Following the recent launch of higher density analogue modules for the Pentra and Microsmart PLC ranges, Idec is now upgrading the original two- and three-channel analogue and thermocouple modules. These are available in the following combinations:
* Two input/one output voltage/current
* Two input voltage/current
* Two input thermocouple/resistance thermometer
* One output voltage/current
* One output voltage/current
Significant improvements have been made in the sampling duration time, (20ms down to 10ms), the total input system transfer time (105ms down to 60ms), and the total output system transfer time (50ms down to 10ms). Furthermore, the resolution of the thermocouple module has been improved from 12 to 14 bits, giving an accuracy of 1 part in 16384. Finally, the electrical noise tolerance level has also been improved, which means the modules are less susceptible to interference when operating in harsh environments.
The end result of these upgrades is that the speed of movement of analogue data into and out of the Microsmart or Pentra programmable controllers has considerably increased, so the update time of analogue data need no longer be an issue in certain applications. Faster response means greater accuracy of analogue data.
These new products are recognised by having V.200 firmware version identified on their labels.
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