SPS/IPC Drives - October 2003
Decentralised I/O with hot swap
Mitsubishi Electric is introducing its Melsec ST (Slice-type Terminal)
series which have an IP20 protection rating and modules that are
just 12.6mm wide. The I/O system can be configured for the needs
of any application by plugging together the required number of 'slices'
in a head station.
The head station is available on release as a Profibus DP slave
module, but CC-Link and real-time Ethernet versions are under development.
As with all the other components, the head station was designed
for maximum system availability and easy servicing and it is possible
to change electronics modules while the system is running, without
having to deactivate other components. Melsec ST can be integrated
into any Profibus network using a GSD file and a new configuration
module has been developed for Mitsubishi's GX Configurator DP Profibus
software package.
The Melsec ST series is intended for applications in heavy-duty
environments and has already proved itself in pilot projects where
maximum availability is absolutely essential. Typically they will
be used where processes cannot be stopped for servicing, for example
in sewage treatment, in harsh environments and where starting up
and shutting down a production process takes a long time.
Mitsubishi
Reply number s126
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