Figure 1: Thanks to the exclusive features it offers, the new easyE4 is able to control much more complex machine projects than control relays have ever had in the past.

Next Generation Smart and Small Control Relays Will Provide Flexibility and Support IOT (Internet of Things).

Over the years, intelligent and small automation systems, product groups referred to as microcontrollers, small controls or function modules, namely control relays, have been used in many industries and have played an important role in ensuring the safety of electrical systems around the world. Today, many applications have undergone a transformation on their own and have been replaced by programmable logic controllers and a new generation of smart relays. Regardless of the latest adaptations, these relays play an important role in both industrial and commercial processes. The latest version of these relays, also known as easyE4, represents the latest generation of control relays.

Figure 2: Up to 188 I/O can be connected to easyE4.

Changes in Control

Prior to recent advances in this area, a limited number of available inputs/outputs and programming languages prevented the use of small controllers. Today, this is no longer a problem because the new models have over 188 I/O contacts to cover a wide range of applications. The various modules can be connected locally to both digital and analogue inputs/outputs. This makes it possible for programmers to act independently of electrical wiring diagrams, ultimately leading to a more flexible design.

One Step Away from Traditional Programming

Manufacturers and coders with experience in technologies like this will have no difficulty in using and programming new devices. This is because users have the option to use structured text (ST) and EDP language directly on the device. All programs can be downloaded, which allows the creation of interrupt functions and UFs (user function blocks). Users of the new technology have the option to implement the advanced programming function using the new ladder program. In this way, users can integrate function blocks directly into the circuit diagram without restricting the number of serial or parallel contacts.

This programming method increases the likelihood of configuration, so that it becomes easier to follow the programming logic.

Networking Development and IoT

Communication options for small and intelligent automation systems are one of the most important features. For this particular product, both Ethernet and Modbus TCP can be used for programming and networking. When communicating with stand-alone devices, the easyE4 demonstrates the features of the easy800 small controller, but replaces the Easy-Net with the Ethernet protocol.

With its new and integrated Ethernet interface, it can be connected to any LAN/WLAN router, repeater or standard dLAN system and thus successfully integrated into the IIoT network. Despite this, most users familiar with products like this will not notice the absence of the CAN-based Easy-Net protocol.

Wider Scope and Automation

Easy4 offers numerous applications in building installations, especially when it comes to machine building. Interruptions in the inputs allow for different referencing methods and positional controls, while the relay's changing decoders allow connection without any additional hardware. The use of structured text in small controls provides a cost-effective approach to teaching and acquiring the basic principles of text-based programming in automation systems. Given the number of simulation options, many operations do not require any hardware, and tests also show that the programming demands of the computer are not very high. In short, easyE4 offers you a very easy to use structure that is adaptable for all users.

Visualization Improvements

Thanks to the latest technological advances, it is known that small control devices have doubled the size of small visualization devices. EasyE4 goes a step further and includes other visualization improvements, including multiple language options, corresponding displacement contacts and the option to use colour when designing elements in the mask structure. The display allows users to visualize content in three different monochrome backgrounds and can even present multi-color displays via smartphone or tablet. Today's devices, with their ability to offer multiple functions and combine connected devices, are a perfect example of innovations reaching their peak in the electrical industry. Making control tasks easier, more convenient and faster to implement, these devices are the optimal choice for many applications on a wide range of applications and save industry professionals time.