HMI with PLC and free software

The Soft-PLC element of the device helps reduce costs by meeting the de facto industry standard IEC61131-3.  Programming software is included together with an additional, maintenance-free GoldCap UPS for bridging brief power failures.  This UPS ensures that all necessary variables are saved on the integrated Flash disc in the event of a supply loss or an emergency stop.  This guarantees that the PLC can be set to a defined status ready for a restart, therefore it is not necessary to save the variable cyclically to a ‘slow’ memory and the controller can run faster.

Connectivity is an important factor to reduce costs in the control system.  The EL100 HMI/PLCs include USB-A and USB-B interfaces which are well established in automation technology, allowing industrial communication with higher level PCs and also connection of additional devices, printers, keyboards or communication media.  The SD card slot, which is located on the back of the device, allows SD cards of various capacities to be used.  Lenze maximise cost savings through fitting a CAN interface which is also the system bus for a range of Lenze L-force products.  This system bus approach saves a large amount of engineering time during the installation and commissioning phases.