MELSEC iQ-R Series
Programmable Controller CPU Modules
At the core of the MELSEC iQ-R Series is a programmable controller CPU. This CPU is the heart of the control system and includes various features for different applications. The most common CPU is the programmable controller CPU, into which various features are embedded, enabling it to perform a wide range of control tasks. The different CPUs are highly scalable with five types available, based on program capacity needs (10K to 1200K steps). In addition, a CC-Link IE embedded CPU is available, further reducing hardware costs as a separate network module is not required.
Built-in hardware features
Programmable controller CPUs are equipped with a built-in USB port (high-speed Ver. 2.0 Mini-B) and an Ethernet port (up to 100 Mbps) as standard, enabling connection to a general LAN network*1 or MELSOFT software.
Two memory options are included as well, an external SRAM cassette that enables device/label memory to be increased and doubling up as a hardware security key, and an SD memory card which can be used for logging data, troubleshooting device values or as a memory database for recipe storage.
Flexible, large-capacity data storage
The MELSEC iQ-R Series programmable controller CPU is designed to allow an external SRAM cassette to be installed directly into the CPU module. This option makes it possible to increase internal device memory to an impressive 9882K words, expanding device/label memory even further. An SD memory card can be used at the same time, expanding data logging memory and the capacity of the internal database, which is ideal for large-scale systems. In general, management of programmable controller internal data is quite flexible, making programming even easier by allowing various data area allocations to be changed within the CPU memory and SRAM cassette.
Data management utilizing internal database (DB)
The CPU includes an internal database that can be installed into the SD memory card. This feature allows, for example, a selection of database commands that can add/delete/change records to be utilized for simple recipe functions. It is also much easier to import/export Unicode files for use in spreadsheets. Accessing the CPU internal database data from a computer equipped with Microsoft® Access® or Excel® is also supported. The CPU internal database is especially useful for the food and beverage industry where multiple product variations are produced using the same machine process
High-speed, event driven programs
Further improvements to CPU performance have resulted in the interval time between event driven programs (interrupt programs) reduced to 50 µs. This has been realized by having multiple event driven programs able to be nested within other event driven programs and being triggered from already executing programs. This kind of performance is available with a standard input module and programmable controller CPU, without requiring a dedicated interrupt type input module, which helps to further reduce hardware costs while realizing a high-precision control system.
CPU program management data
Operation and system historical events are automatically recorded in the CPU module, allowing quick root cause analysis of system errors or management of program changes. Actual changes to the program, parameters and system errors are viewable using GX Works3 or can be exported as a CSV file for use by other third-party software.
Intuitive root cause analysis
When the SD memory card is installed, device data is saved automatically to the SD memory at the time of system failure. This data is useful for investigating the cause of the failure, enabling various data collected before and during the event to be analyzed. The data can be used in a situation such as when the origin of a machine is different than where the machine was actually being used, and the data can simply be sent by e-mail (for example) as a data file for analysis
Easily collect manufacturing data
Utilizing the installed SD memory card, CPU internal memory or a direct live connection to the CPU module, logging data (device/label) can be easily realized just by simply registering the parameters. In addition, logging can be automatically sent to a FTP server. Logged data can be utilized in a number of ways, such as using third-party spreadsheet software or as a real-time feed of data for analyzing various manufacturing processes. The real-time feature enables live feeds showing data has they happen in addition to historical trending. Logged historical trend files support the Unicode text file format, which is especially useful for Asian based applications as most languages in the region require Unicode compatibility for information to be legible.
Basic diagnostics utilizing CPU internal web server
CPU diagnostics and device monitoring can be easily done via a web browser on a computer or tablet computer, without requiring to install GX Works3 realizing easier diagnostics when an error occurs.
Device data transferring without programming
The CPU supports simple settings with GX Works3 enabling the transfer of device data, such as production data without requiring a program. Communications can be done between MELSEC iQ-R Series and iQ-F Series, Q Series, and L Series control systems.
New hardware design with various embedded features
The entry-level CPU modules inherit the main features of the MELSEC iQ-R Series, offering improved scalability, productivity, security and quality. The new design includes embedded non-volatile memory that enables the retention of device and label data when the power is off and without the need of a backup battery. Also included as standard features are a SD memory card slot*5, Ethernet port and USB port.
