PLC data access module

Omron Electronics has released the Data Access Module (DAM01) — a small user interface for its micro PLC range. Fitting neatly into a communication board slot, the DAM01 empowers the user with knowledge of the process the PLC is controlling.

Measuring 43 x 36 mm, the DAM01 is unobtrusive. It provides a backlit LCD and five buttons for the user to interact with the PLC. The display provides four lines of text, each with up to 12 characters. The backlight can change from its usual green to red whenever a serious error occurs.

The DAM01 allows users to view and change any data address in the PLC, including system settings. Up to 16 user-defined screens can be used to display static information and dynamic data, which can also be edited. Another 16 alarm type message screens can be configured and these will interrupt the display whenever an alarm occurs.

Forty-eight scheduling timers are provided to control output bits for the PLC program to use. The timers can be selected for daily, weekly or yearly mode.

The DAM01 is programmed entirely through its own user interface, so no complicated configuration software is required. Settings are saved inside the unit, meaning it can be transported between PLCs without reconfiguration.