Posted to News on 24th Apr 2014, 11:42
Modicon M241 PLC from Schneider Electric
With the Modicon M241, Schneider Electric is expanding its portfolio with a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) that is described as one of the most powerful and advanced machine controllers in its class available on the market. It belongs to a completely new family of controllers that Schneider Electric is using to update its automation offerings for machine building.
The Modicon M241 aims to set new standards for processor performance and speed in its class. The dual-core processor's performance allows the controller to work with a consistently short cycle time, even in large-scale communication tasks.
Schneider's Modicon M241 is designed for CANopen communication, and in addition to the field bus connection, it boasts a wide assortment of interfaces even in its basic configuration. These include USB, Ethernet, two serial interfaces, and an integrated Web server, for remote access with mobile devices. The I/O terminal block for the Modicon M241 is designed with 5.08mm spacing, and the terminals can be easily and ergonomically connected by opening a small cover on the housing. The integrated pulse/direction interface is also standard in this controller, as are several high-speed counters.
There is an I/O expansion bus on the right side of the housing that is 10 times faster than traditional systems. This bus allows flexible and customised expansion by plugging in the newly developed Modicon TM3 expansion modules. Up to 14 terminals can be added to a controller, with no tool requirements, and the new safety system modules can also be added to the controllers via the I/O bus. Individual controller configurations can be created using standard I/O modules and safety relays in different configurations on the same expansion bus, without the need for additional, separately installed safety relays.
Additional communication modules can be added on the left side of the housing using the TM4 bus. With up to three additional modules, this controller offers more than enough capacity for customisation with additional interfaces to handle even demanding communication tasks.
Program and firmware data are saved on SD cards, so they can be ported or switched out without the need for a PC. Another feature is the ability to use a PC to install program and/or firmware data on the controllers even when they are powered off.
Engineering with the Modicon M241 is based upon SoMachine, the tool-based engineering suite for all the controllers of the MachineStruxure multi-controller platform. Controller programs can be created in the common languages of the IEC 61131-3 standard, and can be ported between the different Modicon controllers.
For more information on Schneider Electric and the Modicon M241 PLC, please visit www.schneider-electric.com/uk.
