Fast, efficient input/output connection for multiple protocols
Fast, efficient input/output connection for multiple protocols
Guildford, Surrey-based Wieland Electric Ltd has launched ricos, a fieldbus interface offering network independence, market-leading diagnostics for commissioning, and ease of wiring. Compact, modular and highly flexible, ricos Remote Interface Communication Solution is designed to simplify and optimise the connection between PLC (control units) and sensors and actuators (peripheral devices).
While competition to establish an industry fieldbus standard continues, Wieland has taken the view in developing ricos that flexibility is the key. By utilising a replaceable CPU,ricos may be applied to four types of fieldbus including CAN (DeviceNet or SDS),Modbus Plus (AEG Modicon), Profibus DP (Siemens), or Interbus-S (Phoenix).
Claimed to be the smallest products of their type currently available, ricos units are nonetheless easy to install and wire. Delivered from the manufacturer with the clamping body open,the user is presented with a simple task to insert the wire and clamp it solidly by removing a pin by hand. The clamp may be opened thereafter by inserting a conventional screwdriver.
The system also precludes the need for preparation of wire ends, further reducing time and costs. Colour keying eliminates errors, with ample space provided for labelling, including CAD generated identification. Individual expansion modules may be removed or replaced on a Din rail or in a panel simply with the use of a screwdriver,without changing any wiring.
Commissioning and maintenance are made simple through a number of innovations built into the Diagnostic Module. A seven segment display will always show the bus address assigned to each of the ricos installations, thus allowing a quick and accurate reference to the unit and its connected devices. Channel status of all I/O points are indicated by LEDs, as is the status of the power supply and bus operation.
A further key feature of the ricos Diagnostics Module is the artificial modification of input and/or output status which allows on/off testing of peripheral components and status simulation of inputs.
To aid fault-finding the unit automatically records the last ten changes of all outputs, triggered by low-high transition of a selected input. Recorded values are displayed step-by-step via yellow LEDs on the I/O modules.
ricos is designed for use in all large scale production and processing applications, including assembly,transfer and painting lines, pressing, bottling and packaging plants, and oil,pharmaceutical and sewage applications. Indeed, through its flexibility ricos provides the ultimate fieldbus solution for any application.
For further information contact: Wieland Electric Ltd, Riverside Business Centre, Walnut Tree Close,Guildford, Surrey GU1 4UG. Tel: 01483 456262 (Sales); 01483 31213 (Office); Fax:01483 505029.
