New family of controllers from Schneider
Simple, intuitively designed engineering, true scalability, and a new interface design with extensive built-in connectivity are the most eye-catching features of a new generation of controllers from Schneider Electric. These controllers are part of ‘The NEXT generation’ innovation package for MachineStruxure, designed to help further reduce time to market and automation costs for a wide range of machines.
With ‘The NEXT generation’ of MachineStruxure, Schneider Electric is ensuring that its automation solutions for machine building will continue offering optimal performance for many years to come. More flexible controller hardware with even greater standard functionality will help to optimize automation costs for a wide range of machines. An extensive selection of interfaces, including Ethernet interfaces for even the smallest controllers, satisfies the need for easy integration into current communication solutions.
The compact new controllers are setting standards in terms of functionality and performance with their straightforward engineering, communication capabilities, and true scalability. A rapid, modular I/O system, side-by-side mountable communication modules, and a safety design embedded in the I/O system also allow customized controller solutions to be efficient configured in the new controllers with minimal installation time.
The new Modicon controllers M221, M241 and M251 (in the middle in the picture) set new standards with their straightforward engineering and short installation times, as well as their true scalability
Modicon M221 controllers for hardwired applications, M241 controllers for applications with higher performance requirements, and Modicon M251 controllers for modular and decentralized architectures are designed for economically and functionally appropriate automation in a wide range of machines. The new Modicon LMC078 motion controller further expands the functional range of Modicon controllers, which primarily use PLC logic, to include greater motion functionality. The Modicon LMC078 can synchronize up to eight servo axes with a cycle time of one millisecond, up to 16 servo axes with a cycle time of two milliseconds.
By offering standard interfaces that include Ethernet, USB for programming, serial interface, and web servers these controllers offer extensive built-in connectivity even in standard configuration without optional add-ons. Both Modicon M221 and Modicon M241 are equipped with I/O terminals, and a pulse/direction interface is also standard. This means that Lexium series servo drives and third-party products can be connected easily, without the need for a fieldbus network.
The specially developed Modicon TM3 I/O system enables flexible and customizable expansion of the I/O terminals in all of the controllers. Up to 14 terminals can be added to the controllers via the new I/O expansion bus, which is 10 times faster than traditional solutions. The new safety system modules can also be connected via the I/O expansion bus using “safety embedded” relays.
Each controller has a QR code printed on the housing for clear identification. This code can be read with a Smartphone and sent to Schneider Electric to assist in communication with service or support personnel. All three models feature easy and convenient data handling. Program data are saved on SD cards, making them easy to transport or switch out. Another plus is the ability to install program and/or firmware data on controllers with a PC even when the unit is powered off.
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