Pneumatic PLC welcomes a washdown

Festo has launched an Ethernet-equipped PLC designed to be integrated with pneumatic valve terminals, and to withstand harsh environments such as washdown machinery.

The CPX-FEC controller is a plug-in module that is compatible with Festo`s CPX pneumatic valve and I/O components. It allows control nodes with up to 300 remote I/O channels, plus pneumatics, to be assembled on compact panel-mounting IP67 or IP65 modules less than 11cm high and 7cm deep.

The IP67 rating means that the system can be installed where it is needed - even in food processing or packaging areas where it could be splashed by sticky ingredients or caustic washdown agents.

The integration of Ethernet connections with valve terminals, "extends networking possibilities in major ways," says Festo product manager, Jacqui Reid.

The controller has 256Mb of control program memory and 512Mb for applications such as acting as a Web server for remote monitoring. It can execute programs at a rate of 1-2ms per 1k statement.

Control programs can be developed using standard IEC 61131-3 languages, or a Festo software tool which offers an easy-to-learn ladder logic system, or statement-based programming using high-level commands. A handheld terminal is available for configuring, commissioning and diagnostics.

The controller supports various fieldbuses including Profibus-DP, CANopen, DeviceNet, Interbus and CC-Link.