New from Mitsubishi Electric, the compact yet modular L series PLC bridges the gap between the FX compact PLC and the iQ plaform PAC. Each L series CPU provides 24 points of on board I/O, a 2-channel high speed counter, 2-axes of positioning, pulse catch and interrupt functions, Ethernet connectivity and built-in data logging.
The built-in positioning function has a start time of 30µs, with a maximum high-speed output of 200k pulses per second, and features such as S-curve acceleration and deceleration, meeting the needs of complex machine positioning applications. Additional features include built-in data logging, and an Ethernet communications port provides a simple interface to the enterprise level, seamless peer to peer communications and direct connectivity to other devices such as HMIs. Logged data can also be retrieved via this port using FTP commands.
The CPU is easy to use and has a basic operation processing speed of better than 9.5ns per instruction, enabling its use in high speed machine applications.
With the L series, the integrated backplane means that expansion modules can simply snap-on to the CPU without the need for a base unit, with the assembly mounting on a standard DIN rail. The system can be expanded up to a total of 40 expansion modules, including motion control, analogue I/O and temperature control modules.
The company has also developed a new motion module that provides high-speed, high precision control of up to sixteen axes per module over its SSCNET III servo controller network. The CPU can accommodate multiple motion modules and can provide many axes of control, with capabilities including a cam function, phase compensation, mark detection and 600 points of user-defined positioning data.
The high-speed analogue modules have been designed to provide a conversion speed of just 20µs per channel, with a precision of ±0.1%. Temperature control modules provide highly stable regulation performance, with functions including heating/cooling control, peak current suppression, self-tuning, simultaneous temperature rise, selectable sampling cycle and a temperature input mode.
According to the company, combining L Series with other products such as its GOT HMIs and Inverter Drives, offers the machine builder a sophisticated, cost effective, integrated control platform.
For ease of programming, the L series is fully compatible with iQ Works and GX Works2 software, simplifying set-up, configuration and maintenance.
The L Series is fully compatible with the FX and iQ series controllers within a mixed automation environment. Applications include packaging machines and other high speed machine designs.
Mitsubishi Electric
T: 01707 276000
