Maschinenbauer müssen kontinuierlich daran arbeiten, dass ihre Anlagen auf dem neuesten Stand sind und außerdem Maschinen entwickeln, die technische Neuheiten bieten, um sich gegenüber der Marktkonkurrenz behaupten zu können. Für die geschäftliche Profitabilität ist es außerdem wichtig, dass dies wenig Zeit in Anspruch nimmt.
Engineers who build these plants and machines should therefore have solutions that help them to work as time efficiently as possible. Schneider Electric’s Modicon M221 series PLC controllers form a scalable system that is ideal for OEMs and serves exactly this purpose. All models are equipped with interfaces such as Ethernet, USB for programming and a serial interface. They also have an integrated web server and an SD card slot for data and program storage. Many features are therefore already integrated onboard.
The package is rounded off by the free EcoStruxure™ Machine Expert – Basic programming software, which can be downloaded from the manufacturer’s website. The programming software is structured according to the project development cycle, so that navigation within the software is simple and intuitive. This allows for easy configuration, programming and commissioning.
Simple configuration and operation
The controller can be configured using a corresponding tool, which is available for free download from the manufacturer’s website. For configuration, the user-friendly module selection wizard can be used within the tool, or alternatively the selection list.
Existing configurations from the previous Twido PLC series can also be converted to the new controller family here. After successful configuration, for example, bills of materials can be created and exported in CSV format for further processing in tables, or a balance of the power consumption of the components used can be calculated.
Scripts can also be written to transfer the configuration to the EcoStruxure™ Machine Expert – Basic programming software. The configurator also provides I/O statistics that can be used to determine if the appropriate configuration has been selected for the activity.
A variety of interfaces and high speed
An enormous advantage is that most of the functions required for working with the control system are already integrated. This makes the Modicon M221 controller also ideal for compact applications. In its product category, it is currently the most powerful product on the market in two different designs. Installation is easy, because all I/Os are already installed. These can be expanded via cartridges, I/O modules, Ethernet or serial interfaces. These interfaces as well as a USB input for programming are included with the controller. The controller is also equipped with an SD card slot for storing data and programs. The integrated web server enables access to ready-to-use functions or customer-specific visualizations via the browser on a PC, tablet or smartphone.
QR codes allow quick access to product information
The control housing is provided with a QR code, which allows access to technical data and documentation. These include the product data sheet of the controller used, maintenance and diagnostic instructions, explanations of the arrangement of the interfaces and the various display and operating elements. In urgent cases, information on the control system can be called up conveniently and quickly by smartphone or tablet directly on site.
Automation with EcoStruxure™
The controller is part of Schneider Electric’s open, interoperable and IoT-enabled EcoStruxure™ platform and architecture, which provides innovative and intuitive solutions for machine automation. This includes specific industry expertise in hardware, software and ready-to-use architectures and includes additional services. The ready-to-use architecture solutions are delivered to the user at the same time, saving time in the development of new machines. This also includes system documentation, application-specific function blocks and CAD files. This allows systems to be designed quickly and easily. Mechanical engineers are supported throughout the entire life cycle of their equipment – from design to commissioning and maintenance of systems.
Simplified operation with the graphic operating terminal
Additionally available on request is the graphical operator terminal TMH2GDB for further features regarding diagnosis, maintenance and runtime of machines. This can be easily connected via the serial interface of the PLC control and mounted on the front of the control cabinet. All that is required is to drill a 22 mm diameter opening. Setup settings, service and visualization can be implemented quickly through this terminal. Thus the installation effort is considerably lower than with comparable products. Operation is further facilitated by pre-stored and defined application pages and graphic objects. The operator terminal can thus display the status messages of the controller, which can otherwise be read on the controller itself.
The graphical operator terminal is included in the S7 1212FC DC in addition to the required cables and the Modicon M221 controller itself. This allows you to start directly to implement your machine project!
Profile M221 Control unit
- Main areas of application: Mechanical engineering, production automation
- Modular expansion possibility to max. I/Os: compact/modular expandable, max. 14 modules – max 492 I/Os
- Program memory type: RAM buffered, Flash
- Memory capacity in KB: 2048
- Cycle time 1000 bit instructions in μs: 200 μs
- Operating temperature range: -10°C – 55°C
- Number of central inputs digital: 9 – 464
- Number of central outputs digital: 7 – 464
- Number of central inputs analog: up to 116
- Number of central outputs analog: up to 114
- interface: RS232 / RS422 / RS485 / FO / Ethernet: 1 / – / 1 / – / 1
