PLC Box with IEC 61131-3 controller for Profibus DP
The PLC Box is very similar to the Coupler Box because both have a fieldbus interface and integrated I/O, whereas the PLC Box includes PLC functionality. The programmable PLC Box modules can be used as autonomous mini-PLCs for the control of parts of a plant or of small machines, and for distributed intelligent control of the I/O signals in complex systems. The separation of smaller application components from the central control provides relief for the CPU and the fieldbus. Decentralized counting, control or switching are typical applications for the intelligent Fieldbus Box modules.

With dimensions of only 175 x 30 x 26.5 mm, the PLC Box is extremely compact and is therefore particularly suitable for applications where there is very little space available. The low mass makes them useful for applications where the I/O interface is moved (e.g. on a robot arm).

The PLC Box modules IL230x-C310 for Profibus combine four digital inputs and four digital outputs on a single device. The outputs handle load currents of up to 0.5 A, are short-circuit proof and protected against inverse polarity. The signals are optionally connected via Ø 8 mm snap type connectors or screw type M8 or M12 connectors. The PLC Box device series is currently available for Profibus DP with 12 MBaud. The PLC data are accessed cyclically via DP Data- Exchange or acyclically via DP-V1. Further types for other fieldbus systems are in preparation.

Free signal mix through extension modules
Almost unlimited I/O options are available by extending the PLC Box with the Extension Box modules via the quick and safe IP-Link system. The IExxxx extension modules cover the full range of I/O signals: digital inputs with different filters, digital outputs with 0.5 or 2 A output current, analog inputs and outputs with 16 bit resolution, thermocouple and RTD inputs. The communication modules allow decentralized connection of serial devices such as identification systems. Modules for path and angle measurements as well as encoders and SSI interfaces are in preparation. The Extension Box modules communicate via a quick and safe optical fiber connection, the IP-Link. “Wiring” is easy and time-saving via plug-in optical fibers. They can either be delivered ready-made or installed on site. Up to 120 extension modules with 504 bytes of input and 504 bytes of output can be addressed directly from the PLC program.

Comfortable programming according to IEC 61131-3
Programming does not depend on the equipment manufacturer, and is carried out with TwinCAT BC in accordance with IEC 61131-3, using the same programming environment as for the TwinCAT PC control system. The program download occurs either via the fieldbus or via the programming interface. Extensive debugging functions (breakpoint, single step, monitoring, etc.) are also available.
The Fieldbus Box series with PLC functionality uses a powerful 16 bit controller, 32/96 Kbyte program memory and 32/64 Kbyte data memory. A further 512 bytes of nonvolatile memory are available for remanent flags.

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