Distributed Control Unit

The LioN-Power DCUs perform a range of functions – from simple logical operations to solving more complex control problems. The various models available can either be operated as a standalone controller or in collaboration with a central PLC to relieve the workload on the PLC and concurrently reduce bus communication. 

The LioN-Power DCU models are based on two different programming platforms:

– LDMicro7, a free software that starts with ladder logic

– CODESYS, a development environment for programming controller applications according to the international industrial standard IEC 61131-3

The application program can simply be uploaded via the embedded webserver of  the DCU. For field installations comprised of numerous DCUs, a platform for application software updates and management via  

a central FTP-server is currently under  development. 

The LDMicrobased LioN-Power DCU comes with eight physical digital inputs and eight digital outputs, whereas the CODESYS-based LioN-Power DCU has eight IO-Link ports that can also serve as digital inputs and outputs.  A DCU version with additional serial RS232 connection will follow in early 2017.

ProfiNet

EtherNet/IP

EtherCat