LicOS

Controllers manufactured by a Chinese company Unionscience Technology Group Co.,Ltd

Thanks to partners who are studying how to bring equipment to the automation market, sometimes a wonderful opportunity is given to be in the role of a domestic discoverer and try to work with equipment that is only gaining momentum in Russia. In general, it is interesting to analyze the features of the operation of previously unknown equipment.


 
There was a recommendation from the manufacturer to install Codesys 3.5 SP18, but I didn't have such a version, so I conducted all the tests using Codesys 3.5 SP17 (the one on which OWEN controllers are currently being programmed). The connection was made from the EC 312 controller to the EtherCAT bus and ProfiNet bus couplers. Both kaplers were placed side by side on the same din rail.


 

From the pros:
1. There is support for EtherCAT and ProfiNet interfaces. Exchange protocols are very common in Russia. This equipment will find a well-deserved application here. The manufacturer claims that it has developed ECS format files that allow their capers to be integrated into TwinCAT (Beckhoff) and TIA Portal (Siemens) environments, but this has not yet been tested.


2. As it seemed to me, the line of LicOS devices can be quite easy to master. If you have a small amount of knowledge about Codesys 3.5 (Beckhoff, Wago, OWEN), you can find ways to quickly and intuitively solve the issues of configuring components and communication between them.
3. The form factor is very similar in size to brands such as Beckhoff or Wago, but with the positive difference that to replace the module in the assembled frame, you do not need to de-energize the entire automation cabinet, disassemble the entire bus (internal connections between modules). It is possible to disconnect only the electronic part of the module itself and this will not lead to a failure of the entire system, that is, the concept of hot swapping is being implemented. A very wise decision.
 


 
4. Visual indication of errors on the front panels of the capers (remote I/O islands) and controllers in general "captivates". The identified errors replace each other and the engineer can only find the appropriate error code and try to eliminate it. I have not seen this in the previously designated brands.


 
5. A hardware approach to the distribution of 24V power supply has been implemented, the modules can be powered from different sources. The hardware diagnostic controller itself decides which power source it will work with and switches to the appropriate serviceable power source.



 
6. The controllers have a Web page, there is a more fine-tuning of the internal router, there is an advanced diagnosis. You can see, see the percentage of loading of the controller and network components.



 
 
7. Technical support is sufficiently customer-oriented. They respond, connect, if necessary, via remote access, but you need to keep in mind that the manufacturer's support is China and the language barrier will definitely arise.



8. The modules are self-documented. There is a print/printout on each module that allows you to see how to connect the sensor/device/device. There are hints in the Codesys 3.5 templates as well.


 
Of the minuses:
1. Despite the fact that I managed to fix two copper wires with a cross section of 1.5 sq. mm in the terminal block, spring connectors with the elevator principle of pressing do not cause optimism. What will happen to these push buttons if they are filled with dust? There have already been cases in my practice when such terminals were jammed in the pressed position when the button was pressed. In this case, it will be very difficult to carry out repairs at a working facility. It would be much better if the spring terminals were opened by pressing a screwdriver into a special socket.


 
2. The "elevators" of the terminals themselves require increased pressing to release the conductors. The springs are rigid and for sure the installers will miss, which will lead to scratches on the equipment.
3. The surfaces of the modules and controllers themselves are very susceptible to dust. Dust is attracted to them (this can be seen in the photos). Of course, glossy surfaces look aesthetically pleasing, but rough plastic, in my opinion, is much more practical for industrial products.
4. Documentation at the moment for modules and controllers is not enough, and what is available is not convenient enough. We have to ask for help and advice

#LicOS