Array News Page

June 2010 APB PLC
Aug 2009 Wireless control of PLC
Jun 2009 Lowest Cost PLC
May 2009 Arbitrary Function Generator
Nov 2008 Playing with the Array PLCs
Oct 2008 Playing with the Array PLCs
Sep 2008 Text Display for PLCs
Jun 2008 PLCs two ranges to choose from
Apr 2008 Programmable Loads
Feb 2008 DIN Rail PSU with DC UPS function
Sep 2007 6.5 digit DMM
Jun 2007 Programmable Controllers
Mar 2007 Programmable Power Supplies

Array Main Page

PLCs - 4th Generation APB Intelligent Series - Broad Function Block Programmed - Low Cost

A more advanced PLC than the FAB or SR Series.

The APB PLC is a series of Basic Building Block PLC Controllers with either 12\22\24 I/O points.

An extra Extension module adds blocks of 22 I/O points and the PLCs can have 7 I/O extension modules + 1 voice module, + 1 SMS module (Yes everyone has been waiting for this);

Program memory capacity is now 320 Function Blocks per diagram into an EEPROM so complex diagrams lots of control.

It has a Li-ion battery to battery back up and power the clock calendar

The I/O points are multifunctional and it is possible to have a maximum of 12 analog inputs 0-10V 12 bits, 2 analog inputs
0/4-20mA 12 bits and 2 outputs 0/4-20mA 12 bit also.

For high-speed digital I/O operation it is possible to have a max of 4 high-speed inputs 10KHZ (single phase or encoded phase) and 2 high-speed outputs 50KHZ (PWM and more)

Note as the I/O is shared amoung this functionality, the I/O counts for each type of I/O may be limited if you use up say all the inputs as Analog inputs but don't worry with an extension odule you can expand rapidly.

It has MODBUS RTU protocol, and can be connected to the Array SH-300 (TextPanel) for a more sophisicated display.

There are several new New function blocks: pulse width modulation (PWM), pulse output (PTO), ACC, SMS and analog calculation etc.; More details as they come available

Link for details

Aug 2009
Wireless Control of PLC

This is a unique feature of the SR model PLCs. Control the PLC up to 100 meters away using a hand held remote with 6 buttons.

The SR-RCA modules are available either DC or AC powered.

The handheld remote actual controls 6 digital inputs in the SR-RCA module. The inputs can be wired into the program to give logic control over the PLCs outputs.

The outputs can be relays or other programmed functions as well.

How will use this: Not just PLC people but anyone wanting to control relays remotely. You will not find a lower cost solution for this, 6 channels of 10 Amp relays all on a DIN rail with programmability etc.



 Item -Remote Receiver  Parameter
 Power Consumption  1.5W
 Operation Frequency VHF  310-340MHz
 Environment Temperature  
 Operation Temperature  0 to 55
 Storage/Shipment  -40 to 55
 Isolation Intensity   IEC1131
 Dimensions  90*126*63 (Unit: mm)
 Fixation  DIN or screws
 Remote control distance  70 meters >100M with antenna
   
 Item - Transmitter  Parameter
 Power Consumption  40mW
 Operation Voltage  DC 3V (two units of AA)
 Transmitting Power  3dbm

more

 

June 2009
Lowest Cost PLC

We have a feeling the lowest cost PLC is the Array range - don't know for sure but they are very low cost.

Theses PLCs are way beyond a Smart Relay solution, like most of the European brands are offering ( which are actually mainly Japanese Micro PLCs that are re-badged ).

These Array units are powerful, quite fast, tough, low powered and very easy to program.

The display is very clever and capable with 64 programmable settings and display options. The keypad allows data input also..

They have analog inputs also for the same price, so that is a big big plus.

You do not have to get relays if you don't want them, there are PNP and NPN models also.

They can be controlled remotely also over the phone.

MasTec stocks them also.

May 2009
Arbitrary Function Generator


The 3400A is a high performance 50MHz Waveform Generator.

It creates stable, precise, clean and low distortion sine waves by using DDS(Direct Digital Synthesis) Technology.

With fast rise and fall times up to 25MHz for square waves and 200KHz for linear ramp waves.

The 3400A also can generate variable-edge-time pulses up to 10MHz and generate complex custom waveforms.

Features

Full Specs

Nov 2008
Playing with the Array PLCs

Here is a typical PLC program for the FAB or the SR series Array PLCs.

I have spent a few hours now playing and can now make almost anything I require with them and I am still learning, so I may be able to do things I have not thought of yet.

These PLCs draw very little power with 3Ws, the PNP and NPN output models even less, so they can be used for remote Solar applications which is what I am doing right now with my Propogation House for trees.

In this system, I will be controlling two levels of watering, either irrigation or misting, so 12VDC solenoid valves. Also I will be controlling an electric motor that drives the ventilation windows open or close ( they will have limit switches built in ). Last I will be driving a small fan to remove excess heat out of the building if it gets too hot.

Inputs are a bank of switches to allow manual control and a Temperature and Humidity probe.

The Clock function in the diagram has a popup that allows you to make the clock turn on and off its output, in this case for watering and that regime is 4 times per 24 hours for a minute each cycle, that took about 1 minute to setup the table, which is very flexible.

The AN functions are analog comparators and are setup again with a pop up. You can set the comparison between table data and an input or two inputs. Yes these PLCs do have analog inputs included for the very low cost also. Analog steps are 0.1 VDC over a range of 0-10VDC, very handy and 1% is all you need in most cases.

Notice it is all boolean logic and if youa re good with boolean algbra this stuff is a snap.

The PLC simulator is impressive, just click and input and adjust a digital on or off or if an analog input a dialog box pops and you can type in new values and test all possible combintations or states and watch outputs etc.

Email me if you want to know if one of these units can do a job for you.

We haven't talked about the LCD and Key display yet, maybe next month.

Oct 2008
Playing with the Array PLCs

I have been playing with the FAB and SR series PLCs from Array after work.

If you explore the Array website, you will find all the models specs, accessories, network, manuals, app notes, program examples you need and an FAQ.

Also download the programming development environments for each PLC type. Don't forget the free SCADA package.

The FAB is generation 2 and is not expandable, so choose carefully. I picked the low end unit to play with 4 relays and 6 digiatl or analog inputs ( AF-10MR-D ), runs on 24VDC, use almost no power. I also included the LCD display with Keys.

I would say in 30 minutes I had simple programs running like, control a greenhouse, using clock, timers, digital logic etc. Not bad really. There is a simulator to try the creations on and then compile to the PLC and run them.

The SR models ( generation 3 ) have a better development environment and are just as easy to use. These can be expanded to 82 I/O and have more programming functions, so more sophisicated control.

The cost is low and the performance and ease of use is high. You will not find a lower cost analog PLC anywhere.

Also use them for DAQ over RS-232 or a Logger.

Network together, use the speech system to talk instructions to the operators and link to telephones.

I am at present developing intleiigent relays with a FAB model for a customer. It is lower cost to use these PLCs as relays than buying relays and you get a nice screw terminal connector layout, intelligence adn switch 10 amps. I am debating whether to use RS-232 from the embedded system or direct TTL digital to drive the relays, either is easy.

Sep 2008
SH-300 Graphic/Text Display for PLCs

Works with Siemens S7-200, Mitsubishi FX ( exception of FX0S, FX0N, FX2N ), Omron C, Panasonic FP, Delta DVP, Vigor VH, Koyo S, ADC DL05 and Array PLCs.

Use for :-

Jun 2008
PLCs two ranges to choose from

There are two Array PLC ranges : - Fab Series and SR Series with a new Text panel

Easy to program using functional blocks right on the PLC display or an excellent PC development tool that is free

+++ a simple download SCADA.

Programmable DC Loads

Two Models

3710A (0~360V, 0~30A, max 150W)

3711A (0~360V, 0~30A, max 300W)

Array 3700 series electronic load is a single input programmable DC electronic load. It provides a convenient
way to test batteries and DC power supplies. It offers constant current mode, constant resistance mode and
constant power mode. The backlight LCD, numerical keypad and rotary knob make it much easier to use. Up to 10
steps program can be stored.Controlled by PC is also available. It is an essential instrument for design,
test and manufacture of many suitable products.

Features

Din Rail PSU with DC UPS function


.
Models:-

SP-05AS(5V,6A)

SP-12AS(12,3A)

SP-24AS(24,1.5A)

SP-05AL(5V,10A)

SP-12AL(12V,6A)

SP-24AL(24V,3A)


Sep 2007
61/2 digit DMM

 

Serious technology, ask for a quote for your next budget round

June 2007
Programmable Controllers

FAB Mini Giant Intelligent Controller Series is a new product launched by ARRAY ELECTRONIC CO., LTD for programmable logic control by the function block method.

As it is programmed by means of function block, it is simpler and easier to learn and to programm ARRAY FAB than conventional PLC (ladder diagram and instruction). In the design concept of the products of ARRAY FAB series, the PLC is combined with the writer where the program can be written directly with the function keys on the LCD front panel.
The ARRAY FAB is very compact and lightweight, especially suitable for internal installation usage. On the other hand, FAB intelligent controller series can achieve the short and remote communication in the Internet and monitor and the FAB can be used with voice module AF-MUL to achieve the telephone remote control, voice prompting and auto-dialing and other functions.

At present, the ARRAY FAB is widely used in various areas in the industrial, agricultural and home automation market and can be used almost anywhere.

March 2007 Programmable Power Supplies

 

Array 3700 series electronic load is a single input programmable DC electronic load. It provides a convenient way to test batteries and DC power supplies. It offers constant current mode, constant resistance mode and constant power mode. The backlight LCD, numerical keypad and rotary knob make it much easier to use. Up to 10 steps program can be stored. Controlled by PC is also available. It is an essential instrument for design, test and manufacture of many suitable products.

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