Schneider Electric introduces upgraded Modicon M241 and M251 PLCs for enhanced communication
By Canadian Packaging staff
Automation Controls/Drives IIoT Industrial Internet of Things Industry 4.0 Modicon M241 programmable logic controller Modicon M251 programmable logic controller Schneider ElectricThe Modicon M241 and M251 PLCs are ready for Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).
MISSISSAUGA, Ont.—Schneider Electric, the global specialist in energy management and automation, has launched upgraded versions of its Modicon M241 and Modicon M251 programmable logic controllers. Both PLCs now come with an EtherNet/IP scanner on board for optimized industrial network communication via Modbus TCP and EtherNet/IP.
In addition, thanks to a SoMachine 4.3 firmware upgrade, the Modicon M241 and M251 boast an impressive number of new functionalities, making them ready for Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).
With the enhanced M241 and M251, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) can enjoy greater flexibility to design and build smarter, more efficient machines at lower costs.
New embedded functions
The upgraded M241 and M251 now feature an Ethernet-embedded RJ45 port across a dual-port network control switch and a single-port fieldbus master connection. The PLCs offer a number of communication protocols and standards, including:
- SQL for remote access with SSL/TLS encryption;
- SNTP client for synchronizing the controller’s RTC clock with a SNTP/NTP server on the same Ethernet network;
- DNS for handling URLs instead of IP addresses;
- FTP client and server;
- E-mail library for sending and receiving emails with attachments;
- PackML;
- Read and write XML and CSV files.
Furthermore, the upgraded PLCs come with an OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA) server installed. An Industry 4.0 solution, this open-source, cross-platform, service-oriented architecture provides multiple machine communication options and customization opportunities.
Moreover, the M241 PLCs have 4 I/O channels which can be configured either as a High-Speed Counter (HSC), e.g. for encoder input, or as a Pulse Train Output (PTO) as input signal for servo or stepper drives.
Get your machines ready for Industry 4.0
Machine builders working with older M241 and M251 PLCs can easily update firmware to enjoy new functionalities. On top of that, the PLCs offer easy integration into machine and IT architectures and remote access through apps and HTML5 websites as well as enhanced cybersecurity with the Achilles Level 1 certification.
Excellent examples of Schneider’s Innovation At Every Level, the Modicon M241 and M251 PLCs deliver enhanced values around connectivity, flexibility, safety, and efficiency. They have been designed for a better-connected future, where the industrial Ethernet networking technology links machines and operations, from shop floor to top floor.
About Schneider Electric
Schneider Electric is a global specialist in energy management and automation. With revenues of US$26 billion in FY2016, its 144,000 employees serve customers in over 100 countries, helping manage their energy and process in ways that are safe, reliable, efficient and sustainable. From the simplest of switches to complex operational systems, Schneider Electric technology, software and services improves the way customers manage and automate operations. Company information available at www.schneider-electric.ca and www.schneider-electric.com/drives.
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