Fully integrated PLC+HMIs provide compact solutions for process control and automation

These devices combine a built-in full function controller of either 12, 14 or 22 on-board I/O, and expandable by utilising two expansion cartridge ports. The display options include a 4.3" (272 x 480 pixels, 16M colours) or 7" (480 x 800 pixel, 65K colours) high- tech touch screen using state of the art PCAP screen technology.

Combined PLC+HMI advantages

You, as the system designer, simply need to determine the required I/O for your application, considering the options of Relay or Transistor outputs and the need for analogue I/O too (all integrated). Next consider the best screen size to display the required devices, instruments, graphical data and more. With this information you can select either the FT1J (4.3", 12 (relay) or 14 (transistor I/O) or FT2J (7", 22 I/O) all-in- one PLC+HMI.

There are many advantages of such an integrated controller, such as: requires far less panel door and interior space than individual devices; the unit's thin bezel provides the greatest possible display; the entire package requires only a shallow mounting depth clearance; simplified installation because the PLC and HMI are internally connected and share the same network connection; only one power supply is required; and lower power consumption.

Powerful PLC features

The integrated PLC and HMI each have their own dedicated CPU, ensuring and optimised scan time performance of the PLC program, also benefitting from their native communication with each other which further enhances the speed.

The FT1J has built-in I/O including 8 points of DC inputs (configurable as all discrete, or 6 discrete and 2 analogue 0-10VDC or 4-20mA 12-bit). Discrete inputs can operate as high-speed counters up to 20KHz. For discrete outputs, a relay version provides 4 points of 2A relay outputs, while a transistor version provides 4 points of 0.5A transistor outputs and provides 2 points of 0-10VDC or 4-20mA analogue outputs. The built-in transistor outputs are also pulse capable up to 200KHz.

However, if you need more I/O or large display, the consider the larger FT2J. The FT2J has built-in I/O includes 14 points of DC discrete inputs (5 of them configurable as high-speed counters), and 4 points of analogue inputs (configurable as 0-10VDC or 4-20mA). A relay version provides 8 points of relay outputs, while transistor versions provide 6 points sinking or 6 points sourcing of discrete outputs (4 of them configurable as pulse outputs) and 2 points of 0-10VDC or 4-20mA analogue outputs.

Both the FT1J and FT2J support up to two expansion cartridges of discrete or analogue I/O, in a variety of configurations and including a 2-point RTD/thermocouple analogue input version. All analogue inputs and outputs are 12-bit resolution.

Cutting edge HMI design with robust performance

The HMI's projected capacitive touch panel (PCAP) advanced technology is very responsive and resilient to water and scratches. The crisp display results in a 500 cd/m2 brightness level and 50,000-hour backlight life. In addition to being multi-touch, users can interact with the touchscreen HMI while using thin gloves. The front bezel carries no branding, which is of interest to many OEMs.

Ratings for extreme temperatures from -20 to 55 degC, IP66 and IP67 for wash-down areas, IP66F and IP67F for oil resistance make the FTxJ PLC+HMI suitable for a wide range of applications and locations.

Streamlined configuration

All PLC and HMI configuration is accessed through IDEC's standard WindOI-NV4 software, which is easy-to-use and intuitive. Software functions such as PIDD loop control, pulse width modulation (PWM) control, multilingual capabilities, security, trend charts, data logs, alarm logs, and other functions and features are supported for both the HMI and the PLC. Users only need to keep track of one program file as it supports both the PLC and HMI.

Connectivity and IIoT

Two USB-A ports support flash drives for data logging, recipes, and program transfer - along with dongles for speakers, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. The embedded Ethernet port provides users with easy access for remote maintenance and communication, and the Modbus TCP/IP, BACnet IP, EtherNet/IP, and MQTT protocols are supported for connecting with other intelligent devices.

You can find built-in RS232C and RS422/485 serial communication ports support Modbus RTU and allow the FTxJ SmartAxis to communicate to other serial PLCs or devices, like barcode readers or temperature controllers.

Many communication options are available for users to create automation and IIoT solutions incorporating multiple industrial protocols, the FTP protocol, remote monitoring and control, email/text messaging, Twitter/X, iOS and Android apps, and custom web pages.

An adaptable PLC+HMI solution

The FT1Js and FT2Js are ideal for many laboratory, commercial and industrial applications throughout industries like food and beverage, consumer goods, agriculture, oil and gas. These combined PLC+HMIs packages provide modern technologies into a conveniently compact display size and form factor, making them the ideal solution for space-limited and other industrial applications which are not fit for individual PLC and HMI installations.

The new FT1J 4.3" device, and the recently released FT2J 7" device, provide designers with options to size the visualisation and control functions for their applications. Designers of test equipment, HVAC systems, pump and irrigation controls, and other OEM machines and process skids are finding the SmartAxis Touch (FT1J and FT2J) to be the best fit as a control and visualisation solution.

As with all its products, IDEC offers free tech support for the, without requiring a service or support contract. The FT1J and FT2J carry a three-year warranty.