The Arteco SU-PLC is a DIN rail programmable logic controller that embodies a pragmatic approach to automation: it delivers essential PLC functionality and targeted motion control at a low cost. Born from Arteco Motion Tech's extensive experience in axis controller development, the SU-PLC is not a stripped-down device but a focused one. It provides a standard configuration of 16 digital inputs and 16 digital outputs, expandable via both SPI and CANbus interfaces. The controller is designed for direct integration into machinery and is fully compliant with IEC 61131-3, the international standard for PLC programming, ensuring that engineers can leverage familiar languages and development practices.

The SU-PLC distinguishes itself through its specialized hardware. In addition to the digital I/O, it includes one analog input (0-10V, 10-bit resolution) and, crucially, one high-speed incremental encoder input. This push-pull 24V encoder interface can handle counting frequencies up to 200 kHz. When combined with position feedback from a resistive potentiometer, the SU-PLC can function as a capable 2-axis ON/OFF motion controller. This makes it an ideal core for closed-loop control of motor-driven or hydraulic mechanical axes, replacing more complex and expensive motion control hardware in applications where ON/OFF positioning is sufficient. A dedicated PLC-ON output (24V/100mA) provides a hardware signal indicating that the PLC program is actively executing, a valuable feature for safety and monitoring circuits.

Flexibility in expansion is a key design element of the SU-PLC. It offers two distinct pathways: a high-speed differential SPI interface and a CANopen bus. The SPI interface is the primary method for connecting dedicated Arteco I/O-EXP-PLC expansion modules, each of which adds 8 PNP digital inputs and 4 PNP digital outputs (1A, protected). Up to 30 of these modules can be daisy-chained using standard UTP cables. However, this method requires that the RS-422 Modbus RTU interface not be used. Alternatively, the CANopen bus allows for the expansion of I/O and analog modules while preserving the use of the RS-422 port, providing system integrators with the flexibility to choose the optimal configuration. For communication with higher-level systems or HMIs, the SU-PLC includes both RS-232 and RS-422 interfaces and supports the Modbus RTU protocol as a slave device.

Engineers program the SU-PLC using the ISaGRAF Workbench, a robust and widely adopted IEC 61131-3 development environment. This is a significant advantage for Arteco customers, as the same software tool is used across the company's entire range of PLCs and axis controllers. This unified programming ecosystem allows programs to be portable across different Arteco hardware, saving both time and money on training and development. The SU-PLC is designed for industrial environments, with a wide 18-30V DC power input range, a backup battery for retaining program and data memory, and compliance with the Machinery Directive. Its compact form factor mounts securely on a standard DIN rail, making it a straightforward and reliable choice for a wide variety of cost-sensitive automation tasks.

Technical Specifications