Controls architecture comparison
 ifm HMI controller |
 Typical PLC controller |
|
| Controller / PLC | ||
| Processor | ARM Quadcore, 64 bits, 1.2 GHz GPU | Proprietary |
| Memory | 8 GB | Typically 2 MB |
| Communication protocol | EtherNet/IP, TCP/IP, Modbus TCP | EtherNet/IP |
| Built-in ports | 2 Ethernet, 2 USB | 2 Ethernet, 1 USB |
| Support dual IP | yes | no (additional cost) |
| I/O | ||
| Mounting | Field mount I/O | Cabinet mount I/O |
| Type of I/O | IO-Link technology | Analog or binary I/O |
| Amount of data | 32 bytes of inputs and outputs per port | 1 bit on/off or 16 bits analog |
| Sensor diagnostics | yes | no |
| Remote parameters adjustment | yes | no |
| Automatic device replacement | yes - simple plug-and-play | no |
| Digital communication | yes - 100% pure digital signal | no |
| Maximum I/O | 30 IO-Link masters or 240 IO-Link sensors/devices | 8 input/output cards or 256 digital inputs/outputs |
| Installation | M12 plug-and-play, not wiring harness, time saving | Traditional wiring harness, labor intensive, complex troubleshooting |
| HMI display | ||
| Size and resolution | 12" x 5", 1280 x 480 resolution | Not included, purchase additional HMI hardware separately |
| Display type | Touch screen | N/A |
| Software | ||
| Programming software | CODESYS (IEC 61131-3) | Additional cost, license or subscription model |
| Recipe/batch management | Supported, included with hardware | Additional cost, license or subscription model |
| HMI software | Supported, included with hardware | Not included, purchase hardware and software separately |
| Trending | yes | Not included, purchase software separately |
| Alarming | yes | Not included, purchase software separately |
| Mechanical properties | ||
| Protection rating | IP 67 | Control cabinet required |
| Vibration | 10 g @ 10...500 Hz | 5 g @ 10...500 Hz |
| Shock, operating | 30 g | 20 g |
| Temperature | -35...65 ºC | 0...60 ºC |