Lenze (www.lenze.com) has launched a controller for centralized control systems at the SPS/IPC/Drives show in Germany. The 3200C controller combines motion control, PLC logic and visualization functions. It is also intended at “motion-centric” automation of complex machines with multiple linear and rotary axes.

Lenze’s I/O System 1000 is integrated with a 136mm-wide DIN-rail-mounting controller to create a single station with a 1µs time stamp and a 48MHz backplane bus. Up to 64 I/O modules can be combined to offer analog and digital I/O, counters and encoder evaluation, and temperature measurement.

To avoid moving parts, the 3200C makes use of Intel Atom processors, which operate without fans, and flash memory storage. It also features a built-in UPS to save variables in case of power interruptions. The controller has two USB ports and a SD memory card slot.

The controller also has two 100Mbit Ethernet interfaces. A third Ethernet interface is also provided to allow real-time communication with drives. Users can also add further communication buses, while the controller’s two synchronized CAN buses can support CANopen. The 3200C controller can also serve as a gateway between supervisory-level computers and field devices.

The Windows CE 6.0 based controller is complete with Lenze’s PLC Designer software, which allows programming compliant with IEC61131-3. The PLC Designer software is based on the CoDeSys3 programming system, which has been upgraded for the controller. The controller also features an integrated Web server, which provides access to all control parameters and to any Web browser’s logbook.

Individual System 1000 I/O modules can also be added as elements in the PLC Designer’s project tree. The I/O systems are integrated in the controllers mechanically and in the programming software.