New flexibility for applications with low to medium complexity

The next generation of programmable control relays is comparable to a micro PLC

Simple machine building projects can quickly become more complex in the course of design revisions. In the past, traditional control relays quickly reached their limits in terms of functionality or the number of available I/Os. The next generation of intelligent control relays breaks down these boundaries by offering more connectable I/Os, fast Ethernet and web server functionality and modular programming using structured text. As a result, these smart relays now offer an extremely competitive alternative to small PLCs.

Read what a renowned expert has to say about the use of function blocks to increase performance

For a long time, control relays were not considered for use in automation projects – their possibilities were simply too limited. In this white paper, Ulrich Kanngießer, author of several books on small control systems and programming with structured text, examines the possibilities of modern control relays. Using the example of the easyE4 control relay from Eaton, he shows how powerful control relays can frequently provide an alternative to a small PLC thanks to the several programming languages they offer, their modular software in combination with flexible hardware and their wide range of I/O options.

Traditional small controls often can’t cope if a customer application grows more complex over time. With its 11 expansion modules and flexible programming in ST, the easyE4 has much more to offer in this regard. The Ethernet/Modbus TCP connection not only makes it possible to connect various devices and touch panels of all sizes, but it can also be used to integrate applications into larger IT networks or even to connect them to the cloud. For situations where the Modbus RTU is the best solution, you can combine the easyE4 base device with a Modbus RTU module.

In addition, the easyE4’s NET connection makes it possible to design modular systems without creating additional traffic on the Ethernet network. With the ‘easy’ communication module for SmartWire-DT (SWD), the advantages of this powerful control relay can also be ideally combined with our intelligent wiring system.