Out into the field: CODESYS-3 controller TBEN-Lx-PLC from Turck

Some machine manufacturers are still hesitant when it comes to relocating controllers into the field, even though the benefits of decentralization are very clear. The CODESYS-3 controller TBEN-Lx-PLC from Turck makes any concerns about moving controllers out of the control cabinet disappear. This compact, robust and flexible control concept is pointing the way into a future in which Industrie 4.0 reigns.

Nevertheless, control technology is mostly still to be found in the control cabinet. The trend towards decentralized I/Os and decentralized control concepts cannot be ignored, however. Amongst other things, it is being driven by modularization in mechanical and plant engineering. The striking thing is that more recently, these have also been making their presence felt in the creation of freestanding functionalities that are not only reusable but offer a variety of permutations.

Modularity and decentralization are the trends for the future

In an ideal world, the individual modules are only connected by a single wire that is used as a power supply and for communication alike. This simplifies the on-site commissioning process at the operator’s site, which has traditionally been costly and time-intensive. Many modules do not require a controller of their own and are capable of making do with passive I/O systems. Whether they have a controller of their own or not, modular control concepts are now signalling the end of the control cabinet in the medium term. This is where the TBEN-Lx-PLC controller with CODESYS-3 from Turck comes into its own.

CODESYS-3-Steuerung TBEN-Lx-PLC von TURCK

More rigorous operating conditions for PLCs

The compact and robust IP67-PLC is ideally suited for the realization of decentralized controls for small or modular machinery. What makes them suitable for hard use in the field are their fully cast housing, their probably unsurpassed temperature range of -40 to 70 °C and the fact that they are IP67/IP69K-rated. Thanks to the consistent integration of the automation within the machine and the pre-assembled cables, minimal cabling is required. The machine or system will be ready to operate in just a short time. Working in the control cabinet is a thing of the past and the probability of faults has been reduced to the absolute minimum.

A seamless range of interfaces

The TBEN-Lx-PLC-10 compact PLC stands out thanks to its unrivalled flexibility – its communication capabilities are practically without limits. As a master, it is equipped with all current interfaces, such as the PROFINET, EtherNet/IP™ and Modbus TCP industrial ethernet protocols. However, this PLC is also no stranger to Modbus RTU, CANopen and SAE J1939. What is more, RS232 and RS485 serial interfaces are available.

Sensors and actuators can be connected directly to the TBEN-Lx-PLC-10 via eight digital I/O channels. The PLC can also serve as a protocol converter, it can also be used in PROFINET, EtherNet/IP™ and Modbus TCP ethernet networks and in Modbus RTU and CANopen networks as a slave or device respectively. Here is an example of a typical application: in a system networked using PROFINET, the controller acts as a CANopen manager of a machine module connected to CANopen.

If you wish to free yourself from the confines of the control cabinet, the best solution is to contact the experts at Bachofen directly. They will guide you with commitment and expertise as you deploy your devices in the field.

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Fuchs Roland 3474 web
Roland Fuchs
Product manager
+41 44 944 14 35

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Areas of application

  • Modular machinery and systems

  • I4.0 Control concepts

  • Multiprotocol applications

Highly qualified for deployment in the field

  • A robust IP67/IP69K compact controller in the I/O block form factor

  • A broad temperature range (-40 to 70 °C)

  • A simple CODESYS IEC 61131-3 programming platform that is free to use

  • Many onboard communications interfaces

  • Able to work with many protocols (multi-protocol: PROFINET, EtherNet/IP™ and Modbus TCP)