Temperature controllers make new friends

The new generation of E5CN temperature controllers offers all the good features of previous models, along with some innovative technologies that users will greatly appreciate.

Omron has improved on an industry standard by introducing the next generation of E5CN temperature controllers, which offer all of the superb features of previous models along with some innovative technologies that users will greatly appreciate.

"The new E5CN model has a larger backlit LCD", says Stanley Neilen, Omron's European Product Marketing Manager for Temperature Controllers.

"This LCD is bright and clear even under harsh lighting conditions and the digits are bigger so the display is easier to read from a greater distance".

"It incorporates a three-colour change process display to provide green, red and orange characters for instant process status recognition".

"Now there's an 11-segment display, which gives easy-to-understand text".

"Even better, the display is totally backwards compatible so it can be modified to the 7-segment type found in previous models".

"Overall it's 'simply the best' temperature controller in the market today".

Two main E5CN types are available; a temperature input type (thermocouple and Pt100) and a process input type (analogue milliamps and volts).

Both types feature improved sampling and control update time (from 500us to 250ms).

The new model is built to the same high exacting standards as the previous one.

It offers the same easy programming and operation, so users can install it with confidence in their applications.

It can be automatically tuned for maximum temperature control performance, thanks to Omron's unique dual-PID control.

"Unlike standard PID, where it is only possible to optimise the controller's response to disturbance from a single source", explains Stanley.

"Omron's dual-PID control allows tailoring to the process load disturbance and to changes to set values independently".

Features like the customised menus make the E5CN very user friendly.

Partial or complete menus can be hidden as required, which makes operation easier and reduces possible confusion for the operator.

The password protection feature prevents unauthorised access to settings.

"What's unique is the three-phase heater alarm", says Stanley.

"This can detect a (partial) broken heater or a SSR short circuit in a three-phase configuration".

The E5CN also features an alarm delay timer that prevents unnecessary alarms by allowing for process disturbances, like an expected temperature drop, for example, when a new oven load has been inserted.

"You can also select the alarm operation during setpoint ramp to prevent unnecessary alarms during the startup phase", explains Stanley.

"You can select the alarm to be set on 'target set value' or on 'ramp set value'".

The manual output feature allows users to take over the control output manually so that if, for example, the sensor fails, the user can preserve or even safely finish the production run.

The E5CN also offers the choice to force the output to a value other that 0% on a sensor error or when the control is stopped.

"With these features the E5CN is really geared to ensuring high-performance, high-stability and safe operation at all times", continues Stanley.

The new E5CN has a thinner front panel profile (from 9.2 to 6.2mm) than the previous model, making it compatible with other Omron panel-mounted products.

The flat membrane keys prevent dirt from clinging to the surface.

With its IP66 rating, the E5CN is particularly suitable for use in the food, pharmaceutical and biochemical industries, where regular washdown is performed.

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