IDEC Corporation has updated its SmartAXIS touch family with the new FT1J Series combined PLC+HMI. This device combines a built-in full function controller, both onboard and expandable I/O, and a 4.3” touchscreen display, in a compact all-in-one form factor that is designed for visualizing and automating a wide range of applications. The FT1J Series builds on the FT1A-C and -M Series 3.8” PLC+HMIs, which remain available, and provides designers with another size option.

Combined PLC+HMI advantages

An all-in-one PLC+HMI requires less panel door and interior space than individual devices. The unit’s thin bezel provides a large display area compared with its installation footprint, and the entire package requires a shallow mounting depth clearance. Installation is simplified because the PLC and HMI are internally connected, share the same network connection, require only one power supply (and consumes less power than individually separate PLC and HMI installations), and all connections use push-in wiring connectors. Furthermore, the FT1J is ready to use and communicate right out of the box. End users configure the PLC+HMI with an easily-used integrated development environment for both PLC and HMI functions.

Powerful PLC features

The integrated PLC and HMI each have their own dedicated CPU and user memory for optimized scan time performance, and they communicate natively with each other. Built-in I/O includes 8 points of DC inputs (configurable as all discrete, or 6 discrete and 2 analog 0-10VDC or 4-20mA 12-bit). Discrete inputs can operate as high-speed counters up to 20KHz, with a maximum of 4 points of single-phase and 1 point of two-phase. 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. The transistor version also provides 2 points of 0-10VDC or 4-20mA analog outputs. Built-in transistor outputs are also pulse capable up to 200KHz.

The FT1J supports up to two expansion cartridges of discrete or analog I/O, in a variety of configurations and including a 2-point RTD/thermocouple analog input version. All analog inputs and outputs are 12-bit resolution. Also, designers can use the Ethernet port and the SX8R Bus Coupler to provide expanded amounts of remote I/O.

Cutting edge HMI design

The HMI’s projected capacitive touch panel (PCAP) advanced technology—like what is used for smartphones and tablets—saves space and improves performance, while providing 480x272 resolution and 16 million colors. Besides being water- and scratch-resistant, PCAP is designed to be very responsive, and it resists false signals when dirt or water droplets are present on the HMI face. Fewer touchscreen layers and better light transmission ratings mean less backlight power is needed, and the display provides 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, of interest to many OEMs.

Robust performance

The glass-top design is wear-resistant even in harsh environments, and it delivers a long life with a 50,000-hour-rated backlight. The battery-free design eliminates the need for replacements, reducing maintenance and easing overseas shipments by avoiding battery-related regulations. A hyper-capacitor maintains clock time for 20 days, while magnetoresistive random-access memory (MRAM) provides non-volatile storage for programs, retentive registers and log data. Ratings for extreme temperatures from -20 to 55˚C, IP66 and IP67 for washdown areas, IP66F and IP67F for oil resistance, UL60101, UL Type 4X/12/13, and Class I Div 2 make the FT1J 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, with a drag-and-drop interface and extensive image library. Projects can automatically be converted from one HMI size to another within seconds. Script programming, 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. The built-in RS232C and RS422/485 serial communication ports support Modbus RTU and allow the FT1J to communicate to other serial PLCs or devices, like barcode readers or temperature controllers. A main FT1J can operate up to 15 other IDEC HMI devices over the serial port using OI Link communication, which simplifies wiring and reduces communication loading. The FT1J also supports the concurrent use of up to three other protocols.

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