IDEC adds 12V DC 16 I/O CPUs to MicroSmart FC6A PLC

Many applications require 12V DC power. Smaller smart relays may support too few I/O points and lack enough programmability, while more full-featured PLCs are too expensive and don’t provide the necessary I/O voltages. The new 16 I/O FC6A All-in-One CPUs with 12V DC offer the right balance, enabling these PLCs to handle over 100 I/O points in an economical and expandable form factor.

Still included are all of the standard FC6A All-in-One features users have come to rely on: Ethernet, USB, and serial connectivity; SD memory slot; replaceable battery; HMI module; up to three I/O expansion modules with removable terminal blocks; other digital and analog expansion modules available; and easy expansion of communication ports.

The rugged form factor can with withstand the -25 to +65°C operating temperatures and Class I Div 2 environments found at the types of remote conditions where these PLCs are often installed. Users can configure and monitor the PLC using the WindEdit app for iOS and Android over Bluetooth and Ethernet. The popular Modbus TCP and RTU industrial protocols are built-in, as are data logging and web server functions.

At any remote locations where solar power supplies batteries, or on board any vehicles or portable equipment, 12V DC batteries are commonly used to power automation and control systems. This is why the FC6A All-in-One 12V DC PLC is ideal for:

• Solar-powered traffic controls
• Remote chemical injection systems
• Isolated weather monitoring stations
• Mobile equipment like gutter cutting machines, portable chillers, compressed natural gas skids, and air compressors

 The newly available FC6A All-in-One 12V DC CPUs are:

• FC6A-C16R1DE: 16-point 12V DC Relay Output
• FC6A-C16K1DE: 16-point 12V DC Transistor Sink Output
• FC6A-C16P1DE: 16-point 12V DC Transistor Source Output

As with all its products, IDEC offers free tech support for the FC6A family of PLCs, with no service or support contract required.