System design for the future

Thanks to its modular concept System Q can be used in many different applications. Below are shown the various types of module that can be included in the system. To optimise operational reliability all modules are insulated from their surroundings by opto-couplers.

The use of digital and analog modules along with several function modules is only dependent on the maximum number of addressable addresses, which in turn depends on which central unit is used in each particular case. All I/O-modules with screw connectors have their own detachable connection terminals, which makes for easy handling during installation.

Characteristics

• 256-/4 096 local inputs/outputs located on base/expansion plates 
• Up to 8 192 decentralised inputs/outputs
• Exchangeable intelligence
• Multiprocessor technology with ten different CPU types
• Comprehensive communication possibilities
• Easy installation
• Newly devised technology for future applications
• PC functionality

Easy mounting

The central unit and the modules are mounted on a base plate with built-in bus for communication between the individual modules and the central unit. There are five different sizes of base plate with three to twelve module positions. Each base plate can be expanded with more module positions by connecting expansion plates. The bottom and any expansion plates are screwed down to the mounting plate of the apparatus enclosure or secured to a DIN rail with the aid of an adapter.

The base plate and expansion plates are connected to each other by expansion cables. Up to seven expansion plates can be connected to each base pale, depending on the central unit. In all, 64 modules can be connected. The expansion may be horizontal or vertical, with a maximum length of the expansion cabling to 13.2 metres.

Voltage power supply for base and expansion plates

The voltage power supply, which feeds the entire system, is also mounted on the base plate. Where extra high reliability is required, there are also base and expansion plates with outlets for redundant mains power supplies. The choice of voltage power supply depends on the overall current consumption of all the associated input and output modules, specialised modules and possible peripheral equipment. Additional voltage power supplies can be connected to the expansion plates.

Future expansion

If it is desired to keep the possibility for future expansion open, or if there are empty module positions on the base plate, empty modules can be installed. In addition to these modules protecting the unused module positions from dirt and mechanical damage, they can also be used to reserve I/O addresses for future use.

For connection in larger systems and machines, e.g. modularised installations, decentralised I/O modules offer further communications possibilities.

Grow with your application

As with other modular control systems from Mitsubishi Electric, System Q grows with your application, by simply changing or adding a new central unit. Control and communication tasks can be shared by up to four central units on the same base plate. Each control system can offer a maximum capacity of 4 096 local inputs/outputs or 8 192 decentralised inputs/outputs.

Memory card provides more room for data

The integrated memory can easily be expanded to 32 MB, by connecting a memory card. Memory cards may be of SRAM, Flash or ATA type. A backup battery protects the memory contents in the central unit’s internal RAM in the case of power failure.

Integrated automation

For System Q there are a number of different variants of central unit that can be combined in many different ways. These unique combination possibilities for sequencing, positioning, process control and IT in the same integrated system make System Q the most flexible automation solution on the market.

Up to four high-performance and process controlling central units can be freely mixed on the same base plate. Refer to the following table for detailed information concerning all the combination possibilities.

At least one high performance/process control and max. three Q-Motion central units can be combined in the same system. In this way, very advanced positioning of 8-96 servo shafts can be managed by System Q.

The Q-PC is a personal computer suited for industrial use. It can be mounted alone or together with one basic performance, or up to three high performance central units, on the base plate.

System solutions with multiprocessors

Multiprocessor type central units can be used together to share programs that need different processing rates, e.g. sequential programs and process regulation. The different processes can be managed by different central units, which provides stable and fast processing, in which one process will not disturb others.

In applications where very fast execution is required, two smaller central units may be a better choice than one large central unit. If the application program exceeds the capacity of the selected central unit, it can be shared with other units. This increases the performance of the control system.

Fast data exchange via a backplane bus

Data exchange between several central units can easily be configured in the programming tool. In this way a great deal of data can be quickly transferred via the system’s backplane bus without needing to be sent through the field bus or network. A good example of the utility of this is for example where a central unit is combined with a Q-PC on which an OPC server is being run.

It is also possible to stop any central unit without affecting any other. This can be very useful where, for example, several programmers are commissioning a major application.

Communication with a multiprocessor system

Only one Ethernet module is needed in a system with several central units. Data from all the central units can be reached via this, from for example a SCADA system. Also any central unit can be selected in the programming tool, regardless of how they are physically connected in the control system.

In many cases a system solution with multiprocessors can thereby provide both technical and economic advantages.