Logic control modules boast Ethernet and .NET interfaces

21st July 2020

Mick Elliott

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easyE4, a new range of logic control modules from power management specialist Eaton are in stock at distributor RS Components.

easyE4 offers a selection of controller base units and I/O expansion modules that speed up and simplify the building of control systems for automotive, industrial, building, environmental, maritime and lighting applications.

A single base unit can control a wide variety of tasks — including logic, timer relay and counter, time switch, PID controller, arithmetic, operating and display functions — via up to eight integrated digital and/or analogue inputs and four relay or transistor outputs.

More inputs and outputs can be added via up to 11 plug-in expansion modules per base unit, giving a possible total of up to 188 inputs and outputs.

The controller base units feature Ethernet and .NET interfaces that allow up to eight devices to communicate directly.

Modules can operate in parallel in up to 10 clusters; an Eaton XC300 PLC can be used as a central master control system for all E4 devices via the Modbus TCP protocol. IIoT integration enables data transfers to the cloud.

easyE4 is programmed using Eaton’s EasySoft version 7 software, featuring easy navigation menus, circuit diagram input and editing in a choice of formats, along with integrated offline simulation.

Post-installation changes are easily accomplished through front panel programming, eliminating the need to change wiring. EasySoft offers a choice of four programming languages: ST, FBD, LD and EDP. Most easyE4 base units come with an integrated display, while web server and Ethernet options also allow visualisation on mobile devices.

easyE4 offers combinations of AC, DC and UC connections at 12/24VDC, 24VAC and 100–240VAC, with 12–24VDC operating voltage.

Other features of easyE4 include an interrupt function enabling fast event recognition and rapid response, an integrated microSD card to facilitate data logging, DCF77 time synchronisation, and multi-level password protection.

The easyE4 range is designed to replace and expand upon Eaton’s existing easy500, 700 and 800 programmable relays.

Besides the individual easyE4 modules, RS offers three starter kits featuring a base unit (100–240VAC/DC relay, 24VAC/DC UC relay or 24VDC transistor) along with a patch cable and EasySoft v7 licence.