Controller crams many functions in a tiny package

A Panasonic Electric Works UK product story

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jun 2, 2003

The novel FP-e programmable controller is the first of a new generation of automation control products that combines the functions of numerous automation devices in a compact DIN48 format package.

The innovative FP-e programmable controller from Matsushita Electric Works is the first of a new generation of automation control products that combines the functions of numerous automation devices in to the extremely compact DIN48 (48 x 48mm) format package.

The FP-e is truly a new concept in programmable controllers that improves accessibility and widens the potential for use in industry.

The versatile panel mounted FP-e can emulate separately, or as a combination, any of the following devices: programmable controller (PLC), temperature controller, counter, timer or HMI.

As a programmable controller the unit offers up to eight digital inputs and six digital outputs including one 2A relay type output.

Also available are two thermocouple type inputs with a temperature range of -30 to +300C.

A high function instruction set and a program capacity of 2700 steps will allow even complex programmable controller applications to be accommodated comfortably.

This offering is comparable to programmable controllers many times its size and is further enhanced with the inclusion of a four-channel high-speed counter capable of a counting speed of up to 10kHz and a pulse output function for stepper motor control.

With a PID function as part of the programmable controller instruction set, the unit can be configured as a temperature controller, using the 2 x 5-character display to allow a setpoint temperature via push button switches to be entered and the processed temperature value to be displayed.

Counter and timer functionality can also be realised by implementing the counter and timer functions from the instruction set.

However, with the amount of I/O available in the unit, an eight-channel counter can be realised in the size of a product normally associated with a single counter.

Similarly, a timer with eight inputs and six outputs can be configured.

Using the 2 x 5-character, three-colour display and six-button input facility, simple HMI functionality can be achieved allowing data held in the controller to be entered, modified and displayed.

Visual monitoring of the device's I/O is available as a standard function.

To complement all the above features the unit is also designed with two RS232C communication ports.

The Tool port is used to program the device using standard PLC programming software (IEC61131 compliant) packages from Matsushita.

In addition, a second COM port can be configured to communicate to other RS232C devices such as bar code readers and temperature control systems.

Using complimentary products from Matsushita, including the FP web server, the FP-e can be connected to an Ethernet network where it can be programmed from a remote site or accessed for information using other Matsushita software products.

Possibilities for PSTN or GSM modem communications also exist using IEC61131 developed software function blocks.