Micro PLC with embedded Ethernet
July 4, 2011
By
Mary Del
The Idec MicroSmart Pentra PLC with embedded Ethernet features everything from Modbus TCP and e-mail/text messaging functionality, to web server functions and an interactive user web page with dynamic data. It also includes free software upgrades, free technical support and local hands-on training. An easy-to-configure built-in Modbus TCP makes it simple to set up your controls network for remote maintenance, monitoring and control, and data acquisition, the company says. Up to 14 simultaneous connections can be established, and advanced e-mail functionality means the PLC can keep users updated with e-mails or text messages of real-time dynamic data, such as pressure level, flow rate and temperature. Users can choose a built-in Idec web page or utilize one MB of space to create their own page using simple commands in an HTML editor to embed numerical displays, numerical inputs, pushbuttons, bar graphs, trend charts and more. Pentra is available in two CPU models with 12 I/O configurations (eight DC inputs and four transistor-sink or source outputs). Plus, up to 15 expansion modules can be configured. Additional features include a Mini-B type USB port; SNTP functions; PING functions; up to 128 KB of programming memory (21,300 ladder steps); up to 492 I/Os; and 100-KHz high-speed counters and outputs.
