When I started my journey into industrial automation 28 years ago, some models of PLC models still used EPROM memories. In other words, it was necessary to write the program, compile, write the EPROM, insert the EPROM into the socket, and test the change. I used to have half a dozen EPROMs in the eraser to keep changing the program, recording and testing.

Since then, a lot has changed and CLP has become an off-the-shelf product, a commodity. Quality is no longer an option, everyone has it or they are out of the market. In these 28 years developing control and automation systems, great brands have established themselves and new brands are emerging, it is necessary to have criteria to choose.

Today it is the market, the consumer, who rules, and he is more and more discerning each day. I have put together in this article some aspects that I consider important to consider when choosing theCLP for the next project, and perhaps for years to come.

10 determining factors when choosing a PLC

1. Technical Support
2. Cost-effective
3. Cost of the programming tool
4. Processor Performance
5. Real Time Clock
6. Ability to simulate the program without having to connect to the PLC
7. Communication Ports
8. Communication Protocols
9. Remote programming capability
10. Ease of maintenance

How Alfacomp and Haiwell address the 10 factors

1 – Technical Support

Think about the CLP that you are using today, it is certainly a quality product. The question is: when a question arises, do you have someone to call? When you call, does technical support help you think through and solve the problem?

Thinking about that, Alfacomp makes the following communication channels available:

Documentation:

Hardware and software manual containing the complete technical description of Haiwell’s PLC line.

Online training:

• The course on industrial automation using Haiwell PLC is free of charge. There are weekly classes posted on our website. To follow along, simply download the PDF files available on the course page
• https://alfacomp.net/2020/12/14/curso-de-automacao-com-clp-haiwell-2/
• We hope to be contributing to the personal growth of those interested. If you have any questions, please contact us.

2 – Cost-effectiveness

The Haiwell PLCs line consists of 4 families of CPUs and an extensive range of expansion modules, covering everything from simple interlocking applications to high-performance CPU networkingin distributed control systems.

3 – Cost of the programming tool

The HaiwellHappy tool is free and always will be, this is a commitment from Haiwell and Alfacomp.

4 – Processor performance

Haiwell PLCs are equipped with state-of-the-art ARM processors. ARM is an acronym for Advanced RISC Machine.
to RISC, RISC being an architecture based on a reduced instruction set and high processing speed. ARM processors are relatively new in the history of digital technology and are used, among other applications, in the latest generation of Smartphones and Tablets.

Because Haiwell PLCs are newly developed, they use the latest generation processors, resulting in high-performance, low-power equipment. An example of this performance is the ability to read up to 8 Encoders and control up to 8 stepper motors with I/O speeds of 200,000 pulses per second.

As high-performance PLCs, Haiwell PLCs are ideal for precision motion and positioning tasks, such as CNC control.

5 – Real Time Clock

All Haiwell PLCs are equipped with a real-time clock. This means that there is within each CLP an electronic circuit powered by lithium battery and based on the accuracy of a time base with the precision guaranteed by a crystal oscillator. In this way, even if the power fails, the CLP will be counting time in Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Days, Months, and Years, a necessary capability in many automation processes.

6 – Ability to simulate the program without connecting to the PLC

Imagine being able to learn how to program a PLC before you have even purchased your first copy. Well, this is possible with Haiwell PLCs because the HaiwellHappy programming tool allows you to simulate 100% of the program operation without having to connect the PLC to the PC.

7 – Communication ports

We consider it essential that the PLC has sufficient communication ports at a low cost. Equally important is that the PLC can use the MODBUS and TCP/IP protocols because they are the most widespread in the market.

Haiwell PLCs are equipped with three basic independent communication ports:

• RS232 – protocol MODBUS master and slave
• RS485 – protocolMODBUS master and slave
• Ethernet (optional) – Various protocols, including MODBUS TCP

In addition to the basic ports, you can add up to 3 independent RS232 or RS485 ports using expansion modules.

8 – Communication Protocols

Communicating using common market protocols, using high-performance protocols, and using configurable protocols are features not always found in market PLCs. See the communication options available from Haiwell:

• MODBUS (RTU and ASCII)
• MODBUS TCP
• Haiwell High Speed Protocol
• Configurable “Free Communication Protocol

9 – Remote programming capability

One feature of some CLPs equipped with an Ethernet port is the ability to program remotely. This feature shows itself as an important competitive advantage because it allows remote automation system changes, minimizing travel costs. Another advantage of remote programming is the ease of building and commissioning distributed control systems in large industrial plants. Haiwell enables the construction of high-performance, low-cost distributed control networks.

10 – Ease of maintenance

The last but not least decision factor when choosing the CLP but no less important, is the ease of maintenance in the field. Fast replacement of modules is only possible if the connectors are of the extractable (quick coupler) type, not all CLPs have this facility.

Training Kit – Removable connector installed NOTE: Two screws release each connection bar from the Haiwell PLC.

Concluding remarks

O CLP must always be evaluated by the set of factors that determine its choice. Be judicious because you are going to invest your time in learning and training to use it. Make this choice worthwhile because it will impact not only the next project but probably projects for years to come.

Read more