
• The 40 I/O MicroSmart PLC can handle up to 520 I/O with a maximum of 126 analog I/O.
• WindLDR PC-based software, which includes updates for the life of the product.
• Software programs from IDEC FC4A and FC5A PLCs can be automatically converted by the WindLDR programming software.
• Programming languages include ladder and Script, the latter similar to the C programming language.
• The Script language can be used to create more complex programs, particularly those with multiple sub-programs and custom function blocks.
• A built-in RJ45 Ethernet port, and an RJ45 RS232C/RS485 serial port.
• A plug-in cartridge adds an additional RS232C/RS485 port.
• An SD memory port and a mini-B USB port can each be used for data logging, program storage/transfer, firmware updating or recipe storage.
• The Ethernet port supports the Modbus TCP protocol, and the serial port supports the Modbus RTU protocol.
• Applicability in oil & gas, chemical, solar, marine, packaging, food & beverage, material handling, utility vehicles, and OEM machinery and process skids.

For more information, visit http://FC6A.IDEC.com/; or call 800-262-4332.