PRESS RELEASE
New Controllers and Functions: Mitsubishi Electric
extends its micro controller series Alpha XL
Mitsubishi Electric, Hall 11, Stand C47
Ratingen, 11 April 2005 – Mitsubishi Electric has made new
additions to its successful Alpha XL micro controller series.
Two new base units with 6 inputs and 4 relay outputs each
now round off the lower end of the compact range. Simultaneously, the company has also added new telemetry function
modules to the existing Alpha XL series. These functions enable remote access with SMS mobile phone text messages
and caller number identification. Mitsubishi Electric is launching the latest generation of the Alpha XL family at the Hannover Messe 2005.
The most important addition to the Alpha XL series are two new
function blocks that provide support for advanced telemetry applications via both landlines and mobile phones. This enables the
controller to receive SMS text messages and identify the numbers
of incoming calls, making bidirectional SMS communication possible. Support for sending SMS text messages, emails and faxes
from the controller has been available since the introduction of the
Alpha XL series in 2002.
SMS text message reception is possible with any standard GSM
modem. Caller number identification is supported with ordinary
standard modems that support the CLIP function (Calling Line
Identification Presentation).
The caller number identification function makes it possible to execute commands with a telephone call, using the number of rings to
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trigger events like “perform maintenance”. In addition to the caller
number identification a password provides additional protection
against unauthorised access.
Greater control is possible with SMS text message commands:
They can be used to set and reset switching contacts remotely and
to poll or change predefined controller values at any time. Access
to the data is only possible for authenticated users who are identified by their telephone number and optionally also with a password. The controller can also send an automatic confirmation to
the sender after the command has been executed. This functionality makes it possible to set up multi-level alarm plans with messages and confirmations for malfunction scenarios.
A number of other details have been improved in the new Alpha
XL series: For example, improved functions make it easier to program time changes and protection for your programs. These new
functions are complemented by integration of the real-time clock in
the open communications protocol of the controllers, enabling
transfer and changing of the clock settings when a computer is
connected
New additions to the Alpha XL series in the lower performance range
The two new Alpha XL micro controllers support operation with
either 24V DC or 100-240V AC power supplies. They have six
digital inputs that can also be used in analog mode (0-10V) when
the controller is running on DC power, and four relay outputs with a
rating of 8A each.
Users can process up to 200 function blocks per program, just as
with the four larger Alpha XL controllers. Data can be entered directly with eight function keys, and password protection prevents
unauthorised access. The extra-large LC display supports a variety
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of output modes including plain text, moving text, blinking displays
and bar graph displays, making operation and monitoring of automated processes quicker and easier.
Practical pre-programmed function blocks can be used for a broad
range of applications, particularly for control tasks in machines and
other apparatus and building services. Available blocks include
math functions, a PID controller with Autotuning, a PWM (pulse
width modulation) function and a wireless time signal decoding
function. You can also connect a PT 100 platinum temperature
sensor or a type K thermo-element with a transformer that can be
plugged directly onto the controller as an expansion unit.
These controllers can be operated in an ambient temperature
range from -25 to +55°C, which means that they are also suitable
for automation tasks in refrigeration systems and outdoor installations. Upgrading from the existing Alpha series to the more powerful Alpha XL 10 is very easy, because the dimensions of both units
are identical.
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Legend:
Extended for advanced telemetry applications: The Alpha XL can
now receive SMS text messages and identify the numbers of incoming calls.
Press Office:
Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V.
Factory Automation European Business Group
Karin Lischewski
Gothaer Str. 8
40880 Ratingen, Germany
www.mitsubishi-automation.de
Tel:
+49 (0)2102 486-6130
Fax:
+49 (0)2102 486-3548
[email protected]
Mitusbishi Electric Europe B.V.
Gothaer Str. 8
Redaktionsbüro Mediakonzept
Büro Ratingen
Dr. Norbert Poßberg
Krummenweger Str. 7
40885 Ratingen
Tel:
+49 (0)2102 399-817
Fax:
+49 (0)2102 399-818
[email protected]
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