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Logical approach to programming logic controllers

A Crouzet product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Mar 25, 2002

A novel small logic controller brings the advantages of sequential flow chart programming to a new range of applications.

Until recently, sequential flow chart (SFC) programming has only been available with high-level PLCs.

But with the launch of Crouzet's Millenium II, users of small logic controllers can now take advantage of this easy to use configuration, simulation and monitoring software.

Although logic controllers have been popular for many years as entry-level products for simple PLC type applications, and as replacements for timers and relays in traditional control panels, many potential users have been put off by the complexity of their function block or ladder logic programming.

As a result, the penetration of microcontrollers has not been as great as it might have been, and there are still many traditional control panels with analogue timers and relays that would benefit enormously from a move to a modern logic controller.

With the introduction of SFC programming, first time users need have no fears about setting up the Millenium II, Crouzet's powerful yet incredibly easy to use logic controller.

This will enable its use in a wide range of heating and ventilating, machine control and small process control applications, including domestic central heating control or similar situations.

As the name implies, an SFC program is strictly sequential and cannot execute commands out of the proper sequence.

And unlike ladder logic and function block programming, an SFC program always starts at the first step, no matter what stage it was turned off.

Crouzet's Windows-based SFC software allows programs to be created quickly and easily by dragging and dropping function blocks into place on the flow chart.

Available function blocks include time switches, Boolean algebra, set/reset, timers, counters, comparison, hour meters, triggers, bistable and multiplexing.

With specific help screens for each step, it is amazingly easy to use.

Inputs and outputs are then selected from their relevant toolbars and dragged to where they are required.

Clicking on an input or output allows it to be edited and a switch, fan, motor or other function picked from a menu.

Simply joining the required points makes wiring easy and, once completed, the program can be tested 'offline' without putting the Millenium II or the equipment being controlled at risk.

Once basic programming has been mastered, users can begin to exploit the built in application specific function blocks.

These include a cam timer, machine duty cycling block, mathematical functions and a powerful archive function.

New blocks are being developed all the time and Crouzet can also produce bespoke specials.

To allow potential users to see for themselves how easy SFC programming really is, Crouzet is giving away a limited number of free demonstration copies.

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