Mitsubishi Electric has launched a new rack-free, modular PLC, packed with built in features to bridge the gap between the compact MELSEC FX PLC and the iQ platform high performance modular Process Automation Controller (PAC). The new MELSEC L Series controller boasts all the power of a QnUDE Ethernet-embedded Universal Q CPU, but with the compact design and easy expansion of the FX.
Ideally suited for use in mid-size control applications, the MELSEC L Series has been designed with Mitsubishi’s familiar high-reliability, user friendly operation and functional flexibility in mind. The rack-free design promotes high system flexibility with minimum form factor, and all the key features that engineers require as standard are built in to the base CPU, minimising hardware and engineering costs. These features include 24 I/O, a 2-channel high speed counter, 2-axis positioning up to 200 kHz, pulse catch and interrupt functions, built-in data logging, Ethernet and CC-Link (master or local station) interfaces, and an SD/SDHC memory card interface for data storage. This means that even using just as MELSEC L Series CPU with a power supply provide users with a potent solution.
Each MELSEC L Series CPU can be configured with mix-and-match snap-on selectable power supplies, a snap-on display unit, and up to forty expansion modules for additional functionality, including intelligent modules for motion, positioning, high speed counters, communications and networking. For example, in addition to the built-in 2-axis positioning function, Mitsubishi Electric has developed new high-end 4 and 16 axis motion expansion modules using SSCNET III. The CPU of the MELSEC L Series can accommodate up to four of these high performance motion modules, each storing up to 600 points of pre-defined positioning movements. The motion module supports external encoder input for axis synchronisation, electronic cam control and automatic cam generation, making it ideal for sophisticated motion applications up to 16 axes. Further they are programmed and parameterized using standard function modules conforming to PLC open.
The expansion modules provide engineers with a PLC that offers the highest levels of functionality in some of the most sophisticated network applications, but it is the built-in features and functions that define a new paradigm for control at this price-point. The built-in positioning function has a start time of just 30µs, with a maximum high speed output of 200k pulses per second, and features such as S-curve acceleration and deceleration. The built-in data logging function provides an easy way to collect information for troubleshooting, performance evaluation and more, with the facility to store data on commonly used SD memory card.
The same SD memory card slot also makes it easy to back up the CPU programs and parameters. Networking and connectivity are simplified through the inclusion of USB, Ethernet and CC-Link interfaces as standard. The built-in CC-Link allows the MELSEC L Series PLC to be added onto a network as an easy-setup slave, or to act as a master for up to 64 stations from the 1000+ CC-Link field devices available.
The MELSEC L Series is available in two CPU types. The Standard CPU offers control of up to 1024 I/O and provides 20K step memory with better than 40ns instruction speed. The High Performance CPU offers control of up to 4096 I/O, with 260K step memory and instruction speed better than 9.5ns the meet the needs of even the most demanding control applications. The MELSEC L Series is fully compatible with iQ Works and GX Works2 software for ease of set-up, configuration and maintenance. GX Works2 in particular focuses on driving down total cost by including features that speed up commissioning, reduce downtime, improve programming productivity and ensure effective security.
The compact size, easy expandability, networking capabilities and the multitude of built-in high-powered functions make the MELSEC L Series ideal for both standalone machine control and as networked stations in larger applications.
Picture 1: New rack-free, modular PLC, packed with built in features to bridge the gap between the compact MELSEC FX PLC and the iQ platform high performance modular Process Automation Controller (PAC).
Picture 2: The compact size, easy expandability, networking capabilities and the multitude of built-in high-powered functions make the MELSEC L Series ideal for both standalone machine control and as networked stations in larger applications.
About Mitsubishi Electric
With 90 years of experience in providing reliable, high-quality products to both corporate clients and general consumers all over the world, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation is a recognized world leader in the manufacture, marketing and sales of electrical and electronic equipment used in information processing and communications, space development and satellite communications, consumer electronics, industrial technology, as well as in products for the energy sector, water and waste water, transportation and building equipment.
With around 114.000 employees the company recorded consolidated group sales of 32,2 billion Euro in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011.
Our sales offices, research & development centres and manufacturing plants are located in over 30 countries.
Mitsubishi Electric Europe, Factory Automation European Business Group (FA-EBG) has its European headquarters in Ratingen near Dusseldorf, Germany.
It is a part of Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V., a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Japan.
The role of FA-EBG is to manage sales, service and support across its network of local branches and distributors throughout the European region.
Further Information:
www.mitsubishi-automation.com
http://global.mitsubishielectric.com
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DMA Europa Ltd. : Bob Dobson
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Company Contact
Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V. : Amaechi Oduah, Marketing Manager
Tel: +44 (0) 1707 276100 Fax: +44 (0) 1707 278695
Web: http://automationsolutions.mitsubishielectric.co.uk
Email: automation@meuk.mee.com