PLC Challenges In Performance Stakes
August 2007

Hitachi has completely refined data processing speeds with the launch of its new EHV series programmable logic controller (PLC). The CPUs at the heart of the controller scan at 20 nanoseconds per instruction, 80 percent faster than the current fastest units and many many times faster than PLCs just a few years old.

The EHV series is available in a range of sizes and being a modular system which can integrate up to 66 modules can be built up into a bespoke controller for any given application. The program memory capacity ranges from 96Kbyte to 768kbyte, with add-on modules effectively making this infinite.

The EHV, available in the UK through Silverteam Ltd, was developed in response to a wide spread market demand for smaller, faster systems that are easy to develop and install.

The backbone of the concept is four fully compatible CPUs, which are all identical except for the memory capacity (96, 192, 384 and 768 kbytes). These can be configured onto a standard backplane in any arrangement and used alongside the many specialist modules used to give each system its own unique capabilities.

A full set of communications interfaces is available as standard, Ethernet, USB, serial, etc. the users display uses a simple yet extensive command structure so that programming is straightforward and intuitive.