PLCcore-9G20

Developing modern and sophisticated control systems requires versatile, interdisciplinary know-how. This does not only involve hardware and application development. In fact, operating system adaptations, the connection of communication and field- buses as well as data exchange between processes running in parallel become necessary. By applying the PLCcore-9G20 as PLC kernel in user-specific controls this development effort can be minimized.

The PLCcore-9G20 is an insert-ready OEM-able single board computer running Linux and a ready-to-use IEC 61131-3 runtime kernel together with a CANopen manager pre-installed. The module allows for integrating a compact and high-performance Hard-PLC into customized, user-specific applications with minimum efforts - without suffering from high cost caused by IEC 61131-3 development or resale licenses. The board combines all high-speed components on a compact Low-EMI-Multilayer circuit board. Due to its comprehensive and high-performance software, it is suitable for the usage in various industrial application fields.

The ARM9-CPU runs at 400 MHz and features high performance at low power consumption. Linux as operating system allows for simultaneous execution of other user applications while PLC firmware is running. At the same time PLC program and user software can exchange data bidirectional by using the process image.

Due to the freely programmable on-board FPGA, it is possible to realize basic digital in- and outputs as well as highly complex peripheral units. The basic version of the FPGA already includes powerful counter and PWM units. Additionally, the board features 3 ADC channels. Both, the VHDL sources of the FPGA and the source code of the I/O driver, are available with our Driver Development Kit (DDK). This makes possible the flexible implementation of own I/O connections.

The comprehensive CANopen library of the PLCcore-9G20 features a CANopen manager according to the CiA standard 302. It supports automatic node configuration and enables flexible expandability of the module via CANopen units and easy plug & play. Moreover, the PLCcore-9G20 works according to the CiA 314 device profile for "IEC 61131-3 programmable devices" (former CiA 405). Hence, it makes possible the easy data exchange with other CANopen modules.

In addition to the Ethernet and CAN interface, the PLCcore-9G20 features two USB 2.0 Full Speed host ports, one USB device port and 4 UART ports. Due to the numerous communication interfaces, the module is well-suitable as central unit in distributed automation systems and as communication gateway.

Linux as a mainstream CPU supports the ARM9 architecture and hence ensures the availability of actual kernel versions for the module. Moreover, for ARM processors there exist various ports of current standard software and the industry-proven Linux Realtime extension Xenomai.

Module features:

• Hardware:
  • 32-bit Atmel AT91SAM9G20, 400MHz
  • 4 MiB user application memory
  • 32 kiB non-volatile process data memory
  • FPGA (VHDL source included in DDK)
  • RTC and Temperature sensor on-board
  • 3.3 VDC Single-voltage power supply
• Software - IEC 61131-3:
  • Linux including Telnet, FTP and HTTP Server pre-installed
  • IEC 61131-3 runtime kernel pre-installed
  • Programmable in IEC 61131 and in IEC 61131/PLC and Linux
  • application simultaneously Data exchange via shared memory
  • Download: Ethernet, CANbus and serial port
  • CANopen Manager with automatic configuration (CiA 302 and CiA 314)
• I/O configuration (standard driver, fully customizable via DDK):
  • up to 24 digital inputs and 24 digital outputs on-board
  • 4 High-speed counter (Pulse/Dir or A/B)
  • 4 PWM-/PTO output (Pulse/Dir)
  • 3 Analog inputs (10-bit)
  • Modifiable via DDK (using memory mapped I/O, I2C and SPI)
• Communication interfaces:
  • 1x 10/100 Mbps Ethernet, on–board
  • 1x High-speed CAN2.0B
  • 2x USB 2.0 host, 1x USB 2.0 device
  • 4x Serial
  • 1x SSC
• Dedicated function blocks for:
  • CANopen master and slave services
  • Ethernet (UDP) communication
  • Serial interfaces
  • Real Time Clock (RTC)
  • Hardware counter and PWM/PTO
  • Non-volatile memory
• HMI units (target specific on the baseboard):
  • Run/Stop-Switch and Run-/Error-LED
  • DIP- and HEX-Encoding Switches
• Operating temperature range:
  • Commercial: 0°C to +70°C
  • Industrial: -40°C to +85°C