Application and adoption examples
1. From a microcontroller board to TCmini
Commercial refrigerators
Main specification
3 points of relay output, 3 channels of temperature input (thermistor), display function (2-digit 7-segment LED), 4 push switches, power supply 100VAC
Description of control
Temperature control (runs the compressor to reach the set temperature)
Temperature setting (sets digitally using the Up and Down keys)
Features
The operation section (display and switches) and the control section are integrated (one board) to make the product compact and low cost.
Conventional
Ordered production to a micro controller board maker.
Problem:
・Own company's know-how cannot be accumulated.Development takes time.
・Software development is necessary every time when the specification was changed.
User advantages
・Programming can be performed easily using a ladder sequence. (Reduced delivery time)
・Application to similar models is easy. (Horizontal deployment becomes speedy.)
・Software development is not necessary when the specification was changed.
・Reduce the development period.
・Cheaper development cost.
Other examples
Bread machines, dryers, commercial air conditioners, storage cabinets, rice cookers, drink dispensers
2. From a general-purpose PLC to TCmini
Commercial garbage processors
Main specification
12 points of transistor output, 12 points of photo coupler input, 3 channels of temperature input (thermocouple)
Operation panel interface (display: 4-digit 7-segment LED, 6 push buttons)
Power supply 100VAC
Description of control
Temperature control (controls the heater to reach the set temperature)
Temperature display, time display (displays digitally)
Features
Built-in power supply makes the body compact and simplified wiring is achieved with a dedicated connector.
Conventional
A general-purpose PLC is adopted.
Problem: High unit price.There is a waste in the number of input/output points.The body does not become compact.
User advantages
・Significant cost reduction (approximately 60%) is achieved.
・Better operation panel design (A key sheet is adopted.)
・Cheaper cost with the same specifications.
・Simplified wiring.
Other examples
Washers, boilers, vertical parking lots, car washers
3. From a relay board to TCmini
Compressors
Main specification
10 points of relay output, 9 points of contact input, 2 channels of temperature input (thermistor)
1 point of pressure input, display: 6-digit 7-segment LED, 6 push button switches, power supply 200VAC
Description of control
Temperature control (controls the compressor motor to reach the set pressure)
Pressure display, maintenance display (displays digitally)
Features
The power supply, operation panel and control unit are integrated to achieve high functionality and low cost.
Conventional
The relay sequence was used to control.
Problem: There was no maintenance function.Advance control could not be performed.
User advantages
- Specifications can be modified easily (software modifications only).
- Value added control such as energy saving operation can be performed.
- The maintenance function has been improved to include alarm display, for example.
Other examples
Blowers, massage machines, pumps