Rockwell Automation announces motion capabilities for the MicroLogix 1500, Allen-Bradley's micro PLC, when combined with the Allen-Bradley Ultra 100 range of servo drives
Rockwell Automation announces motion capabilities for the MicroLogix 1500, Allen-Bradley's micro PLC for applications up to 156 I/O points.
When combined with the Allen-Bradley Ultra 100 range of servo drives, MicroLogix 1500 provides a low cost motion control solution for simple point-to-point positioning applications.
There is a continuing trend to replacing traditional actuators and electro-mechanical systems with software and servo control solutions and in line with this, MicroLogix 1500 offers increased flexibility and improved reliability.
MicroLogix 1500 with motion is ideal for positioning applications with dedicated, repetitive tasks such as pick and place machines, labelling, cut-to-length applications and assembly machines.
The motion capability is included in the basic MicroLogix 1500 programming environment - simply insert standard motion instructions within the controller's ladder diagram. There is only one software tool to learn and one program to maintain, for both motion and sequential control.
To aid first time users, an explanatory booklet is available free on request. MicroLogix 1500 is ideally suited to applications from 24 to 156 I/O and is programmed using the powerful easy-to-use RSLogix 500 software.
The controller also shares many features with the larger SLC 500 products, including the programming environment and instruction set.
The digital and analogue I/O expansion complements and expands the capabilities of the base controller. MicroLogix 1500 also features memory modules, a real time clock, 32-bit signed integer maths, and more than 7K of configurable memory.
Optional modules include a DeviceNet interface to reduce wiring and provide network communications and Data Access module which allows up to forty eight parameters to be brought out to 'electronic digital trim potentiometers'.
This could include the speed setting, which can be adjusted manually by the engineer until the desired speed is reached.
With the Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1500 and two axes of motion control now costing less than œ450.00, Rockwell Automation has truly smashed the price barrier.
This makes motion control a real alternative to electromechanical systems for a wide variety of applications where cost would have previously made this impractical.
