Press Releases

NEW CONTROLLERS FOR MEDIUM-COMPLEXITY APPLICATIONS

Moeller has expanded and upgraded its controller range, re-launching it as easy Control EC4P, and linking it to the benefits provided by CoDeSys standard programming.

Distributed and backed in South Africa by Moeller Electric, the new products further close the gap between control relays and programmable logic controllers (PLCs), delivering an array of user benefits and functions that go beyond the usual EN61131-3 requirements.

easy-Control incorporates a wide range of I/O modules and network interfaces to fieldbus systems such as Profibus, AS-Interface, DeviceNet and CANopen, and can also be connected to Ethernet without the use of converters.

Moeller claims that its new controllers form the ideal tool for implementing applications of medium complexity, largely because the new range is now fully programmable in a number of languages using CoDeSys easy-Soft software.

Languages include Instruction List, Ladder Diagram, Function Block Diagram, Sequential Function Chart and Structured Text, the combination of which facilitates user-friendly management of the application complexity as it increases in line with application scope.

There are also tools for structuring the task definition effectively, so that application requirements can be implemented rapidly and simply using options that include an integrated visualisation tool, test and commissioning functions, an integrated fieldbus configurator, and user programme simulation.

Moeller has therefore covered the entire automation range using only two programming standards: easy-Soft and easy-Soft CoDeSys.

The upgraded controllers make full use of I/O expansion modules to integrate with Moeller's existing range of 'easy' products, and feature 16-bit processors to ensure high CPU performance and short cycle times.

Program memory is 256kB.

There are sixteen device versions, all of them featuring real-time clocks. All devices are maintenance free and require no batteries.

Of the twelve digital inputs in easy-Control, up to four can be used as analog inputs. Eight transistor outputs or six relays are provided on the output side. Versions are available with or without integrated display, and there are different versions for analog processing and various communication interfaces.

A CANopen fieldbus master is integral to all of the new products. The easy Net interface on the new controllers allows a maximum of eight devices to be interconnected over a distance of up to one kilometre. Controllers can connect to a wide range of fieldbus stations, and/or be accessed via the network.

Subordinate controllers can also be programmed and diagnosed easily from a central location.

A standard fieldbus system is required if users wish to connect standard fieldbus devices.

EC4P controllers use memory cards for programme or recipe updates, and for reading, storing and transferring data to computer.

Increasing use of Ethernet in the field of automation is accommodated by the incorporation of a fully integrated Ethernet interface that does away with the need for additional converters. Users benefit from reduced costs and ease of integration.

Easy-Control EC4P features an expanded operating temperature range of between -25 and +55 deg C.

The new range is immediately available from Moeller Electric branches and approved systems integrators across South Africa.

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