New high-speed, low-cost, all-in-one PLC + HMI models

The company's award-winning Samba PLC + HMI models,which already benefit from a colour screen, are nwo availabel with a new on-board I/O configuration. Models SM35-J-RA22 and SM43-J-RA22 both offer:

• 12 digital inputs
• Two of these inputs may be configured as analogue, two as PT100/TC and one as HSC/shaft-encoder input
• Two analogue inputs
• Eight relay outputs
• Two analogue outputs

Jazz, which Unitronics describes as 'the perfect, low-cost solution for simple projects that require a PLC and a text-only HMI panel,' is now availabel in two new variants that deliver high speed on a budget. As members of the Jazz 2 family, both support the Ethernet Add-on module, enabling machine builders and system integrators to implement both MODBUS/TCP and PC-PLC communications. These Jazz 20 models offer the following:

• JZ20-J-T20HS: Six digital inputs including three high-speed inputs (HSC/shaft-encoder), two analogue/digital inputs, two analogue inputs, ten transistor outputs including three high-speed outputs (two high-speed outputs at 32kHz or three high-speed outputs at 3kHz). These outputs support PWM via hardware configuration, with no special functions required.
• JZ20-J-R16HS: six digital inputs including three high-speed inputs (HSC/shaft-encoder), two analogue/digital inputs, two analogue inputs and six relay outputs

Produced by Unitronics, a global developer and manufacturer of PLC + HMI controllers, all of the new products are backed by Unitronics' standard policy of customer care, including software and utilities, membership in an active, moderated technical support forum, and personalised technical support - all at no additional cost. This combines with all the functionality that machine builders and system integrators need for small applications, reduces space and wiring requirements, and eliminates the need to set up Panel-PLC communication.

Samba controller with colour touchscreen

Samba fills a growing requirement from OEMs on a tight budget who need compact controllers for simple machine control, but who still want the competitive advantage of an elegant, colour-touch HMI panel. Awarded the prestigious 'Engineer's Choice' award by Control Engineering, Samba is available with screen dimensions of 3.5, 4.3 and 7inches.

All Samba models offer a beautiful HMI 16-bit colour touchscreen that enables data entry and display of variable data on user-designed screens, as well as trend graphs and built-in alarm screens. The integrated PLC offers a broad range of features including two auto-tuned PID loops, time-based RTC control, data logging, recipes and more.

Onboard I/O offer digital, analogue and high-speed functionality. The flat fascia and IP66/IP65/NEMA4X rating make Samba an excellent fit for the food and pharmaceutical industries, or anywhere that spray or wipe down requirements apply. All Samba units come supplied with a programming port (USB for 4.3 and 7inch models, RS232 for the 3.5inch model). Additional ports can be added: RS485 or Ethernet, and CANbus. Samba supports GPRS/GSM, email and SMS, as well as industrial TCP/IP protocols, MODBUS, DF1 slave, CANopen, and J1939; it can also be adapted to any third-party protocol.

Samba uses Unitronics free VisiLogic software. Visilogic provides a single, simple environment for hardware and communications configuration, ladder application development and HMI design, including a free library of industrial images. Free utilities include remote PC access and data export. Unitronics offers unlimited technical support for all of its products and supports an active user forum.

Jazz 20 improves on 'smart relay' products

Jazz is described by Unitronics as the PLC + HMI that replaces a simple 'smart relay' with a real PLC, but for the same low price. Jazz series controllers are full-function PLC + text HMI devices with onboard I/Os, and they are available in configurations including digital, analogue, temperature and high-speed I/O. Specifically designed to control small machines, and to perform simple-to-medium automation tasks, Jazz enables users to have a low-budget unit without compromising on features and technology.

Jazz also offers the flexibility of ladder programming plus communication options such as GSM/SMS, remote access, and MODBUS networking. The HMI application enables users to design up to 60 text screens, with up to 64 HMI variables for the display of time, date and real-time system data. Programming is said to be as easy as it gets - build ladder logic control applications using click-and-drop elements, and create the HMI application in the same U90 ladder software environment, which is included at no extra cost.

Follow the links for more information about Samba RA22 and Jazz 20 all-in-one PLC + HMI units from Unitronics.