Programmable controller NLC-3


Description

 

ObrázokProgrammable logic controller (PLC) NLC-3 is a compact  controller dedicated for realisation of control and regulation functions in various technology, machines and  for data acquisition. NLC-3 includes  processor,  EEPROM and RAM memory, real time clock, RS232 serial interface and maximum two CAN interfaces. NLC-3 is powered from source 24V DC. The number and the type of NLC inputs and outputs depends on selection of input and output boards.

Application software for NLC-3  controllers is developed  in graphic programming system HORSET. Horset was developed by our  firm on the base of French programming system GRAFCET, now probably better known as SFC  -  Sequential Function Chart. The main difference between Grafcet a Horset is the way of writing code. The graphic structure an the instructions of program states are separated in Grafcet. The graphic structure and the code instructions are written together in Horset and so the program is very well readable and understandable even for peoples, that have practically no experience with programming.

Another special property of Horset is the possibility of integration of many NLC-3 controllers, CIO modules and other products with CAN interface in one project. NLC-3 knows automatically the state of all inputs and outputs and a part of variables of other modules and their symbolic names can be used in NLC program. Thanks to that it is very simple to build large-scale systems.

NLC-3 controllers are inbuilt in robust Dold  enclosure with 66 screw terminals for 35 mm DIN rail.

 

Technical data
 
Power source
Power voltage
Power current
24V±10% DC
max.250 mA
Technical Resources
Memory


Communication

Real Time Clock
back-up RAM
Watch-dog
EPROM 64kB
EEPROM 32kB
RAM 128kB
1 channel RS232
2 channels CAN, max.1Mbit/s
yes
yes, Li battery
100ms
Binary Inputs
Number max. 24, 24V DC
Analog Inputs
Number
Range
max. 16
±5V, ±10V, ±20mA
Transistor Outputs
Number max. 24 , 24V 0.2A DC
Relay Outputs
Number max. 24, 230V 5A
Analog Outputs
Number
Range
max. 4
0-5V, 0-10V, ±5V, ±10V
Mechanical Description
Mounting
Dimensions
Mass
for DIN rail 35mm
200 x 130 x 118 mm
900 g
Working Conditions
Temperature range
Protection
0 ~ 50°C
IP 20
Connection
Inpits/Outputs
CAN 1
CAN 2
RS232
66 screw terminals, wire cross-section max. 2,5mm2

9 pin CANON
9 pin CANON

 

Programming system HORSET

Horset development was inspired by GRAFCET and  SFC (Sequential Function Chart) part of IEC1131-3 standard. The program combines graphic structure of control process with description of instructions executed at the states and conditions determining transitions of control process from one state to another.

Instructions executed at the state are written immediately to the right and down from the state graphic shape. The transition logic condition is written to the right and down from the transition graphic shape. Any state can have many transitions to different next states. The transition conditions are evaluated from the left to the right till some of them is true. At this moment control process goes to the state subsequent the active transition, executes instructions written at this states and evaluates its conditions. 

Horset allows to create parallel processes. Any control process can create one or more next parallel processes. Two or more control processes can join to one process. The control process can be also killed by other process. The states of active parallel processes are executed step by step. At one program control loop active state instructions and its transition conditions of any active parallel process is executed. The state instructions are executed only once. If no transition condition of the state is true, only transition conditions of the state are evaluated in the next loop. NLC-3 allows minimum one and maximum 16 active parallel processes at one moment.

Inputs, outputs, variables and fields symbolic names are defined at tables. Variables can be defined as boolean, byte, integer and long type. Fields are of integer type. The names of inputs, outputs and variables of other NLC systems connected by CAN and included in project can be used like its own.

 
Program HORSET
 

At this picture you can see a simple program - the test of 24 NLC-3 inputs and outputs  by using indirect addressing. At the first state index variable i is zeroed. The condition for transition to the next state is always true. At the state 2 at the first line the address of tested input is calculated.  The base address of tested inputs is assigned to in variable at first and the the index variable i is added. The address of switched on output is calculated at the second line of state 2. The base address of tested outputs is assigned to out variable at first and the the index variable i is added. The output with calculated address is switched on by instruction on @out at the third line.

The condition for transition from state 2 to state 3 is true, when the input with indirect address @in is switched on. Index variable i is incremented at the state 3. The state 3 has 2 alternative conditions for transition to the next state. If index variable i is less then 24, program goes to state 2 and tests the next input. If i is equal 24, program goes to state 1 and starts the new test cycle. 

Horset programming system was developed by programmers with wide experience of control systems implementation in different types of technology. We developed and implemented at the end users control systems of robots, monorail transport systems, weighing systems, data acquisition systems, temperature regulation systems, etc.,etc. Thanks to that Horset contains a lot of useful instructions that allows write application software quickly, effectively and the software is well readable and understandable.