Did you know the XL200 series controller can communicate with a PLC? It's true, AMS Controls has incorporated a feature into the XL200 series controller, that will allow Modbus communications with a PLC. While Modbus is not the most sophisticated bus system on the market, it is almost universally supported, thus the reason for choosing this protocol.
The PLC communication feature is an extremely powerful tool when integrating the XL200 controller with a complete machine. The XL200 controller is capable of sending and receiving information from a PLC including inputs, outputs, part length, order number, material code, product code, bundle, quantity, quantity remaining, part length and pattern number just to name a few. This information can be extremely useful in setting up a stacker, to control a rollformer's speed automatically, or to control a dump table, etc.. The applications are endless.
As with any new feature, safety can be an issue. How you program the outputs of the PLC if communication is lost is of concern. AMS has been working to make this new powerful feature as safe as possible. In doing so, we have created a document to assist in implementing the feature. You can find this document here. Our Integrated Services department can also provide starting PLC logic for a small fee.