The new MICRO PLC-up to date, compact, and fast

With the introduction of the new MICRO PLC from VIPA Controls launches a new product series and again raises the segment of the VIPA MICRO controllers to a new level. Designed as a stand-alone PLC it stands out because of its modern design, its compact size, its high performance, and its high channel density. Thus the user receives a multiplicity of performance in a very small space and at a very attractive price. The new MICRO PLC will replace the well-proven but aging System 100V.

Design Revolution

The design of the MICRO PLC contains a new display and operating concept that enables the user to see the essential control information of the system at a glance. For this, display and operating elements deliberately concentrate on the essentials that are required in practice. The results is an up-to-date and functional design which is unique in the world of automation

The new “MICRO”-as the name suggests- is extremely compact. New solutions are therefore offered with regard to performance and space requirements and the optimization of size and total costs. With a width of less than 72 millimeters the VIPA MICRO PLC is up to 50% smaller than typical MICRO controllers.

Fast, faster, MICRO

In combination with this compactness, the uniqueness of the new “MICRO” is based on SPEED7 technology for the highest clock rates and fast program processing. With this, it makes fast processing possible, e.g. for precise positioning and diverse control tasks. Additional speed benefits allow a fast backplane bus transmission of 48 Mbit/s. With the CPU performance of a “large” CPU, the MICRO PLC is the fastest MICRO controller on the current controller market.

High Channel Density

An additional plus factor is the high density of the “MICRO.” With 30 integrated digital and analog I/O channels on board, it offers multifarious usage options as a stand-alone CPU too, and can be expanded with up to eight modules. For the product launch, there will be digital modules (16DI, 16DO, 16DIO, and 8DO relay) available which will be expanded continuously by all well-established types of modules. By maximum module expandability, the user has up to 158 I/O channels available for his automation tasks.

Firm hold by spring terminal technology

The connection plugs of the “MICRO” are individually detachable and therefore suitable for the pre-wiring in the series launch. Equipped with the convenient push-in technology they can be mounted and replace quickly and easily, and without tools. This reduces the down-times of the plants and systems and speeds up maintenance. In addition the plugs have spring terminals which not only allow easy wiring but also withstand every vibration. This makes the retightening of screw connections unnecessary.

Diagnosis made easy

The allocation of the I/O display LEDs directly on the appropriate plug connection allows the user an easy and clear allocation of the channel status even at such a high channel density. Additionally, VIPA Controls offers the user an easy and up-to-date diagnosis access via an optional Bluetooth adapter. This enables fast and easy access to the visualization and operation via commercial smart phones and tablets as well as detailed diagnosis. This is even easier with the new free VIPA app. Moreover, the app is a compact collection of information which is provided on the VIPA homepage and offers direct and uncomplicated access to further information about the respective product at VIPA Controls.

Interfaces, Communication, and Memory

There is an active 2-port-switch for online access, programming, and communication. This switch is prepared for future applications of PROFINET - PROFINET Ready. So the functional range of the “MICRO” can simply be extended by further planned features such as PROFINET support or web server by means of a firmware update.

The MICRO PLC communicates via Ethernet TCP/IP (open communication, ModbusTCP, etc.) as standard. The user has also the option of using the PROFIBUS slave function, PtP and MPI with an expansion module. Further functionalities of the SLIO system such as larger memory or field bus connections can be enabled if necessary using the multiple award winning VIPA Set Card (VSC), which is unique in the world of automation.

In the basic version, the “MICRO” has 64kByte work memory which can be expanded up to max. 128kByte via VSC. A big advantage of the “MICRO,” and of all current VIPA CPUs, is the fully remanent memory. Data and status are therefore saved in the event of a power failure and no further safety measures are necessary. On the one hand this simplifies the program structuring and on the other hand it is an additional big benefit for producers and operators.

Target Application

The new MICRO PLC can be used as a high-performance, small, or MICRO controller in both serial and special machine construction as well as central or decentralized control in the field of plant construction. Of course, because of its compact construction size it is perfectly suitable for the building automation and the installation in sub-distributors.