IDEC Corporation announces the release of its FC6A MicroSmart, a powerful PLC with up to 520 I/O. The MicroSmart PLC provides the power of a PAC (programmable automation controller) in a low-cost controller with a small form factor, making it an ideal fit for demanding applications.

Industries particularly well suited to the MicroSmart PLC include oil & gas, chemical, solar, marine, packaging, food & beverage, material handling, utility vehicles, and OEM machinery and process skids. 

Within these industries, a wide variety of applications are a good fit for the MicroSmart PLC—especially those requiring control of standalone machines, process skids, vehicles and small-scale systems.

Basic instructions can be executed in 0.042 microseconds, and program memory is 640 kB. There are 1,024 timers, and six of the 512 counters are high-speed at rates up to 100kHz. These capabilities are combined with extensive data and bit memory, double the capacity of a typical micro PLC. These features allow the MicroSmart PLC to handle large programs with complex control requirements such as PID, flow totalization and recipes.

Three MicroSmart PLC models are available, 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. Each model also includes 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. These modules can be of any type with no restrictions as to the number of analog and specialty modules. This gives the 40 I/O MicroSmart PLC the capability to handle up to 520 I/O with a maximum of 126 analog I/O, much more than a typical micro PLC.

The MicroSmart PLC is programmed with IDEC’s WindLDR PC-based software, which includes no cost updates for the life of the product, and which can be used to program IDEC’s entire line of controllers in a simple and intuitive manner. Software programs from IDEC FC4A and FC5A PLCs can be automatically converted by the WindLDR programming software for execution on the FC6A MicroSmart PLC. 

PLC 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.

All models have 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. 

An optional HMI module can be added to the CPU to provide operator interface via its display and control buttons. The HMI module can also accommodate an optional plug-in analog cartridge, and it has an integral Ethernet port. Using the operator interface functionality, any PLC parameter can be updated.

IoT capability is provided by custom web pages which can be configured for remote monitoring and control. Web pages are created using simple drag and drop functionality with no HTML programming required, a major advantage over competing products.

These web pages are stored in the MicroSmart PLC, which functions as a web server when its built-in Ethernet port or the HMI Ethernet port is connected to the Internet. These web pages can be accessed via any web browser running on any Internet-connected device such as a remote PC, a tablet or a smartphone. 

Connecting the MicroSmart or the HMI Ethernet port to the Internet also provides email and text notification functionality, which can be used with third-party email servers such as Gmail and Yahoo.

The 40 I/O model can be powered by 12 Vdc, making it an ideal fit for solar- and battery-power applications. The 40 I/O model also includes support for the Society of Automation Engineers (SAE) J1939 protocols. The SAE J1939 protocol is often used in diesel engine applications for various types of vehicles and vessels, and for mobile power generators.

As with all its products, IDEC offers free tech support for the FC6A MicroSmart PLC, with no service or support contract required. For complete specifications or additional information, please contact IDEC Corporation at 800-262-IDEC (4332), or visit us online at http://FC6A.idec.com/