Azbil Corporation (Tokyo Stock Exchange code 6845) announced that it started sales of the model C1A single loop controller, which features high accuracy and fast response and reduces the burden on personnel, from C1A installation through to maintenance.
Despite its compact 48 × 48 mm front panel size, the C1A achieves a high accuracy of ±0.1 per cent of the reading (for thermocouple or Pt100 RTD) and high-speed response with a sampling cycle of 25 ms, and it is equipped with various labour-saving functions for manufacturing sites.
Single loop controllers compare signals from sensors with the set values, execute PID control*1 according to the amount of deviation, and output control signals to actuators for keeping the control target (temperature, pressure, flow rate, etc.) at the correct level.
They are essential devices for efficient operation at factories and plants. Azbil provides single loop controllers with a variety of functions that are required for applications in the factory automation market.
As typified by semiconductor manufacturing facilities, compact and high-performance equipment is needed for maximizing productivity in limited factory space.
For devices like single loop controllers, which are built into other equipment, there is a growing demand for smaller size and higher performance.
Additionally, it is important while equipment is running to reduce downtime by maintaining a constant understanding of the state of processes in order to prevent problems from occurring.
Also, to cope with problems like a decrease in skilled workers and labor shortages, the manufacturing industry has begun to use more intuitive and simpler methods of PID adjustment rather than methods that rely on experienced workers.
Despite its compact space-saving size, the C1A achieves high accuracy and high-speed response. Its multi-status indicator allows onsite personnel to grasp the status of the controlled process at a glance.
Also, communication with a programmable logic controller (PLC) can be set up easily without the need for special programs. This makes it easy to create a system for remote process monitoring, for example, using a host system, touch panels, and other external devices.
One of the main applications of controllers is controlling temperature using electric heaters, which are known to deteriorate and have a limited service life.
An effective method of diagnosing deterioration is to monitor the resistance of the heater. The C1A calculates the voltage, current, and resistance of the heater using voltage transformer (VT) and current transformer (CT) inputs. These values can be monitored on the front panel of the C1A or be used to output alarms if the preset threshold is exceeded.
By monitoring the resistance along with the controlled temperature, the condition of a heater can be easily understood and unexpected heater burnout can be prevented.
Additionally, the Smart Loader Package for the product includes a PID simulator based on proprietary Azbil simulation technology as a standard feature.
The PID simulator uses operating data to create mathematical models that reproduce characteristics of the object of control, allowing the user to simulate PID control on the PC and reduce adjustment time.
Features
- High accuracy of ±0.1 per cent of the reading (for thermocouple or Pt100 RTD), high-speed response with a sampling cycle of 25 ms
- 4.5-digit numerical display showing values from −19999 to 19999 in units of 0.01 °C, enabling more detailed checking of process conditions
- Multi-status indicator. In addition to settings and sensor input values, a bar graph of MV output percentage and other operational information can be displayed, making it easy to understand the status of control.
- PLC link communication function for communication with a PLC without the need for programming
- Front panel monitoring or alarm output of heater resistance calculated from CT/VT inputs, for understanding the condition of the heater
- Smart Loader Package with PID simulation function as a standard feature, allowing improved controllability through intuitive operation from a PC.