The Shenyang Vhandy GCAN-PLC-400 is a modular CAN bus programmable logic controller engineered for distributed control and industrial IoT applications. It combines a 168 MHz processor with 16 MB of Flash program storage and 512 KB of SRAM data memory, providing ample resources for complex automation tasks. The controller itself has no onboard I/O; instead, it is designed from the ground up as a bus module controller, forming a complete control system by connecting up to 32 GC series terminal modules. These modules cover a comprehensive range of signals including digital I/O, analog I/O, relays, PWM, high-speed counters, RTDs, and thermocouples, enabling a highly flexible "pay-as-you-grow" expansion philosophy.

Communication is the cornerstone of the GCAN-PLC-400. It is equipped with three physical interfaces: a CAN bus port conforming to ISO 11898, a standard Ethernet port, and a multiplexed RS232/485 serial interface. On the protocol layer, the controller natively supports CANopen as both a master and slave station, and supports Modbus RTU/TCP also as a master or slave. This rich protocol stack allows the GCAN-PLC-400 to serve as a powerful gateway between CANopen field devices, Modbus RTU serial equipment, and Ethernet-based Modbus TCP networks. The CANopen implementation includes 4 Transmit PDOs and 4 Receive PDOs, with configurable communication parameters for synchronization, looping, event-driven, and polling modes.

One of the most user-friendly features of the GCAN-PLC-400 is its automatic configuration capability. When GC series I/O modules are inserted sequentially into the bus, the main control module automatically assigns addresses based on the physical position of each module, eliminating the need for manual parameter setting on a PC. This significantly reduces commissioning time and the risk of configuration errors. The controller is programmed using free OpenPCS software or CODESYS V3.5 SP16 and above, both fully compliant with the IEC 61131-3 standard. This means engineers can develop programs using five standard languages—Sequential Function Chart, Ladder Diagram, Function Block Diagram, Structured Text, and Instruction List—ensuring code portability and reusability. Programs are downloaded via a standard Micro USB cable without the need for specialized programming hardware.

The GCAN-PLC-400 is built for industrial environments. It accepts a 24V DC power supply with a wide tolerance of 18-36V, drawing a maximum total current of 2.5A including the GC-bus load. The unit provides 1500 Vrms electrical isolation between the power supply and communication circuits. With an IP20 protection rating and an operating temperature range from -40°C to +85°C, it is suitable for installation in control cabinets across a wide range of industrial settings. The controller mounts on standard 35 mm DIN rails and features an integrated self-locking mechanism to prevent accidental dislodging. Typical applications include distributed control nodes, water treatment monitoring, factory automation, remote data acquisition, and smart manufacturing systems where reliable, protocol-rich control is essential.

Technical Specifications