8237-1600 Data Collection Module

Versatile connectivity is at the heart of the new machine controller’s design. This allows it to be used in both legacy systems and today’s popular networks, while providing a soft architecture capable of handling future requirements. Four independent Ethernet interfaces and an integrated network switch are built in. Two of the interfaces are programmable and support different Ethernet-based protocols, such as Ethernet and Profinet, allowing the PLC to connect to control two different types of networks.TAP/IP, UDP, CAN/CAN open and two RS232/485 serial interfaces complete the on-board connectivity. Further network and fieldbus interfaces can be added via the PLC’s dual expansion ports. This variety of communication possibilities enables the user to easily develop the control network and add new machines or devices to the control system network, e.g. even if they are located in another process line or location.

A multiprocessor system to handle the most demanding machine and motion automation control and communication tasks. The machine controller is optimised for robust, high-performance industrial control and is built on a 1.3 GHz processor, four 32-bit RICC processors plus an embedded dual precision floating point processor, 16 megabytes of user-program memory and a large communications interface. This extremely high level of computational power enables the new controller to handle extremely complex control tasks involving complexity such as precisely coordinated motion with a very large number of axes, as well as maths-intensive calculations such as real-time trigonometry for robots or other advanced kinematics applications. The controller also has an in-built interface that enables abb’s advanced safety PLCs to be connected to high-risk applications.

The range of compatible expansion modules for the 8237-1600 offers unlimited flexibility for industrial control and monitoring applications. Users can also build systems with integrated functional safety by connecting abb’s safety PLC directly to a second expansion port. This provides great flexibility for implementing safety critical applications. The module uses non-volatile MRAM memory and does not require fan cooling, giving equipment designers and process automation engineers a great deal of flexibility in terms of location.