RS Components (RS), the trading brand of Electrocomponents plc, the global distributor for engineers, has announced that the recently launched STG-800 range of mini-PLCs from Barth Elektronik is now programmable via popular Arduino software.
RS is the exclusive global distributor for the STG-800 mini-PLC range, which provides hardware-oriented microcontroller programming with low current consumption in a small form factor. The units deliver a best-fit solution for a whole range of smaller applications that simply do not require overly powerful PLCs. They are suited to use in a wide range of applications, including industrial and building automation, automotive and maritime technology, technical education/university, and white goods.
Barth is now providing a free-of-charge software patch for the latest Arduino IDE (Integrated Development Environment) to support all models in the STG-800 range. The three STG-800 mini-PLCs are based on a 32-bit ARM Cortex processor, which delivers a step change in performance. In addition to the Arduino IDE, the PLCs can be programmed via the established miCon-L software, as well as allowing open-source C-programming with the KEIL µVision software suite. All the PLCs offer 10 I/O and a CAN interface, enabling communication with external devices.
The STG-800 offers five digital inputs, three configurable for 0 to 30 VDC analogue inputs with a 12-bit ADC, one as a 25kHz-input event counter, one as a 40µs-input pulse and frequency counter, five solid-state power outputs (up to 1.5 A), four high side, and one low side that can also support a 16-bit 1Hz to 25kHz power PWM output. The STG-810 model adds an IrDA (Infrared) port for communication with the PG-65 parameter programmer. The STG-820 model offers the same as the STG-810, but has a 0-5V analogue output instead of PWM. All three PLCs come with connectors and are complemented by open-source templates, the miCon-L software suite and manuals and sample programs, which can all be downloaded.
The Barth STG-800 mini-PLC range is shipping now from RS in the EMEA and Asia regions.
