AutomationDirect offers a line of low-cost PLCs that can be expanded with optional expansion modules. Not all equipment on the factory floor requires an expensive brand named PLC; some applications are quite simple and only require an inexpensive control system. Even though the CLICK family of PLCs is on the cheaper side, they are still packed full of functionality and can be expanded with a line of optional expansion modules. Recently, AutomationDirect added four new modules that work with any of the CLICK PLCs.
The C2-14TTL module used for TTL signals. Image used courtesy of AutomationDirect
C2-14TTL I/O Control Module
Transistor-transistor logic (TTL) uses low voltage, ±5 VDC, and switches at a high frequency, which is perfect when trying to transmit an analog signal from an encoder to a digital receiver. The C2-14TTL module uses solid-state switching technology to receive high-speed motion control signals. The module has eight inputs that can be configured as sinking, sourcing, and TTL and six outputs that can be configured as either sourcing or TTL. The module is designed to work off 5 VDC for all signals.
The OPC UA communication module gives IIoT communications to the CLICK PLC. Image used courtesy of AutomationDirect
C2-OPCUA Communication Module
When you want to receive real-time data from your control system, OPC UA is an open-source and secure communication protocol. Not all control systems support OPC UA, but the CLICK family of PLCs has an optional module that can be used to add this functionality. AutomationDirect’s C2-OPCUA module offers one Ethernet port and one micro USB. The C2-OPCUA not only supports OPC UA but also can be configured as an SNTP client for those applications that require time-synchronized events.
The C2-NRED module allows Node-RED or Javascript applications to run and interact with the CLICK PLC. Image used courtesy of AutomationDirect
C2-NRED IIoT Module
When equipment requires IIoT applications to interact with control systems, Node-RED might be able to help. Node-RED is a no-code solution to full-stack web development that can be used with physical I/O. AutomationDirect’s C2-NRED module has its own CPU so that the CPU of the PLC is not affected by the application. All of the memory in the PLC is accessible to the Node-RED application, and a microSD card slot is provided to add expanding memory to the module. If you prefer a more custom approach to your IIoT applications, the C2-NRED also supports custom JavaScript applications.
The analog simulator for the CLICK PLC for analog device testing and control. Image used courtesy of AutomationDirect
C0-04POT Analog Simulator
Developing automation code requires simulation to help debug your program before integration starts on the equipment. Using the C0-04POT CLICK simulator input module allows programmers to simulate changes in an analog signal before the equipment is built. The module contains four potentiometers that can output a 12-bit signal to four analog inputs. The simulator can also be used in production as an analog manual control as it connects directly to the side of the CLICK PLC.
The four new CLICK PLC family expansion modules from AutomationDirect. Image used courtesy of AutomationDirect
Low-Cost PLCs
The ability to expand PLC functionality enables designers to repurpose equipment or add machine functions after design. Some PLCs in the same price bracket as the CLICK PLC do not offer the ability to add expansion modules, even if they do common modules, are analog I/O, or digital I/O. It is not often you see expansion modules that run Javascript applications or provide OPC UA functionally. So, the next time you are looking for an inexpensive PLC that has expanding functionality, have a look at AutomationDirect’s CLICK PLC and its expansion modules.
