IDEC Corporation has updated its SmartAXIS Touch family with the new FT1J series, a combined PLC and HMI. The device combines an integrated, full-featured controller with integrated, expandable I/O and a 4.3-inch touchscreen display with advanced technology in a compact, all-in-one form factor suitable for visualization and automation of a wide range of applications. The right size. The FT1J series builds on the success of the still available FT1A-C and -M series 3.8-inch PLC+HMIs, giving designers another size option.
Benefits of a combined PLC+HMI
With an all-in-one PLC+HMI, the panel door and interior space required is much smaller than separate devices. The device’s thin bezel provides the largest possible display area relative to the installation surface, while the overall package requires only a small installation depth. The PLC and HMI are internally connected, share the same network connection, require only one power supply (and consume less power than separate PLCs and HMIs installed separately), and all connections use push-in wiring connections, simplifying installation. Furthermore, the FT1J is ready to use and communicate right out of the box. End users configure the PLC+HMI using an intuitive, easy-to-use integrated development environment for PLC and HMI functions, resulting in greatly improved configuration and programming efficiency.
Powerful PLC Capabilities
The integrated PLC and HMI each have their own dedicated CPU and user memory, optimizing scan time performance and communicating natively with each other. Integrated I/O includes 8 DC inputs (configurable as all discrete, or 6 discrete and 2 analog 0-10 VDC or 4-20 mA 12-bit). The discrete inputs can operate as high speed counters up to 20KHz with up to 4 single phase and 1 two phase. For the discrete outputs, the relay version provides 4 2A relay outputs and the transistor version provides 4 0.5A transistor outputs. The transistor version also provides 2 0-10 VDC or 4-20 mA analog outputs. The integrated transistor outputs can also be pulsed up to 200KHz.
The FT1J features discrete or analog I/O in various configurations and supports up to 2 expansion modules including a 2-point RTD/Thermocouple analog input version. All analog inputs and outputs have a resolution of 12 bits. Additionally, designers can provide advanced remote I/O using the Ethernet port and SX8R bus coupler.
Cutting-edge HMI design
The HMI’s advanced PCAP (Projected Capacitive Touch Panel) technology, used in smartphones and tablets, offers 480 x 272 resolution and 16 million colors while saving space and improving performance. PCAP is not only water and scratch resistant, but is also highly responsive and resists false signals even when there are smudges or water droplets on the HMI surface. Fewer touchscreen layers and improved light transmission levels require less backlight power, and the display delivers an industry-leading 500 nits brightness and 50,000 hours of backlight life. In addition to multi-touch capabilities, users can operate the touchscreen HMI while wearing thin gloves. The front panel is free of branding, which has attracted many OEMs.
Robust Performance
The glass design is abrasion resistant in harsh environments, and the backlight is rated for a long life of 50,000 hours, making these units low maintenance. The battery-free design eliminates the need for spare parts, reduces maintenance, and avoids battery-related regulations for easier shipping overseas. Hypercapacitors maintain time for 20 days, and Magnetoresistive Random Access Memory (MRAM) provides non-volatile storage for programs, holding registers, and log data. Rated for extreme temperatures of -20 to 55°C, IP66 and IP67 for washdown areas, IP66F and IP67F for oil resistance, UL60101, UL Type 4X/12/13 and Class I Div 2, the FT1J PLC+HMI is suitable for a wide range of applications. It fits a wide range of applications and the right locations.
Optimized Configuration Access to the entire PLC and HMI configuration is via IDEC’s standard WindOI-NV4 software, which is easy to use and intuitive, with a drag-and-drop interface and an extensive image library. Projects can be automatically converted from one HMI size to another within seconds. Script programming, PIDD loop control, pulse width modulation (PWM) control, multi-language capabilities, security, trend graphs, data logging, alarm logging, and other features are supported for both HMI and PLC. With support for both PLC and HMI, users only need to keep track of one program file.
Connectivity and IIoT
Two USB-A ports support flash drives for data logging, recipes, and program transfer, as well as dongles for speakers, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. A built-in Ethernet port gives users easy access for remote maintenance and communication, and Modbus TCP/IP, BACnet IP, EtherNet/IP, and MQTT protocols are supported for connecting to other smart devices. The integrated RS232C and RS422/485 serial communication ports support Modbus RTU, allowing the FT1J to communicate with other serial PLCs or devices such as barcode readers and temperature controllers. One main FT1J can drive up to 15 other IDEC HMI devices via serial ports using OI link communication, simplifying cabling and reducing communication load. The FT1J also supports the simultaneous use of up to three other protocols.
Many communication options are available to users to create automation and IIoT solutions supporting multiple industry protocols, FTP protocol, remote monitoring and control, email/SMS, Twitter/X, iOS and Android apps, and custom include websites.
Customizable PLC+HMI Solution
IDEC FTxJ series is a combination PLC and HMI that packs advanced technology into a convenient compact display size and form factor, making it an ideal solution for space-constrained and other industrial applications where a single PLC and HMI installation is not feasible. The new 4.3″ FT1J and recently released 7″ FT2J allow designers to size the visualization and control capabilities for their application. The FT1J is ideal for many laboratory, commercial and industrial applications in industries such as food and beverage, consumer goods, oil and gas, and agriculture. Designers of test equipment, HVAC systems, pump controls, remote well and booster systems, and other OEM machinery and process equipment find the FT1J to be the ideal solution for control and visualization.