Steps to Specifying a DL205 System

[download complete 27-page guide - 23+MB PDF]

The following 7 steps will help you specify the correct DL205 PLC system for your application.
Your first priority when designing a process control system should be safety. Please make sure that all of the automation components in your system will operate within the product’s environmental and operating specifications. Before you begin selecting products for your DL205 PLC system, be sure to evaluate all of your application needs and any future growth potential. A more detailed System Specification Guide for the DL205 is provided in the AutomationDirect product catalog in the DL205 Overview section or you may select the "Technical Info" tab to view the complete "7 Steps" document and other related technical documents.

STEP 1: Review the DL205 family of products

The DL205 family offers a wide variety of products. Please review the product offerings, including:

• CPUs
• PLC programming tools (DirectSoft5 Programming Software or Handheld Programmer)
• Bases (3, 4, 6 or 9-slot)
• Local expansion modules
• Discrete input modules (DC and AC input)
• Discrete output modules (DC, AC and relay output)
• Combination discrete modules
• Analog modules (Analog input, analog ouput, combination analog in/out, temperature input)
• Communications/networking modules (Ethernet or data communications modules)
• Remote I/O modules (Ethernet or serial)
• Specialty modules (Basic CoProcessor, Input Simulator, Counter I/O, Counter Interface)
• CPU-slot slave controllers (Ethernet Base Controller, DeviceNET slave, Profibus slave, SDS slave)
• Operator Interfaces (EZText or EZTouch panels and configuration software)
• Connection systems (DINnector terminal blocks, ZIPLink connection systems and other accessories)
  

STEP 2: Select a CPU, PLC programming tool, and appropriate cables

The DL205 PLC family offers four CPUs: the D2-260, D2-250-1, D2-240 and D2- 230. The WinPLC, a Windows® CE-based CPU, is also covered in this step. Please take the time to understand the features and specifications of each CPU model (i.e. built-in communications ports protocols, instructions, etc.). To program the DL205 CPUs, choose between the Windows-based DirectSOFT5 PLC programming software and PC cable or a handheld programmer. The WinPLC requires Entivity Studio or Think & Do Live for programming. CPU-slot slave base controllers are also introduced in this step (For further details, refer to the product catalog or download the complete "7 Steps" document and other related technical documents).

STEP 3: Determine if additional communication ports are needed

If your application requires more than the built-in CPU communications ports, then select the H2-ECOM Ethernet Communications Module or the D2-DCM Serial Communications Module. These modules add more ports for networking or connection to an HMI (Human Machine Interface), etc. The H2-SERIO serial communications module can be used with the WinPLC to add more communications ports.

STEP 4: Select the appropriate discrete, analog and specialty I/O modules

Since there are several different types of I/O and speciality modules available for the DL205 PLC system, it is important to review the module specifications in detail when selecting them for your process control system. The hardware specifications for the modules can be reviewed in the AutomationDirect product catalog, or on our Web site by selecting a product category and clicking on the "Technical Info" tab or by selecting the "Products" tab and clicking on the desired Item Code link.

STEP 5: Choose an I/O configuration method

The DL205 PLC products offer several configurations of I/O. Choose among local I/O, local expansion I/O and remote I/O. A DL205 system can be developed using a combination of the configuration arrangements. It is important to understand the octal addressing scheme and I/O module placement restrictions that are described in this step (For further details, refer to the product catalog or select the "Technical Info" tab to view the complete "7 Steps" document and other related technical documents).

STEP 6: Check the power budget

It is very important to verify that the selected CPU and I/O modules will operate within the base power budget. Tables are provided that list the power supplied and consumed by each DL205 PLC device. This step also describes base dimensions and mounting requirements (For further details, refer to the product catalog or select the "Technical Info" tab to view the complete "7 Steps" document and other related technical documents).

STEP 7: Place your order!

Place your order either online at www.automationdirect.com, by calling 1-800-633-0405 or by faxing your order to 1-770-889-7876.

NOTE: The technical specifications for various products and modules can be reviewed in the FREE AutomationDirect product catalog, or on our e-store Web site by selecting a product category and clicking on the "Technical Info" tab (ie., D2-260 CPU) or by selecting the "Products" tab and clicking on the desired Item Code link.