Look for a PLC module !

[DavidLee]

Hi,

Anyone knows that there is a PLC module like in NI products family?  I want the control module in a mine to control the underground traffic lamps, hope the module to have analogure and digital terminal, and can determine if the lamp is working. Also, it should comply Modbus protocol . Thanks.


David

[Graziano]

Hi!

   Since  Modbus relies on common serial port, maybe you can use compact FieldPoint modules (you can ask directly to NI for better details).  a cFP-2020 has some I/O, but they are too few for your application, so it should be better to get separate I/O modules.

   I posted some months ago to say I would like to see PLC from NI, and this seems not to come; tha main problem is cost: cFP modules, in a base configuration, are usually more expensive than common PLCs, you can check prices on NI site.  On the other side, of course, you can take advantage of the quick developement provided by LabVIEW and NI libraries, so if you are interested in shortening time-to-market this is a good choice.

    Hope I answered your question! Have a nice day!

graziano

[DavidLee]

Hi graziano,

But the price could be too expensive. My project using cvi as the programming language. Do you know another and easy used module to instead? Thanks.


David

[Graziano]

Hi David!

   I'm sorry but I don't know any other module with lower prices. But I have to say that I was considered a controller interface, which is abled to run embedded applications (mainly written in LabVIEW).  If you jjust need a module controlled from a PC, you can turn to Field Point and to FP-1000 (but there, I don't know about modbus...).

   In your case, anyway, it can be a good idea to phone NI or ask for a visit. 

   Hope it helps..... have a nice day!

graziano

[DL84]

Take a look at the cFP-D0-403. 

I have a similar application and thats what I spec'd out for it.  it will let 4 individual lights on at any one time, running at 24VAC with a 16I^2 current ability.  If your using it for traffic lights sounds like 1 light on at any time, in 4 directions.  Depending on the kind of lights what they operate on this might work.  If not they probably have variations to accept different inputs and output voltage/currents