New high-performance low-end PLCs from GE Fanuc offer a variety of low-cost configurations for decentralised control applications.
GE Fanuc has announced a new compact high-performance PLC offering users the capability to migrate functions usually associated with low-end and high-end controllers.
The palm-sized VersaMax Nano and VersaMax Micro PLC's are equipped with a Hitachi HS2-32 Bit RISC Processor and 2kB memory for the Nano and generous 18kB memory for the new Micro PLC.
The palm-sized Nano is highly compact and supports 10 I/O points whereas the new VersaMax Micro is readily expandable to provide up to 84 I/O.
Its variety of low-cost configurations and networking capability makes it ideal for decentralised control applications.
The GE Fanuc VersaMax Nano PLC is ideal for high-volume applications where cost, space, and fast applications are all issues.
GE Fanuc's VersaMax Micro is available as a standard package with 14, 23 or 28 I/O providing simple links to further I/O expansion units.
Run/stop switches, a real time clock, battery backup for memory as well as floating point math, PID, drum sequencer, serial read & write and motion capabilities are integral parts of the new VersaMax Micro.
It also has 2 analogue inputs for adjusting set points.
In common with the larger member of the family, the VersaMax PLC, the new VersaMax Nano and Micro can be programmed very rapidly with GE Fanuc's versatile VersaProÔ which provides easy-to-use, graphically-based configuration tools.
VersaPro provides support for both Instruction List (IL) and Relay Ladder Programming (RLD) editors, and allows a user to switch between languages.
In fact, VersaPro is designed to be so easy to use, that without ever using a manual, a user should be able to configure a PLC, write logic, connect and store to the PLC within 5 minutes.
The VersaPro programming software is fully compatible with GE Fanuc's Logicmaster and Control software.
The VersaMax Nano and Micro can be linked to other PLCs or can be controlled from a PC running GE Fanuc's CIMPLICITY HMI software.
For example, with a GE Fanuc Series 90Ô-30 or 90Ô-70 PLC acting as master, up to 8 slave Micro PLCs can be connected, while the use of repeaters will allow further Micros to be added.
The Micro currently supports SNP/SNPX Master/Slave, Modbusâ RTU Slave and Serial Raw Mode protocols, while development is under way for other common fieldbus standards.
Access is via the RS232 port on the 14 point Micro, and by an additional RS422 port on the two larger models. The new VersaMax Nano and Micro have been designed as sturdy modular packages providing easy access and long term reliability. The palm sized VersaMax Nano is just 75mm long, 80mm height and 45mm depth.
The external dimensions of the VersaMax Micro are just 95mm x 90mm x 76mm for the 14 point model, and 150mm x 90mm x 76mm for the larger 23 and 28 point versions.
I/O connection is rapid through the use of removable connection blocks, which can be accessed by a simple snap-open cover.
An expansion port enables simple connection to extra I/O modules, while the RS232 port allows connection to a PC or programmer.
A modem capability enables control, data collection and troubleshooting to be carried out from a remote location.
