Idec Launches 7-inch Combined PLC+HMI With I/O Options
Adding to its existing SmartAXIS Touch family, Idec has released the FT2J Series combined PLC+HMI for compact and simplified control. The combined solution features a 7-inch touchscreen display and expandable I/O.
Idec has been a supplier of automation components for over seventy years. The company’s product line ranges from PLCs to HMIs, safety components, switches, and industrial electrical components. Recently, Idec expanded its family of SmartAXIS Touch combined PLC+HMIs to include a 7-inch model with expandable I/O capabilities.
Idec’s new 7-inch combined PLC+HMI gives users a bigger display and expandable I/O. Image used courtesy of Idec
PLC+HMI Combination Units
As display technology has advanced over the past twenty years, HMIs have also improved. HMIs used to be dimly lit, only came in small sizes, and had limited color options. Today, most HMIs are touchscreen LCD computer monitors with millions of color options, different sizes, and thin profiles. Alongside advancements in the world of micro PLCs, designers are now building smaller and more affordable equipment by combining the HMI and PLC into one device.
The FT2J Series 7-inch PLC+HMI is waterproof, oil-resistant, and can operate in extreme temperatures. Image used courtesy of Idec
FT2J Series PLC+HMI
Idec’s FT2J Series 7-inch combined PLC+HMI delivers a compact and simplified solution, as opposed to operating two separate devices. The FT2J is a 7-inch multi-touch display with 800x400 pixels resolution. The unit uses projected capacitive touch panel technology that allows users to interact with applications using multi-touch gestures and is compatible with most gloves. The HMI panel has an operating temperature of -20 to 55 °C, is equipped with a 50,000-hour backlight LED, requires no battery, uses 40% less power than most PLCs and HMI combined, and is IP66 and IP67 rated.
The PLC side of the FT2J is comparable with most micro PLCs on the market. The FT2J uses dual CPU technology, allowing high-speed control without slowing down the HMI features. Each unit has 14 inputs (four configurable as analog) and eight outputs in either transistor sinking and sourcing with two configurable analog outputs or relays. The FT2J is also compatible with expandable I/O, analog, input, output, or thermocouple RTD inputs that can be installed into two of the provided slots. Each FT2J has two serial interfaces, an Ethernet port, and two USB ports.
The FT2J can be connected to a wide range of external devices. Image used courtesy of Idec
IIoT and Communication Interfaces
Like most PLCs today, the FT2J is capable of some common IoT features. Remote connection allows technicians to connect to the device and perform maintenance or updates to the software. A web server is hosted from the device to enable connection from anywhere on the network. Email messaging can be set up to alert maintenance personnel of events. FTP server and client functions allow easy and secure file transfer to and from the FT2J.
A USB port is not always found in PLCs, but the FT2J has two of them, which can connect devices that may not be considered industrial. Some barcode readers use a USB interface and can be connected directly to the FT2J. The USB port can be used with a WiFi USB dongle to provide wireless connectivity, allowing the FT2J to connect to industrial networks over WiFi, making the web server available to the entire plant.
