Touchscreen HMIs gain soft-PLC funcationality

Paul Boughton

Lenze is extending its proven EL100 range of touchscreen HMIs with the addition of an optional soft-PLC. This brings together visualisation and machine control in a way that reduces machine build costs.

The EL 100 HMI/PLCs are cost-effective and easy to use, illustrated by the fact that visualisation software, PLC programming software and the Windows CE operating system are all included in the price. Windows CE offers real-time capability and is a familiar and suitable platform for both control tasks and motion control. The EL100 HMIs include visualisation software called VisiWinNET at no extra charge. The supported visualisation functions include alarms and information messages, plus formulae and trend charts.

The soft-PLC element of the device helps reduce costs by meeting the requirements of IEC 61131-3. Programming software is included, together with an additional, maintenance-free Goldcap UPS for bridging brief power failures. This UPS ensures that all necessary variables are saved on the integrated Flash disc in the event of a supply loss or an emergency stop. This ensures that the PLC can be set to a defined status ready for a restart, so it is not necessary to save the variable cyclically to a 'slow' memory and the controller can therefore run faster.

Connectivity is an important factor to reduce costs in the control system. The EL100 HMI/PLCs include USB-A and USB-B interfaces that are well established in automation technology, allowing industrial communication with higher level PCs and also the connection of additional devices, printers, keyboards or communication media. The SD card slot, which is located on the back of the device, allows SD cards of various capacities to be used. Lenze also maximises cost savings through the incorporation of a Can interface, which is also the system bus for a range of Lenze L-force products. This system bus approach saves a large amount of engineering time during the installation and commissioning phases.

New engineering products have to deliver benefits that can be equated to cost savings and the Lenze EL100 HMIs with soft-PLC do exactly that for machines that need PLC control and touchscreen visualisation. With TFT display sizes from 5.7 to 12.1 inches, they are cost-effective because the single device gives both visualisation and control, saving engineering time. Similar to industrial PCs, they offer openness with the advantages of an embedded system - robustness, stability and simplicity - with uniform interfaces. A long and trouble-free life is assured by the absence of cooling fans or other moving parts.

For more information, visit www.lenze.de