PLCs, DCSs & Controllers


Link sensors ­directly to open networks

September 2014 PLCs, DCSs & Controllers

Reducing wiring and the time required for installation are critical factors for lowering overall network costs. Panasonic’s SC-GU3 communication unit provides users with a quick way to mount sensor amplifiers side by side and communicate with a PC via an open network. The PC can then be used to monitor the digital and analogue signals, or even to alter the sensor settings.

Set and check incident light intensity for digital sensors (FX-301/305) by using the SC-GU1-485, which improves ease of operation by allowing users to start, monitor and manage equipment.

Up until now, communication between intelligent sensors and controllers has been realised via serial or parallel interfaces built into the sensors. In order to remove the limitation for any specific fieldbus type, Panasonic began developing its solution for transferring data between controllers and the required sensors.

It continued this philosophy with the SC-GU series, i.e. units were developed that provided an interface between bus and sensor. Though RS-485 is still the most prevalent interface in use, units for CC-Link, DeviceNet and EtherCAT have also been introduced as solutions for open networks. Features include:

* Sensor information can be checked and changed via the RS-485 network.

* Sensor information can be monitored and settings can be changed by a PC on the network.

* Up to 16 sensor amplifiers can be connected to one communication unit (only 12 for FX-500 series).

* No tools are needed to install the sensor amplifiers.

* Sensors can be easily replaced without removing adjacent sensor amplifiers.



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