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What can an embedded PLC do for your controls solution?
by Don Divelbiss, P.E.
A cost-effective solution for an embedded PLC is the use of an Integrated Circuit (IC) that is a complete PLC. Using a single-chip PLC, development time is greatly reduced because the software drivers for various types of I/O are already embedded on the chip. Once the system I/O has been defined, the appropriate interface circuits can be added to the design and programming can be completed easily using the ladder logic programming language and software such as EZ LADDER.
Chip Based Controllers - Another Option
by Mike Colgin, Divelbiss Corporation
It goes without saying electronic controls are having a huge impact in both the utility vehicle and mobile equipment markets. Steer by wire, electronic shifters, and distributed hydraulic controls – just to name a few – are more the norm than the exception. A “tricked out” tractor cab resembles the cockpit of a jumbo jet far more than a traditional farm machine. In many cases, these advances in technology will make the difference between whether a company will survive or expire as world markets evolve.
Application Notes
Application notes are provided to aid in the use and implementation of Divelbiss products and software. Application notes provide detailed information how to use products and / or software functions with hardware to accomplish specific goals or functional applications. They are provided as general examples and guides.
Divelbiss Corporation assumes no responsibility, liability or warranty regarding any application note’s application, use, functionality or reliability to meet an application needs. User assumes all responsibility to ensure all safety precautions are taken when using application notes.
These applications must not be used alone in applications which would be hazardous to personnel in the event of a failure. Precautions must be taken by the user to provide mechanical and/or electrical safeguards external to these applications.
These application notes are available to download as a .zip file with any associated information included.
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AN-124 - Azure IoT Central - GPS Location & Tracking
AN-124 demonstrates connecting the Versatile base VB-2000 to an Iot Central Application on Microsoft’s Azure. After connection, GPS location data will be Published to an asset tracking map. The GPS logic portion is written primarily is Structured Text. Modification will need to be made through the ST. editor. A Link is provided with a pre configured Dashboard and Device temple to get started right out of the Box.
- Release Date: 10/21/2020
- Program Language: Ladder Diagram / Structured Text
AN-123 - Azure IoT Central - Data Collection & Controls
AN-123 demonstrates wth example connecting the Versatile base VB-2000 to an Iot Central Application on Microsoft’s Azure. After connection, two variables will be published to the server and one variable received from IoT central. The Received variable is converted from a string in the Structured text portion of the Ladder diagram. A Link is provided with a pre configured Dashboard and Device temple to get started right out of the Box.
- Release Date: 10/21/2020
- Program Language: Ladder Diagram / Structured Text
AN-122 - VersaCloud M2M Setup - Getting Started
AN-122 demonstrates wth examples how to use P-Series EZ LADDER Toolkit and hardware targets to communicate to the VersaCloud M2M Portal. This application note provides sample ladder diagrams with descriptions and step by step creation of a personalized dash board page on a VersaCloud M2M portal.
- Release Date: 7/30/2015
- Program Language: Ladder Diagram
AN-121 - J1939 with SD Data Logging
AN-121 demonstrates the reading of J1939 PGN/SPN data by the Divelbiss VB-2200 and writing this data to a SD card periodically and on event. The data is written in comma separated value (.csv) format to allow direct opening of file by spreadsheet programs such as Microsoft Excel.
- Release Date: 4/7/2015
- Program Language: Ladder Diagram
AN-120 - DC Motor Control
This application is an example of DC motor speed control using potentiometer (analog input) as the set point in a closed-loop configuration with feedback and a PID algorithm.
- Release Date: 4/27/2010
- Program Language: Ladder Diagram
AN-119 - Speed Control
This application is an example of speed control using a digital set point (program variable) in a closed-loop configuration with feedback and a PID algorithm.
- Release Date: 4/27/2020
- Program Language: Ladder Diagram
AN-118 - Material Spreading
This application is an example of how control material spreading using HEC-4000 Series controllers. Provides complete accurate material spreading using vehicle speed and operator controls to control feed rate and spread distance (spin rate).
- Release Date: 4/21/2010
- Program Language: Ladder Diagram / Structured Text
AN-117 - Temperature Control with Hysteresis
This application is an example of how heat and cooling (air conditioning) using the HEC-1020 controller. This example uses a thermistor input to monitor temperature and then calls for heat or cool based on programmed temperature ranges.
- Release Date: 4/21/2010
- Program Language: Ladder Diagram
AN-116 - Non-Linear Curve Response
This application is an example of how provide non-linear PWM control based on RPM. The total response curve is divided into 5 segments that will control a proportional valve or other device using a Pulse Width Modulation output.
- Release Date: 4/19/2015
- Program Language: Ladder Diagram
AN-115 - Joystick Input
This application is an example of how provide PWM control with a Joystick control (analog input).
- Release Date: 4/12/2010
- Program Language: Ladder Diagram
AN-114 - Closed Loop Valve Control
This application uses a Harsh Environment Controller and controls a proportional valve and includes active feedback of the valve coil current. The application uses a setpoint and drives the valve coil to a constant current (using Pulse Width Modulation). Using the coil current as a setpoint, the control is accurate regardless of temperature changes.
- Release Date: 4/12/2010
- Program Language: Ladder Diagram
AN-113 - Open Loop Valve Control
This application uses a Harsh Environment Controller and controls a proportional valve using Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) without feedback. The valve is controlled to the provided setpoint.
- Release Date: 4/12/2010
- Program Language: Ladder Diagram
AN-112 - Speed Measurement
This application utilizes the High Speed Counter input of the Harsh Environment Controller to measure speed (or RPM) by measuring teeth on a gear or flywheel.
- Release Date: 4/12/2010
- Program Language: Ladder Diagram
AN-111 - Solar Water Heater Control
This application utilizes the HEC-1020 to control an open-loop solar water heating system. Temperature is monitored and water is recirculated based temperature differential.
- Release Date: 6/9/2009
- Program Language: Ladder Diagram
AN-110 - H-Bridge PWM Motor Drive Control
This application provides all the necessary circuitry and software to interface a DC motor to a PCS Controller or a PLC on a Chip IC or Module. The motor direction and speed is controlled using two Pulse Width Modulation channels. The circuitry is designed to be optically isolated for noise immunity and all the components required are listed.
- Release Date: 6/2/2009
- Program Language: Ladder Diagram
AN-109 - 7 Day-Skip-a-Day Timer
This application provides a fully functional 7-day timer. A start time and end time is configured as well as a status for each day of the week. When the status is true for the day of the week and the current time is between the start and end times, a contact is set true to enable the logic section of the program. This contact may be used to drive outputs and add additional logic.
- Release Date: 3/28/2007
- Program Language: Ladder Diagram
AN-108 - Setpoint Tachometer
This application is an example of how use an open-collector or Hall-effect device with a high speed counter input to read RPM.
- Release Date: 3/28/2007
- Program Language: Ladder Diagram
AN-107 - Counter with Setpoints
This example shows how to use an up counter and trigger events based upon the actual count value. When the ENABLE is true and RESET is false, for each low to high transitiion on GPI1, the counter will increment by one. When the count of 25 is achieved, the IND25 output will be true. When the count of 50 is achieved, the counter will be reset and will start from zero.
- Release Date: 3/28/2007
- Program Language: Ladder Diagram
AN-106 - Repeat Cycle Time
A repeat cycle timer is provides a repeatable on and off time. When the TmrStart input is true, the off-timer will begin timing based on the timer setpoints for the off-time (OffTimeVal). When the off-time is reached, the on-timer will begin and time until the on-time has reached the setpoint for on-time (OnTimeVal), then the timing sequence will repeat. The Light output is an indicator of the timer status (on / off).
- Release Date: 3/28/2007
- Program Language: Ladder Diagram
AN-105 - Pump Sequencer
This application will control the start sequence of 3 pumps. Tank level is monitored via three float switches. The high level switch identifies when the tank level has risen to the level when one pump is needed to decrease the level to normal levels. The Level Ok float switch identifies when the tank level has fallen the level where pump operation is no longer required. The over level float switch identifies an overfill condition. Pump sequence is alternated to equalize the operation hours of each pump as much as possible. The ‘Lead’ pump is the pump that will operate the next the level rises and pumping is required. The ‘Lead’ pump is alternated between all three pumps(once each time the level rises and then drops to normal). In the event a single pump cannot meet the demand (OK level not reached within 10 minutes), a second pump is started to accomodate the load condition. After an additional 10 minutes without reaching the OK level the third pump is also started. After 10 minutes with all three pumps started, if the level OK has not been reached, the alarm output will pulse on and off in two second intervals. If at any time an over fill is detected, all pumps will continue to operate, and the alarm output will be on steady.
- Release Date: 3/28/2007
- Program Language: Ladder Diagram
AN-104 - Compressor Sequencer
This application will control the start sequence of 3 compressors. Air pressure is monitored via three pressure switches. The low pressure switch identifies when air pressure has dropped to the level when one compressor is needed to increase the air pressure to normal levels. The ok pressure switch identifies when the pressure has reached the level where compressor operation is no longer required. The over pressure switch identifies an over pressure condition. Compressor sequence is alternated to equalize the operation hours of each compressor as much as possible. The ‘Lead’ compressor is the compressor that will operate the next time air pressure drops and a compressor is required. The ‘Lead’ compressor is alternated between all three compressors (once each time pressure drops low and then rises to normal). In the event a single compressor cannot meet the load demand (OK pressure not reached within 10 minutes), a second compressor is started to accomodate the load condition. After an additional 10 minutes without reaching the OK pressure, the third compressor is also started. After 10 minutes with all three compressors started, if the pressure OK has not been reached, the alarm output will pulse on and off in two second intervals. If at any time an over pressure is detected, all compressors will shut down and the alarm output will be on steady.
- Release Date: 3/28/2007
- Program Language: Ladder Diagram
AN-103 - Drum Sequencer
A drum sequencer is a powerful function to control multiple channel states (outputs or internal control relays) based upon a pre-designed ‘sequence’ of operation for the devices. The drum sequencer is programmed with multiple steps, similar to a spreadsheet. Each row represents a ‘step’ of the drum sequencer and for each step, each column represents the channel (‘state of the device or channel to be 0 or 1’). When the drum sequencer is active (enabled), for each pulse or low to high to low transition, the drum sequnce will index to the next ‘step’ and all the devices states will change accordingly. After the last step, the drum sequencer resets and starts from step 1.
- Release Date: 3/28/2007
- Program Language: Ladder Diagram
AN-102 - Time Delay on Dropout - TDDO
A ‘Time Delay on Drop-Out Relay’ is a useful application when you desire to have a device (output) delay turning off based upon a signal from another source (input). When the input (signal) senses a false to true transition, the device (output) will turn on (true). When the input (signal) senses a true to false transition, a timer will begin timing. When the timer reaches it’s pre-programmed setpoint value, the output (device) is then turned off. The output will remain true as long as the input is true. At any point during the timing cycle, if the input goes true, the timer will stop and the output will remain true.
- Release Date: 3/28/2007
- Program Language: Ladder Diagram
AN-101 - Time Delay on Pickup - TDPU
A ‘Time Delay on Pickup Relay’ is a useful application when you desire to have a device (output) turn on based upon a signal from another source (input). When the input (signal) senses a false to true transition, a timer will begin timing. When the timer reaches it’s pre-programmed setpoint value, the output (device) is then turned on. The output will be maintained as long as the input is maintained. At any point, if the input goes false, the output will also go false.
- Release Date: 3/28/2007
- Program Language: Ladder Diagram