AEI Conseil inc. - Products - Control card for hydraulic systems

EasyCard and EasySupervisor for hydraulic systems

Combines the advantages of using a PLC and an hydraulic control card		RS-232 and RS-485 connectors
Based on micro-controller technology		Monitoring functions
Up to 8 analog inputs with 10 or 12 bits of resolution		Possibility to force the value of the digital inputs and outputs
8 digital inputs		Easy to use menus for the calibration of the inputs and outputs
2 analog outputs		Several types of predefined valves
2 PWM or power digital outputs (mosfet)		Variety of card models to suit small and big applications
2 digital outputs (mosfet)		Available for Eurocard support or in his own casing
Programmed functions
PID Joystick Position Valve Ramp	Cushion Speed/acceleration Timer Counter Contacts

EasyCard is a new generation of control card used for hydraulic systems. Based on a unique micro-controller that can be programmed with an external computer, this card can be used to simply and quickly develop a multitude of applications when logic and control are the main objectives. The EasyCard allows you to do this without having to use relays, timers or other cumbersome equipments.

EasyCard can be programmed via the EasySupervisor software. This software regroups the programming and adjusting functions in a visual and easy to use interface. The program interface is specially adapted to hydraulic applications that require commonly used functions like the joystick, valve, ramp, grafcet, cushion, PID and many more.

Each function includes a database enabling the user to quickly adjust or calibrate the settings via an easy to understand graphic interface. EasySupervisor also offers other functionalities such as the monitoring functions, settings reports and save features that allow the user to create and manage his application with ease.

EasyCard is offered in 3 versions

EasySmall:

The EasySmall configuration, adapted for small applications, has a memory capacity of 196 words (16 bits) that can be used for the main program and the variables.

EasyBig:

The EasyBig configuration differs from the previous version by the addition of a FLASH memory extension. This extension has a memory of 196 words (16 bits) for the variables and 8192 words for the main program. The memory extension also adds 6 analog inputs with 12 bit resolution. The addition of this memory extension is all that is required to upgrade an EasySmall card to the EasyBig configuration, should the memory space become insufficient during the development of an application.

EasyOEM:

The EasyOEM configuration is adapted for volume applications. This configuration has 196 words (16 bits) of memory for the variables and 1024 words for the main program. The application is developed with the use of the FLASH memory extension in EasyBig mode. Once the application is complete and functional, the program is transferred in the main processor therefore the memory extension is no longer necessary.

Main features of the EasyCard:

Analog inputs

EasyCard is equipped with many analog/digital inputs and outputs the enables the user to interact with a multitude of sensors and control valves. The analog inputs and outputs can be easily calibrated within standard ranges. For example a 0-5V input can be calibrated 1-5V to suit a censor that has a 4-20mA output (by installing a 250 Ohm resistance). The basic EasyCard model has 6 analog inputs with a 10 bit resolution. One of these inputs (AI.02) is used to read the center supply value therefore the EasyCard can compensate the input signal of a joystick and the output signal sent to a valve when the voltage supply fluctuates. The EasyBig configuration allows the user to add 12 bit resolution analog inputs and use up to 8 inputs in a single application.

Digital inputs

8 digital inputs are present on the EasyCard and are offered in two configurations: 8 digital inputs with dry contacts or 4 12Vcc inputs combined with 4 dry contact input. The second configuration contains diodes (on the 4 12Vcc inputs) that allow the card to feed external charges only if one or more inputs are active. For example an output signal can be sent to a control valve only if the neutral switch of a joystick is activated. This increases the system's security by preventing the valve from being supplied should an hazardous situation occur.

Analog outputs

The EasyCard can support either 2 voltage analog outputs or 2 current analog outputs. If the later configuration is used (current outputs), the 2 PWM outputs are used as the analog outputs.

Digital outputs

4 digital outputs with MOSFET type transistors (open sink) combined with free wheeled internal diodes are available on the EasyCard. Two of these outputs can be used for PWM operations that are required for certain control valves.