Keyence focuses on ease of use with new high-speed compact PLC

Keyence focuses on ease of use with new high-speed compact PLC

Keyword: PLC

Design engineers and plant operating personnel have a powerful new tool at their disposal with the launch of Visual PLC from Keyence (Plate 8).

Featuring the industry's first built-in access window and including an AC power supply model and operator interface panel, Visual PLC has been designed for ease of use.

This compact PLC measures just 110 x 70 mm yet boasts the fastest processmg in its class. With a minimum scan time of 140 p.s and minimum execution time of 0.7 µs, processing is 50 per cent faster than that of Keyence's conventional product.

The access window allows data to be checked on start-up as well as during modification or changeover, doing away with the need for a PC or handheld programmer. It also includes functions such as key lock, error message and user message. An external operator interface linked by a modular cable has all the functions of the access window, plus a full-scale display and number of convemence functions such as a beep and display customisation.

Plate 8

Among a host of practical functions, the Visual PLC incorporates two-channel, two- phase, high-speed counters and high-speed counter comparators. This allows direct connection with a rotary encoder and counting input from the encoder. As a result, it is ideal for applications such as speed measurement and high-speed interval counting.

Another innovation is the incorporation of a positioning control function similar to that found in much more expensive units. With a single-axis stepper motor control independent of the high-speed counter, motors of up to 50kHz can be controlled. The positioning control stopper function is activated simply by inputting the setting values into the specific data memories. A frequency counter function measures the rotational frequency of a gear or rotary encoder without the need for complicated programmmg, while a specified frequency pulse output function controls motor speed.

A single Visual PLC unit enables synchronisation control, but combining it with an inexpensive rotary encoder is a very cost-effective way to produce a simple cam switch. In terms of software, Ladder Builder for KV ensures fast, easy programming and efficient desktop debugging.

Visual PLC is also supported with a complete product line. Fully-equipped with access windows, its 16 different base units offer up to 40 points of I/O. Special functions such as positioning control and high-speed counters are complemented by eight types of I/O expansion units which can be mounted up to 300mm from an adjacent unit. Another option is the cost- saving and practical KV-D20 operator panel. With four function switches and four indicators, this can be customised and pre-set as desired. Ladder programming created for the conventional KV Series can also be used with the Visual KV while ladder programs themselves can be saved and transferred using the KV-P3E-01 handheld programmer.

Issued by: Stephen Ballard, BCM, Dunley Hill Court, Ranmore, Nr. Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6SX, UK. Tel: 01483 280000; Fax: 01483 280010; E-mail: s.ballard@ballard.co.uk

Technical Contact: Neil Harvey, Keyence (UK) Ltd, Avebury House, 219-225 Avebury Boulevard, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire MK9 IAU, UK. Tel: 01908 696900; Fax: 01908 696777; E-mail: ukinfo@keyence.co.uk