Automation Direct launches new CPU for its programmable logic controllers

Automation Direct has added two new “feature-enhanced” CPUs to its DirectLogic DL405 programmable logic controller product line.

The D4-454 and D4-454DC-1 provide all the capabilities of the D4-430, D4-440 and D4-450 CPUs, using updated microprocessor technology allowing the D4-454 to be the CPU of choice for the DL405 family.

Both D4-454 CPUs include a built-in power supply and four communication ports. 

Each CPU offers a large amount of program memory, advanced diagnostics and a substantial instruction set and that includes drum sequencers, ASCII output, floating point math, trig functions, bit of word manipulation, timed and hardware-triggered subroutines, For/Next loops, fill-in-the-blank PID control, and more.

The memory of the D4-454 is fully contained in the CPU and stored in non-volatile MRAM memory. No memory card is required. A readily available coin-style battery is used for retention of the Real Time Clock.

The DirectLOGIC 405 line of programmable logic controllers offers reliable, time-tested hardware. With a wide variety of I/O modules, configurations and many specialty modules available, local/distributed I/O systems of up to 3,500 points are possible. Using the built-in PID instructions or specialty modules, cost-effective process control can be performed.

The new D4-454 CPUs are priced at $859.00 and have a one-year warranty.

Automation Direct has also launched other products recently, perhaps the most interesting of which is its new wide area sensors.

AutomationDirect has expanded its sensors offering to include wide area sensors for object detection.

The new area sensors from Micro Detectors (MD) are multi-beam, through-beam sensors with emitter and receiver elements used for detecting the presence of any object by sensing the light beam intensity returning from the receiver.

The area sensors have an IEC IP67 ingress protection rating.

These MD area sensors are available in basic and advanced versions.

CX0 Series basic area sensors have a sensing distance of up to 6m and a detection height up to 320mm.

CX2 Series advanced area sensors also have a sensing distance of up to 6m with detection height of up to 960mm and offer analog outputs and a blanking function.

Available Teach-in functions with two levels of adjustment are used for product setting, adjustment and blanking.

LEDs indicate the sensor status, alignment, optics condition and faults. Fine Teach allows smallest object detection, says the company.

Gross Teach avoids potential stability and repeatability of performance problems and is less sensitive to environmental conditions.

The blanking function (CX2 series) allows the height of the active optic window to be adapted to the application by eliminating (“blanking”) pairs of beams and can be useful in specific situations.

The Emitter emits near-infrared light at non-dangerous levels. The device is classified as RG0 (exempt) according to IEC 62471: 2008-09.

MD area sensors start at $200.00, have a three-year warranty and are cULus, CE, RoHS rated. Area sensors are not protective devices and should not be used to guarantee personnel safety, says Automation Direct.