New Allen-Bradley CompactLogix programmable automation controllers (PACs) from Rockwell Automation have been designed to deliver powerful performance for mid-range applications.
Expanding on the scalability of the Allen-Bradley Logix family of controllers – the control platform of the Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture – the new Allen-Bradley L1, L2 and L3 CompactLogix programmable automation controllers (PACs) are designed to provide a powerful, scalable Logix-based solution for small- and mid-size applications.
The next generation of Allen-Bradley CompactLogix PACs from Rockwell Automation are said to offer performance and scalability and is suitable for smaller, machine-level control applications, which may also require integration into production lines.
Sitting at the heart of the next-generation midrange product offering is the controller family, which is designed to meet the growing need for higher performance control in a compact and affordable package. They are positioned in the middle of the company’s comprehensive PAC offering… between the smaller Micro800 stand-alone control platform and the more powerful Integrated Architecture based ControlLogix PACs.
As part of the Integrated Architecture solution, they give users a scalable choice of options and leverage a common, single-development environment for multiple control disciplines, offering the same information capabilities as all Logix controllers.
Utilising EtherNet/IP, the controllers are available with dual Ethernet ports and an integrated Ethernet switch on all units. These controllers also support Device Level Ring (DLR) network topologies; simplifying integration of components in a control system and reducing system cost. This arrangement provides resiliency from loss of one network connection and reduces the number of Ethernet switches in the control system. They also offer open socket capability that allows support for Modbus TCP, as well as devices such as printers, barcode readers and servers. Also included is built-in energy storage, which eliminates the need for lithium batteries, and a removable 1GB secure digital (SD) card for fast program save and restore.
The CompactLogix 5370 L1 variant is available in three models (L16ER, L18ER and L18ERM). They combine the power of the Logix architecture with the flexibility of POINT I/O. Ideal for smaller size machines, these controllers offer value to customers looking for the benefits of Integrated Architecture but with just the right control size. They support up to two axes of integrated CIP motion over EtherNet/IP and, together with the Kinetix 350, offer cost-effective, scalable motion solution.
As well as their smaller form factor, which conserves space in control cabinets, they are suitable for applications that require low axis motion and I/O point counts. They offer support for a wide variety of granular POINT I/O modules and support for two axes Kinematics, for simple articulated robotics.
The CompactLogix 5370 L2 variant come in three models (L24ER-QB1B, L24ER-QBFC1B and L27ERM-QBFC1B), which deliver scalable, affordable control in a space-saving form factor. From small standalone equipment to higher performance applications, the CompactLogix 5370 L2 controllers are ideal for assembly machines, hoisting systems, process skids, indexing tables, and packaging.
They provide a four-axis motion capability that, together with the Kinetix 350, offers cost-effective, scalable motion solution. They can also reuse existing 1769 I/O and their higher resolution analogue capabilities support thermocouple and RTD inputs. They also support Kinematics, which eliminates the need for additional robot controllers and software.
CompactLogix 5370 L3 range, comprising six models (L30ER, L30ERM, L30ER-NSE, L33ER, L33ERM and L36ERM), delivers scalable, affordable control that is ideally suited for applications from small, standalone equipment to high-performance indexing tables, process skids, case packers and erectors and packaging. They also provide an integrated, cost effective and scalable motion solution together with the Kinetix 350, supporting up to 16 axes of integrated CIP motion over EtherNet/IP.
The No Stored Energy (NSE) version of the CompactLogix 5370 L3 offers additional features for the hazardous environments. These features allow the safe transport of the controller in and out of hazardous areas, because, when powered down, they have less than 200uJ of residual energy stored in each component; minimising the potential to cause an explosion in gaseous environment. The L3 also supports the reuse of existing 1769 I/O, offers flexible memory options up to 3MB and, like the other units in the range, supports Kinematics, which eliminates the need for additional robot controllers and software.
When you couple this new controller range’s scalability and capability with its flexibility, users have the ability to specify best-fit solutions for their applications. With the L1, L2 and L3, over engineering can be minimised. And should an application need to grow to keep pace with market demands, the system can adopt a mixture of CompactLogix and/or ControlLogix controllers, offering additional capabilities, capacity and performance – but all within one common, single, reusable development environment.
