Using PLCnext to Open Control

If you need Technology that integrates the openness of smart devices with the flexibility of a conventional PLC, then PLCnext is the real deal. The new PLCnext Technology from Phoenix Contact offers developers a reliable platform that incorporates the flexibility of open-source languages such as Linux with benefits of traditional IEC 61131 programming.

Since PLCnext Technology is totally an open-source platform, users can use Linux to access the central part of the product directly. This aspect gives users the power to design personal Linux-based apps or leverage the open-source community on an industrially secure control platform. In addition to this, PLCnext improves IEC 61131 PLC programming and even makes it easy to program controllers via high-level languages for actual performance and data.

PLCnext Technology – Open, Innovative, and IIoT-Ready

PLCnext is an open and innovative industrial technology platform that is filled with unlimited potentials. PLCnext is a technology that enhances the use of a PLC in methods that will unquestionably change the future of automation. This modern digital ecosystem gives users an open Linux environment for state-of-the-art computing. The open-source code gives users much more flexibility while the IoT systems provide them with access to plenty of data. PLCnext comes with an innovative development platform providing HTML5 visualisation as well as a smooth combination of high-level languages.

What are the Benefits of this Technology?

• It is Linux Based – PLCnext Technology is Linux-based to allow users to directly and openly access the controller’s core part for almost unlimited innovative freedom.
  
• It is Industrial Internet of Things-enabled – PLCnext Technology is IIoT-enabled with artless connection to leading platforms such as Azure, AWS, Google IoT, among others.
  
• It is Innovative – PLCnext Technology offers a new programming environment for common PLC operations as well as incorporation with high-level languages.
  

Linux-Enabled

Open and free access offers Linux-based developers to design new apps or move the existing apps into an established PLCnext Control hardware platform. With this platform, the lifecycle management for hardware control is reduced significantly while the IEC 62443-4-1 standardisation guarantees a protected product development lifecycle.

Developers can explore and benefit from the preprogrammed concepts and resources, giving the concepts a reasonable improvement. Besides, the features of the existing project can be adjusted to fit any needs. Community-Driven, open-source development is often much more effective, allows cross-platform collaboration, lowers cost, and gives a remarkable opportunity to grasp new programming skills for inventive apps.

IIoT-Enabled

When it comes to the technology world, you will always hear the words IIoT, IoT, and edge computing. In simple terms, users are obligated to collect data about a process or system. The good thing about PLCnext is that it has incorporated IIoT ability with a direct link to Phoenix Contact’s PROFICLOUD. This software is perfect for manageable data dashboarding. It also enables you to connect to third-party cloud applications like Google IoT, AWS, and Microsoft Azure for almost all options to get access to data.

PLCnext is both a control platform and a gateway to the future of cloud data. It can either be used individually or alongside an existing control system to collect data through I/O or network and then push it to the cloud.

With this capability, it means that all PLC users can use PLCnext alongside their current system while gathering control system data through PROFINET, Ethernet/IP, or MODBUS. This info is then pushed to the cloud instantly. System integrators, end-users, and machine builders can instantly make their processes and systems IIoT-enabled by incorporating PLCnext as access on the network.

Innovative

PLCnext Engineer takes PLC programming to the next level. Developers are no longer restricted to one development platform as they can now use established programming IDEs like Eclipse, MATLAB Simulink, Microsoft Visual Studio, among others. These IDEs are used alongside PLCnext Engineer to enjoy an actual control with state-of-the-art computation.

Also, PLCnext Engineer gives users up-to-date visualisation via Adaptive Response and HTML5. The inbuilt visualisation tools that come with PLCnext Engineer makes it artless to visualise dedicated apps and simple machines on any modern gadgets like smartphones, IPCS and HMIs, laptops, and laptops.

PLCnext Ecosystem

PLCnext Technology has something for every user. The core values of PLCnext are IIoT-enabled, Innovative, and Linux-enabled. Nevertheless, get info about PLCnext Store, PLCnext Engineer, PROFICLOUD, and PLCnext Control below.

PLCnext Store

This is a modern repository for apps, libraries, and solutions for PLCnext control. This store gives you free access to apps and libraries as well as the ability to design your own shareable applications. Phoenix Contact’s primary goal is to ensure that PLCnext Store is a total online marketplace for suppliers and users across the world.

PLCnext Engineer

It comes with an innovative development platform with HTML5 visualisation, IEC 61131, as well as direct integration with PROFICLOUD and high-level languages.

PROFICLOUD

This is an easy-to-use, secure, and simple dashboarding service made to connect data from PLCnext Control to the cloud directly. The service comes with incredible features.

PLCnext Control

This is the hardware that brings the state-of-the-art capability to PLCnext Technology. It includes I/O modules for virtually all sensor type.

QUINT POWER Family Expansion

QUINT POWER introduces new 12 V DC AC/DC power supply units

The QUINT POWER family of products from Phoenix Contact are expanding fast. Its QUINT POWER family of AC/D power supplies does include various low watt options that range from 30W to 100W. This class of low wattage supply units have advanced capabilities and functionality such as preventive function and a powerful dynamic boost.

The QUINT POWER family of low wattage units has maximum functionality and many other features such as the following:

• It has an in-built preventive function monitor that comes with a signal output that can be adjusted. This enables remote digital and LED monitoring for the detection of critical states of operation before the occurrence of faults.
• Its dynamic power-boosting feature allows you to boost power to 200 per cent of the prevailing nominal current for a maximum of five seconds. This option allows you to start inductive loads reliably without the disruption of the voltage at the output terminal.
• It can boost static power permanently for a maximum of 125 per cent of the current nominal current. This gives users the ability to extend their system without having to connect to a large source of power (1.3 A and 2.5 A units).
• You have a choice of screw or push-in connections
• It is compact to enable you to save on space when the applications are hoped in small spaces.
• It is highly efficient, therefore allowing you to save on energy, increased life of your power supply and low self-heating.
• The devices can start at temperatures as low as -40°C thereby enabling operation even in extreme ambient temperature conditions
• Class 1 Division 2 approved.
• Some options work with NEC Class 2 for applications that limit current flows.

The family of the world’s leading power solutions now comes with miniature power solutions! The QUINT POWER premium solutions are in the market to enable compact applications while ensuring maximum functionality!

Additions to QUINT POWER Units Family

The QUINT POWER units’ family now comes with a 24 V DC and 12 V DC devices. These single-phase devices have capacities of a maximum of 100W. The units are low wattage devices with maximum functionality. They are made to meet critical power needs where high functionality and compact designs are needed. These QUINT POWER units offer wide opportunities for strategic and analytical applications in rigorous and ambient conditions. Their connection options include screw and push-in technologies for quick, flexible installation.

Improved security with the new Phoenix Contact firmware 

TC Router 4G LTE enjoys extended firewall functionality

Phoenix Contact has effectively extended the scope of functionality of its router products on rolling out the new firmware 2.05.1. The firmware can be downloaded at www.phoenixcontact.com.

With the TC Router, users can now remotely access SCADA networks and other control systems using a cellular network.

The router is a high quality mobile industrial router offering 4G LTE high-speed connectivity over mobile networks. It is approved for use with AT&T and Verizon networks. When using the router, users can initiate remote communications with CCTV surveillance, and PLCs or any other field device that is connected to the Ethernet to SCADA servers.

It uses the Virtual Private Network (VPN) and an integrated firewall for protection against unauthorised device access. The router has had good test results and therefore approved for use in very harsh environments. Besides, it has an energy savings mode for users who use batteries for various applications.

Your benefits:

• Secure VPN and firewall protection
• Offers high-speed 4G LTE Internet capabilities
• Made for harsh industrial environments
• Can be monitored via a control system or SMS
• It offers an ‘alwayson’ connection to any remote equipment via a mobile network

Phoenix Contact’s TC router for industrial use comes in three versions; Verizon Wireless (US), AT&T (U.S.) and the European router version. Each of the versions has a firewall, IPsec, NAT, two Ethernet interfaces, SMS, OpenVPN support, two SMA-F antenna sockets, one digital output, two digital inputs and email transmission.

Common Industries

The Industrial LTE 4G router is ideal for use in gas, power oil, agriculture and water/wastewater industries for connection with HMIs, PLCs, CCTV cameras along with other Ethernet field to SCADA servers via cellular networks.

What does Integrated Circuit (IC) mean?

Integrated Circuits

What is an Integrated Circuit (IC)?

An integrated circuit (IC) is basically s small-sized semiconductor-based electronic device that mostly consists of capacitors, resistors and transistors and they are essentially the building blocks of most of the electronic equipment and devices out there. It is also referred to as microchip or just a chip.

The IC is brought to life y a manufacturer primarily to embed as many transistors as it is possible on one semiconductor chip. By 2012, the numbers were at a high rising up to billions. Their design assembly suggests that these devices have undergone numerous developments and advancements including:

• The Small Scale Integration (SSI) containing tens to hundreds of transistors per device.
  
• The Medium Scale Integration (MSI) with each chip containing hundreds to thousands of transistors.
  
• The Large Scale Integration (LSI) with every chip containing thousands to hundred thousand transistors.
  
• The Large Scale Integration (VLSI) with each chip containing up to 1 million transistors.
  
• The Ultra Large Scale Integration (ULSI), which represents the modern IC containing millions and billions of transistors.
  

ICs can be classified into analogue, digital and a combination of both with the common example being the digital circuitry, logical gates and the computer processor that contains fabricated transistors running into billions in number.

Eaton extends its supercapacitor module

Eaton has fortified its supercapacitor module, allowing it to handle greater voltage in challenging situations.

Electrical and industrial company Eaton has recently launched its latest version of its
XLR-51 supercapacitor module that now handles 51.3 volts and 188 farads. With this increased storage threshold, engineers now have a supercapacitor module that is suitable for marine shipping, heavy transport, grid storage, assembly line, and other demanding applications.

This newest Eaton XLR Supercapacitator module is a highly effective and efficient energy storage device that’s geared towards peak shaving, improving the quality of power for voltage spikes, and handling brown-outs for power backup systems. Each unit is equipped with voltamge management circuitry, a temperature output, and an overvoltage signal.

The 48 and 51 volt versions of the XLR modules have both received UN-ECE Reg. 10 and Reg. 100 certification. These certifications cover the requirements for wheeled vehicle electromagnetic compatibility and electric vehicle integration, respectively.What’s more, thanks to the company’s advanced cell balancing technology, Eaton’s supercapacitor modules are also RoHS compliant, meaning that no BMS or external Battery Management System is necessary.

The XLR modules are stand alone energy storage devices are rated to have a lifespan of 20 years when used in energy storage systems for transportation, which in turn means not having to replace batteries and other related components. The XLR supercapacitors in turn are made up of eighteen XL60 supercapacitor cells

What does semiconductor mean?

What is a Semiconductor?

A semiconductor is not a man-made object but is a name given to natural substances such as silicon and germanium. If a material has semiconducting properties it will allow an electric current to flow through it, but in a way that can be controlled. And it is this ability to control the electric flow that is the difference between semiconductors and elements that are said to be full conductors, like copper.

Scientists are able to alter the function of semiconductors by adding impurities which will change their “conductance” – how electric current flows through them. This practice, known as “doping”, means that superconductors can be used for a variety of different purposes, and they are now part of components which can be found in most electronic devices, such as transistors and computer memory.

Semiconductors are broadly split into two varieties depending on the amount of electrons required: N-type have an excess, and P-Type have a shortage.