Rockwell Automation’s new Allen-Bradley Micro820 PLC features embedded Ethernet and serial ports, and a microSD slot. Pulse-width modulation (PWM) output and recipe management makes it ideal for small machines, such as stretch wrappers and compressor control, the company says. Data logging, analog and thermistor temperature inputs are essential for remote automation applications, including water-pump control and air-handling units. Connected Components Workbench software simplifies the configuration, design and maintenance of the Micro820 controller. The latest version of the software adds support for additional machine devices, like the new Allen-Bradley Guardmaster 440C-CR30 configurable safety relay and Allen-Bradley Kinetix 3 component servo drive. This release also provides password protection for application code, and improved investment protection via a friendly controller upgrade tool and multiple project sessions to collaborate between them. The Micro800 3.5-inch LCD display supports up to eight lines of ASCII text with a four-colour backlight, has a keypad with programmable function keys, and is rated IP65 for mounting through a cabinet door when used as a simple operator interface.
