Category: PLC Applications

Timeline, CPUs and Programming of the Modicon PLC Series

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The Modicon PLC Series has been around for almost 40 years at this point, from the 484 series to the M340 series. The timeline below lists the CPU part numbers, the years they were sold, and what they are programmed with. For more info you can visit our series page here or email sales@mroelectric.com.

Modicon 484
CPU Part Number: AS-C484-xxx
Actively Sold: 1977-1983
Programmed With: P190 programmer

Modicon 584
CPU Part Number: AS-584A-xxx, AS-584M-xxx, AS-584L-xxx
Actively Sold: 1979-1984
Programmed With: Modsoft, ProWorx Plus/Nxt/32 Software

Modicon 984 Chassis Mount
CPU Part Number: P1-984X-008, Px-984A-xxx, Px-984B-xxx
Actively Sold: 1985-1999
Programmed With: ProWorx Plus/Nxt/32 and Modsoft Software

Modicon 984 Slot Mount
CPU Part Number: PC-A984-3xx, PC-D984-xxx, PC-K984-xxx
Actively Sold: 1987-2006
Programmed With: ProWorx Plus/Nxt/32 and Modsoft Software

Modicon Compact 984
CPU Part Number: PC-A984-xxx, PC-E984-2xx
Actively Sold: 1991-2007
Programmed With: Modsoft, ProWorx Plus/Nxt/32, Concept software

Modicon Micro
CPU Part Number: 110CPU311xx, 110CPU411xx, 110CPU512xx, 110CPU612xx
Actively Sold: 1996-2006
Programmed With: Modsoft, ProWorx Plus/Nxt/32 software

Modicon Quantum
CPU Part Number: 140CPUxxxxx
Actively Sold: 1994 to present
Programmed With: ProWorx 32, Concept, Unity software

Modicon Premium
CPU Part Number: TPCX57xxxx, TSXP57xxxx
Actively Sold: 1998 to present
Programmed With: PL7 or Unity software

Modicon Momentum
CPU Part Number: 171CCC7xxxx, 171CCS7xxxx, 171CCC9xxxx
Actively Sold: 1998 to present
Programmed With: ProWorx, Concept software

Modicon M340
CPU Part Number: BMXP341000, BMXP342010, BMXP342020, BMX342030
Actively Sold: 2007 to present
Programmed With: Unity V3.0 software

The Modicon 984 Family of PLCs

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The Modicon 984 family of PLCs  bring the high performance,
application flexibility, and programming compatibility of the 984 family to the small
controller market. As a controller in the 984 family, Compacts implement a common
instruction set for developing user logic, standard Modbus communication
functionality, and optional Modbus Plus communication capabilities.
The Compact Controllers share the following 984 processing architecture features:
– A memory section that stores user logic, state RAM, and system overhead in
battery-backed CMOS RAM and holds the system’s Executive firmware in
nonvolatile PROM or FLASH RAM
– A CPU section that solves the user logic program based on the current input
values in state RAM, then updates the output values in state RAM
– An I/O processing section that directs the flow of signals from input modules to
state RAM and provides a path over which output signals from the CPU’s logic
solve are sent to the output modules
– A communications section that provides one or more port interfaces. These
interfaces allow the controller to communicate with programming panels, host
computers, hand-held diagnostic tools and other master devices, as well as with
additional controllers and other nodes on a Modbus (or Modbus Plus) network
 
This architectural consistency allows the The Modicon 984 Family of PLCs to achieve machine compatibility with the other controllers in the family. This allows sequences of user logic created on a mid-range or high performance controller, such as a 984B or a
984-685 Controller,-to be relocated to a Compact. It also assures that user logic
generated for this small controller is upwardly compatible to larger 984(s). Thus, a
Compact can be easily integrated into a multi-controller network.
 
For more info you can visit our web page here or call 1-800-691-8511 or you can even email sales@mroelectric.com.

Modicon Quantum Overview: Power Supplies, CPUs, I/O Modules

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The Modicon Quantum system is a special purpose computing system with digital processing capabilities. Modicon Quantum is designed for real-time control in industrial and manufacturing applications in a module, expandable architecture employing the following modules.

–          Power Supply

–          CPU

–          I/O

–          I/O Network Interface

–          Intelligent/Special Purpose I/O

–          Simulator (XSM)

–          Battery

–          Backplanes

–          CableFast Cabling

Quantum Power Supplies are used to supply system power to all modules inserted into the backplane, including CPU modules, Interface modules, and I/O modules. Depending upon the system configuration, the option exists of using the power supply in three different modes. The three modes are:

–          Standalone: For 3A, 8A, or 11A configurations that do not require fault tolerant or redundant capabilities.

–          Standalone Summable: For configurations consuming more than the rated current of one supply, two summing power supplies can be installed on the same backplane.

–          Redundant: For configurations requiring power for uninterrupted system operation. Two redundant power supplies are required for redundancy.

The Quantum CPU is a module residing on the Quantum local I/O backplane. The CPU is a digitally operating electronic system, which uses a programmable memory for the internal storage of user interactions. These instructions are used to implement specific functions such as logic, process sequencing, timing, coupling, and arithmetic. These instructions allow control through digital and analog outputs, for various types of machines and processes.  The Quantum CPU serves as a bus master controlling the local, remote, and distributed I/O of the Quantum system.

Quantum I/O modules are electrical signal converters that convert signals to and from field devices to a signal level and format, which can be processed by the CPU such as limit switches, proximity switches, temperature sensors, solenoids, and valve actuators. All I/O modules are optically isolated to the bus, ensuring safe and trouble-free operation. All I/O modules are also software configurable.

MRO Electric and Supply has new and refurbished Modicon Quantum products available. We also offer repair pricing. For more information, please call 800-691-8511 or email sales@mroelectric.com.

Why Choose Modicon Quantum?

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Modicon Quantum

Why Choose Modicon Quantum?

The Modicon Quantum series is manufactured by Schneider Electric and is a PLC system for process applications and high availability solutions. The quantum series provides well-balanced CPU’s that are able to provide leading performance from Boolean to floating point instruction. The CPUs have 5 IEC languages as standard, which include LD, ST, FBD, SFC, and IL the Modicon LL984 language to facilitate installed base migration. Schneider Electric’s Quantum CPUs are able to work at a high-level multitasking, which is aided by their memory capacity of up to 7 Mb using PCMCIA extensions. These PLCs are specially shaped for process control applications with conformally coated modules, and an extensive catalog of partner modules which allows them to be used in a range of environments. In order to manage safety integrated systems, safety processors and I/O modules help to complete the series. There are also options for plug and play high-performance Hot-Standby solutions with LCD keypad for local monitoring for ease of use. These Hot-Standby solutions have numerous built-in ports, which include a USB port, Ethernet TCP/IP port with a Web server, Modbus Plus and at least one Modbus serial port on the front panel. The Modicon Quantum series utilizes in-rack connectivity to Profibus-DP and an embedded Ethernet router for easy communications. If you need to increase the availability of your architecture the CRA and CRP Quantum Ethernet I/O modules (QEIO) are available. Thanks to the Modicon X80 drops, expand your architecture and integrate easily your distributed devices on the same network, such as HMI, variable speed drives, I/O islands and more.

There are many benefits to using the Modicon Quantum series over other similar PLC systems available in the market today. The Quantum series offers a large range of processors which are ideal for complex processes. The power of its processors results in optimum cycle times while integrating ever more communications functions, diagnostics, memory flexibility, and data storage. The Quantum Safety system is also now available, certified TUV Rheinland, which is simple to use and ready to be integrated into your automated system. The Quantum series has more flexibility which allows you to choose the best topology, daisy chain loop, ring, star, bus, etc. for the design of your Ethernet architecture. This flexibility allows for higher availability, which is aided by the Hot-standby CPUs and daisy chain loop topology which improve the availability of your process. In the case of cable fails, the recovery time is less than 50 ms for an entire Quantum Ethernet I/O architecture. The applications of the Modicon Quantum PLCs include process control, safety, infrastructure and many more.

MRO Electric and Supply has new and refurbished Modicon Quantum products available. We also offer repair pricing. For more information, please call 800-691-8511 or email sales@mroelectric.com.

Modbus, Traditional Networks still Dominant over Industrial Ethernet

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Modbus, Traditional Networks still Dominant over Industrial Ethernet

We’re always keeping an eye on innovation, and a big trend in the PLC world is the move toward industrial ethernet communications rather than traditional networks. However, Bill Lydon (Editor for Automation.com) recently posted an article asserting that it’s going to be 15-20 years before industrial ethernet becomes the dominant market technology. In the meantime, customers are relying on networks like Modbus, Fieldbus, DeviceNet and others.

Modbus, designed by Modicon in 1979, is a request/reply protocol and offers services specified by function codes. Our Modicon Quantum Communications Modules utilize Modbus protocol to communicate with the drives and input/output modules on the same network, and has become so popular since its inception that many other industrial electronics also support the protocol.

MRO Electric and Supply has new and refurbished FANUC CNC, FANUC Robotics, Control Techniques,  Siemens, Modicon, Yaskawa, MagneTek, Saftronics, and Omron products available. We also offer repair pricing. For more information, please call 800-691-8511 or email sales@mroelectric.com

Unidrive SP AC Drives Used in Belgian Theme Park Ride

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Unidrive SP AC Drives Used in Belgian Theme Park Ride

Wondering what Control Techniques Unidrive SP Drives are actually used for? Well here’s a pretty cool application for those of you that enjoy theme parks. This zero-gravity ride at the Walibi Theme Park in Belgium was recently refurbished using Unidrive SP Drives. Previously, the ride had been using Unidrive Classic Drives to run the motors which hoisted riders over 250 feet in the air.

emerson drives on rides
Dalton Terror Ride powered by Unidrive SP Drives

More information about the retrofit:

The drop tower is based at the Walibi theme park; the ride is a round tower of 77m in height and has five rows of seats, each with four-person capacity, in a ring around the tower.

The seats, weighing 1.5 tonnes empty, are hoisted by speed-controlled Leroy Somer geared motors to the top of the tower, where they are released to drop in freefall at a maximum speed of 110km/hr, generating complete weightlessness.

Magnetic current brakes that comprise permanent magnets fitted in the seats generating powerful Foucault currents in the metallic frame of the tower provide fault-free guaranteed braking, independent of the power supply, bringing the ride to a safe slow speed with hydraulic shock absorbers providing the final soft stop at the base.

This, Control Techniques said, makes the ride a ’zero-risk’ attraction.

The Dalton Terror was originally installed in the park in 1998 and featured the previous Classic Unidrives to haul the seats to the top of the tower.

Compagnie des Alpes has been investing heavily in the upgrading of many of the rides, with the accent heavily on safety.

When it decided to refurbish the Dalton Terror, the precise movement of speed profile of the previous Control Techniques drives was a key factor in the selection of the latest-generation of AC drives and five heavy-duty 75kW Unidrive SPs, operating in closed-loop flux vector mode, were fitted as part of the total renewal of the control panels.

Signals from encoders fitted to each of the Leroy Somer LSMV motors feed back to the drives and, using SM Universal Encoder Plus option modules, are re-transmitted to the PLCs that control the safety of the whole process.

Here’s a video of the ride in action: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agSTlMNbPpQ

MRO Electric and Supply has new and refurbished Control Techniques parts available including the Unidrive and Unidrive SP series. We also offer repair pricing. For more information, please call 800-691-8511 or email sales@mroelectric.com

Real-Time Data Collection using PLC Networking

Joe Kaminski Leave a comment

This article from Control Engineering offers a great preview of the future of manufacturing with PLCs. Ethernet connections allow for real-time data collection, which introduces great networking potential between workers and the machines. Because PLCs can be programmed to make decisions based on input variables, we can automate more tasks but still be confident that process variables are under control. The development and innovation of Modicon Quantum I/O Modules create the backbone of the PLC networking configuration.

Another exciting revelation in the article:

To meet the growing operation needs of industrial automation, networks continue to expand, offering monitoring and control capabilities in areas not previously possible. Device networks are now using fieldbus-to-Ethernet integration to develop enterprise-wide control networks. Merging networking functionality with PLCs enables users to off-load main processor tasks for distributed control in the field, placing control-level devices closer to the action. Additionally, by combining control with distributed I/O, manufacturers can lower their total cost of operation by streamlining data acquisition, communication, and factory-wide connectivity.

We can’t wait to see how users pair the networking capabilities of PLCs with infrastructure already in place on the factory floor.

MRO Electric and Supply has new and refurbished Modicon products available including the Modicon Quantum series. We also offer repair pricing. For more information, please call 800-691-8511 or email sales@mroelectric.com.