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Controller

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Product Overview

Programming Overview

System sketch

Ancillary Items

Summary

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Product Overview

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Basic hardware features

Size / Installation

Input / Outputs (I/O) devices

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Basic hardware featuresInputs

Outputs

Programming from the front

of the Alpha (with 8 keys &LCD-display)

Power supply

Interface for PC-Programming

Interface for memorycassette

Programmable operator interface

(LCD-display)

Direct mounting

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Inputs OutputsModel Inputs Outputs

6 I/O Alpha 4 210 I/O Alpha 6 420 I/O Alpha 12 8

Basic hardware featuresOptions - model sizes:

Options - power supply model:– 24V DC– 100 to 240V AC (50/60Hz)

Options - expandability:– Network ‘slave’ cards ex. AS-I (20 I/O Alpha only)

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Input / Outputs (I/O) devicesOptions - Inputs:

– Models with 24V DC power supply• 24V DC inputs (digital)• Up to 8 digital inputs can be re-designated

through system software as being analogue inputs

– Models with 100 to 240V AC power supply• 100 - 240V AC inputs (digital)

Options - Outputs:– Relay models - 8A per point at 240V AC / 24V DC– Transistor models - 1A per point at 24V DC

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Model Width Height Depth6 I/O Alpha10 I/O Alpha20 I/O Alpha 124.6 mm

55 mm90 mm71.2mm

Size / Installation

Compact size:– (DC powered and AC powered units

are the same size)

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Size / Installation

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Size / Installation

Options - installation:– Directly on to DIN-rail

– Directly on to the surface (by screws/bolts through integrally moulded location holes)

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Size / Installation

Direct mounting -using screws

Direct mounting -using DIN-rail

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Programming Overview

Basic programming features

Available instructions

Software

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Basic programming featuresFunction (block) based programmingProgramming directly from the front of the Alpha

– Graphic LCD-Display

– 8 keys

– Menu driven operation

– System operation available in 5 languages(English, French, Spanish, German, Italian)

– All information of one function block is displayed simultaneously

Option - Windows based software (95, 98, NT)

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Programming directly from the front

Monitoring

LCD-Display & 8 keys

Menu driven operation

All function data displayed simultaneously

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Digital inputs

Digital input

Analog input

Analog values / special outputs / display outputs

Digital output

Programming basicsProgramming is function (block) based Each function is easily selectedEach function (block) carries out one task which has a number inputs conditions and resultant outputsUp to 64 function scan be linked together

(or up to 1500 bytes - which ever is exceeded first)Each function (block) can be used as many times as required

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Software - ALVLSThe software is called AL-PCS/WIN

(ALVLS - Alpha Visual Logic System)ALVLS works under 95, 98 and NTALVLS is a graphic based software which is available in 5 different system languages

(English, French, Spanish, German, Italian) Programming is possible with no previous experience

– There is a system Wizard (to help create basic programs)

– There are on line guides (to help use software functions)

Programming is based on selecting graphic icons which represent functions, placing them in a work area and connecting them up with a line.

– There is an extensive help system (to provide general support)

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Software - ALVLSIcons can be personalised, I.e. users can add or customise their ownAll programs can be simulated:

– On-line simulation and monitoring requires the Alpha unit to be connected to the PC

– Off-line simulation requires no Alpha unit as everything is self contained in the ALVLS software

ALVLS programs can be completely documented with comments for functions and added generic commentsALVLS has a “system sketch” mode which allows users to create their own PC based operator interface

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Software - ALVLS

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Buttons

Internal Bits

Scroll selection

Inputs

Input menu selection

Software Input signalsAutomatic identification of digital or analogue inputs depending upon the selected input image

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Example,AnalogInput

Analogue or special signal is represented by green dot

Analogue signal is shown with a thicker connection line

Software Input signals

Analogue signals– Up to 8 inputs can be defined as analogue– Analogue input is 0 to 10V DC– Analogue resolution is 8 bits (0 to 255)– Analogue inputs are only available on

24V DC powered units

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Output types

Scroll selection

Output menu selection

Software Output signals

Graphical symbols and images make programs easier to understand

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Software graphical program simulation

Programs written with ALVLS software can be simulated to ensure correct operation. Input/Outputs status is toggled with line and function block status.

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AND (And-Link)

OR (Or-Link)

NOT (Negation)

NAND (And-Link negated)

NOR (Or-Link negated )

XOR (either/or)

Instructions - Logic signals

Simple boolean commands

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Word or symbol logical operators

Simulation

Easy to understand ‘sentence’ construction

Instructions - Logic signalsComplex boolean instructions can be created using the BOOLEAN function

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Instructions - Status controlSelf retaining command SET-RESET:

– SET (set), RESET (set back)– Setting of priority

Status alternate (flip) ALT:– It function toggles the output whenever the input

signal changes from OFF to ON. When clear input is ON, output becomes OFF irrespective of input status.

Time-function ONE-SHOT: – Time range 0.1 s–6553.5 s– This function is used to generate

a single pulse with a specific duration

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Instructions - Status controlTime function DELAY:

– Time range 0.1 s–6553.5 s– Switch on-delay (on-delay)– Switch off-delay (off-delay)– Switch on- and off-delay timer,

duration's can be set separately

Pulse generator function FLICKER: – Time range 0.1 s–6553.5 s– Pulse generator asymmetric

(T-on, T-off individually adjustable)– Number of pulses adjustable or continuously– Total time of pulses adjustable or continuously

Time function PULSE: – Generates a pulse for one cycle when the

following are selected:• leading edge of one input• trailing edge of one input• leading and trailing edge of one input

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Instructions - Event monitoringMaintenance function HOUR-METER:

– Next maintenance time is set - when reached an output is activated

– Counting of working hours and minutes up to 32767 hrs and 59 min (1365 days, 3.7 years)

– Counter value kept for 20 days after power is removed– Can be cascaded to increase time base

Counter function COUNTER: – Counting range up to 32767– Output set when Count value reached

– Count can be reset by input at any time

Counter function UP/DOWN-COUNTER: – Counting range: -32767–+32767

– Up/Down inputs are separate– Output set when Count value reached– Count set value can be manual setting, analogue

input or fixed value triggered by digital input– Count can be reset by input at any time

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Example : Tuesday, 08.02.199910h30

Example : Tuesday, 08.02.199910h30

08.02.199902.08.19991999.02.08

08.02.199902.08.19991999.02.08

Instructions - Event monitoringReal time clock function CLOCK:

– Data available from the real time clock: hours, minutes, day of the week, day of the month,month, year

– 3 Formats to display the date: dd.mm.yyyy mm.dd.yyyy yyyy.mm.dd

– Direct adjustment of the clock on the unit– Automatic adjustment of day and week– Automatic summer time/daylight saving time

(US, UK, EU presets plus user configured option)– Max. 350 time events

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Instructions - Value processingAnalogue value processing GAIN:

– Adjust Gain/Offset of read analogue values – Apply scaling to analogue input values

Compare-function with words COMPARE: – Comparison of 2 values

(could be analogue, counter or timer values)– Types of comparison: =, <>, >, >=, <, <=

Schmitt-Trigger SCHMITT– Comparison of a value to 2 set points

triggering different actions

Zone Compare (range on/off) ZON-CMP– Comparison of a value to a range

(could be analogue, counter or timer values)– Types of comparison: =, <>, >, >=, <, <=

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Instruction - User Interaction

HMI-Function DISPLAY: – LCD-Display on Alpha: 4 lines x 10 characters– The contents of display can be freely programmed

with text and/or values from programmed functions– Displayed values can be easily changed/edited using

the keys on the front face of the unit

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Instruction - User InteractionTo change a value through the HMI/Display option:

– Press key:– First value is signaling– +1 at value, key– -1 at value, key– Confirming of change, key

– Should the display consist of several values, selection of values with or with

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System sketch

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System sketchALVLS software, “Monitoring in System Sketch”:

– In the ALVLS software it is possible to carry outmonitoring and/or simulation

– Within the System sketch area, users can create avisual representation of their application(effectively creating a low function SCADA system)

– Images can be imported (BMPs) and links to standard Windows programs can be made

– User’s can copy any of the inputs/outputs or functionsused in the Alpha program to the System sketch area

– By placing the devices in the System sketch and then activating either the simulation or the monitor mode’s - the users program can be controlled directly

E.g………………..

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System sketch

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Ancillary Items

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Ancillary ItemsThe ALVLS software communicates to the Alpha unit through the computers serial port. This is connected to the Alpha unit with the AL-232CAB cable as shown below.

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Ancillary ItemsMemory cassettes:

– By insertion of an EEPROM-cassette a new Alpha program can be directly inserted without aprogramming tool

Alpha has been designed to suit users needs:– Industry (IEC 1131.1, 2)

– House- and building technique (EN 60730)

– CE EMC

– CE low voltage

– UL/cUL.

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Summary

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SUMMARYMitsubishi Electric, world leader in the sector of small PLCs launches something new on the market:

The Alpha-Controller

Smaller and cheaper than a PLC, but with a lot of perfomance and new possibilities: A totally innovative way of programming via the Alpha software A big range of integrated functions

– Display-Function

– Outputs for up to 8 A

– Real-time clock function

– Standard analog inputs and

corresponding functions.

Alpha, Leader of the Function Controller Generation

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Questions?

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