Micro PLC analog comparison requiring a minimum number of digital I/O
From Development to Production!
There are various micro PLCs on the market today. The vast majority offer analog I/O. But not all are created equal.
With just about any micro PLC, or for that matter PLC in general, when your application requires monitoring of various analog signals, a separate module is required for each signal (voltage, current, temperature, millivolt). In many cases, you don’t need all the I/O built in to the module…which means you are paying for more than you require.
With our Smart-PAK PLUS, we offer a different approach. Order what you require for your application. If you want spares, you can have them. If you want exactly what you are going to use…order only what you are going to use.
Our analog only expansion board design allows us to customize a configuration for your application. Imagine a solution that can be done in one assembly. No longer do you have to purchase different modules, cables…etc.
| Item | Entertron | Idec | Aromat | Automation Direct | Omron | Siemens |
| Model | Smart-PAK PLUS | Micro Smart | FPO | DL05 | CPM2A | S7-222 |
| Starting Digital I/O | 8 in / 6 out | 14 in / 10 out(Smaller units not expandible) | 8 in / 6 out | 8 in / 6 out | 12 in / 8 out(Smallest unit available) | 8 in / 6 out |
| Analog Configurations (modules) available | Up to 8 inUp to 4 out
Up to 4 thermocouples Up to 4 RTD inputs (thermocouples and RTDs include as part of total inputs) |
2 in / 1 out module2 thermocouple in / 1 analog out module
2 in module 1 out module |
2 in / 1 out module8 in module
4 thermocouple in module 8 thermocouple in module |
4 in module2 in / 2 out module
4 in / 2 out module 4 thermocouple in module 4 RTD in module |
2 in / 1 out module2 thermocouple in module
4 thermocouple in module |
4 in module2 out module
4 in / 1 out module 4 thermocouple in module 2 RTD in module |
| Total number of Modules available | N/A | 4 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 2 |
| Price range (Analog Modules) | $75.00 – $645.00 | $275.00 – $380.00 per module | $299.00 – $450.00 per module | $79.00 – $209.00 per module | $228.00 – $362.00 per module | $195.00 – $250.00 per module |
| Price range (Main Controller) | $215.00 | $375.00 | $190.00 | $99.00 – $129.00 | $338.00 | $230.00 – $250.00 |
| Real Time Clock | Option – $50.00 | Option – $45.00 | Option | Option – $49.00 | Included | Option |
| Second Serial Port | RS232 or RS485 (No Adapter required) | Adapter Required | Adapter Required | RS232 only | Adapter Required | RS485 |
| Warranty | 5 years | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year |
Note – This comparision is based on an application needing only 8 digital inputs / 6 digital outputs
Note – The Smart-PAK PLUS pricing, listed in the table, is based on 1 analog out ($75.00) up to a maximum configuration of 4 analog inputs / 4 temperature inputs (Type K thermocouple or RTD) / 4 analog outputs. ($645.00) The Smart-PAK PLUS can be configured for both thermocouple and RTD in one system for a total of up to 8 temperature inputs.
All pricing listed in this comparision is published list / OEM pricing. (US Funds)
| Company | Observation |
| Entertron | Offers as little as one input or output, up to 8 / 4 in just about any configuration possible. Smart-PAK PLUS can be configured for multiple signals in one system. |
| Idec | Can have up to 4 expansion modules. Modules are small in I/O (2/1) Maximum analog 8 in / 4 out, but limited in configurations available. No RTD input module. |
| Aromat | Can have up to 3 modules. Up to 24 analog inputs or thremocouples. Very limited on analog outputs. |
| Automation Direct | The DL05 is the least expensive controller, but only offers one expansion slot, therefore you are limited to one module. The same slot is used for the real time clock module, therefore if you needed both, you would need to go up in controller size…and cost |
| Omron | Only three different modules with two being thermocouple. Up to 3 modules. Analog outputs are limited |
| Siemans | Offers a good variety of modules. Can have only 2 modules, thus limiting possible configurations. |
| Overall Observation | The packaged Micro PLCs offer very little flexibility when it comes to analog. You have to work with what they give you in the way of modules. Modules are manufactured in the thousands, therefore these manufacturers are unable to provide you with the flexibility you may require. |
| Conclusion | If your application fits the manufacturer’s products, then you have no problem. However, if your application requires multiple signals that require you to go to a larger controller, you are probably spending more than you need to. To find out more about the Smart-PAK PLUS, visit our product pageKeep in mind that this comparison is based on a need for a small amount of digital I/O in combination with analog I/O.
Based on our maximum configuration…none of the manufacturer’s products we provided for comparison can satisfy this requirement. Their I/O falls short due to either the configurations of the modules available, the number of modules the controller can expand to, or both. |
Entertron has customers that take advantage of our flexible design and manufacturing. We have one application posted on line. To find out more about what our customer is doing…and how they are able to satisfy their requirements, review our application article