Education Category - Page 8 of 14

GE Multilin: Frequently Asked Questions

GE Multilin has been around since 1995. This part of General Electric focuses on industrial controls and manufacturing relays. This includes flexible process bus solutions and dual and multi-feeder protection for industrial applications. It also includes integrated motor protection for medium/large induction and synchronous motors.

Closeup of a GE Multilin 850 Feeder Relay — GE Multilin 850 Feeder Protection Relay (850-EP5NNG5HNNAANGAPFCSENNBN)

What is a Multilin Relay?

Industrial motors, feeder systems, transformers, and generators can use Multilin relays. These management relays protect while offering advanced monitoring functions.

GE Multilin is part of GE Grid Solutions. GE Grid Solutions is the renewable energy subsidiary of GE. It offers products and technology for control, metering, and communication. It is applicable for industrial, commercial, and transportation applications.

How are GE Multilin Relays used?

Many industries make use of GE Multilin relays. For example, utilities use the 850 Feeder protection system to ensure continuity within the power grid. Small and medium-sized distribution transformers, also part of the power grid, use the Multilin 350 feeder protection series.

Additionally, distributed generation interconnect protection and bus blocking often use the 750/760 Feeder management system. The 489 Generator Management Relay design protects and controls small to medium-sized generators. Moreover, the 369 and 469 Motor management relays offer management and protection to three-phase medium (369 AC only), and large (469 only) HP motors and driven equipment.

What are the benefits of Multilin Relays?

Multilin relays must stand up to rugged industrial standards. Most have front panel displays for viewing and programming in the field as well as RS232/RS485 ports to network and download data. Front panel LEDs are easy to read and the front keypad makes it simple to toggle through values and fault diagnosis information, as well as to set new data points.

A note about the FM2 Multilin and resetting trips

The FM2 Feeder series has a reset key that will allow a tripped state to be reset. However, earth faults or thermal overloads cannot be reset using this key. But the Lockout Reset feature will assign a fault to the programmable switch inputs. Overriding this lockout can occur through the lockout reset interlock.

How do I program my GE Multilin or update firmware?

GE is great about providing technical help to its users. There are over 100 Multilin videos on the gegridsolutions.com website covering everything from how to update the firmware to how to set a transient recorder. These videos are available in French, Spanish, Portuguese, English, and sometimes Russian.

AX Control carries a wide variety of GE Multilin products, including the GE Multilin 750.

What is a Programmable Logic Controller?

A useful Infographic covering some of the most-asked questions about PLCs.

FAQs, and an Infographic you can use.

How does a programmable logic controller work?

A PLC works like a computer. The CPU manipulates and processes input signals and executes instructions to control output devices. These are the controllers behind most modern industrial automation.

What are programmable logic controllers used for?

PLCs are used in industrial settings for the control of light fixtures, machinery, and assembly lines. They are also used to control other things such as amusement park rides.

Programmable Logic Controller Infographic — Download a high-quality PDF of this infographic below.

Programmable-Logic-Controller-Basics Download

Are there different types of PLCs?

Yes. There are Relay Output PLCs, Transistor Output PLCs, and Triac Output PLCs. The name of each type of PLC derives from its output. Relay outputs are solid-state outputs or mechanical contacts. Transistor outputs are solid-state switches, but can only handle DC current. Low-power AC loads use Triac outputs. This includes motor starters and lighting.

Mechanical design is another way to categorize PLCs. For example, a “brick” is one type of PLC design. This is a small PLC that includes the CPU, the power supply, and the inputs/outputs in one small case. One type of brick PLC is the DirectLogic 05.

An example of a Brick PLC. — A Direct Logic D0-05DA is a type of Brick PLC.

Other PLCs are modular. Modular PLCs have a rack system that has space for different modules. These modules can provide different functions and may act as the PLC’s power supply, I/O, communication interface, or processor.

An example of a modular PLC — The Automation Direct DirectLogic 405 is an example of a modular PLC.

How are PLCs programmed?

PLCs use a traditional programming language that mimics circuit diagrams; this is called ladder logic. Other PLCs may use programming languages like Function Block Diagram (FBD), Instruction List (IL), Sequential Function Chart (SFC), or Structured Text (ST). IEC 61131–3 standard defines these languages.

What are the advantages of using a PLC?

There are several. PLCs are easy to install, maintain, and troubleshoot. They are flexible by nature and offer many different operations. Also, they offer a rugged design specifically for industrial processes. Finally, they’re cost-effective.

Are There Disadvantages to PLCs?

The most common disadvantage to PLCs stems from interoperability or lack thereof.

Originally, manufacturers created PLCs using their own proprietary software and programming. When machines did their own thing, separated from the rest of the machinery on the factory floor, that was fine.

But now we have IIoT efficiencies to think about. Machines need to “talk” to each other and share information. Unfortunately, older PLC design doesn’t allow this.

Luckily, industry groups are now working to solve this problem through new forms of open-access middleware like MQTT, AMQP, and CoAP.

If you need a PLC for your industrial processes, talk to the staff at AX Control today. We’re here to help! We offer many brands of PLC systems and replacement parts, including the popular GE Fanuc PLCs.

Cognex InSight: Answers to FAQs

What Is Cognex InSight?

Cognex InSight is a family of vision systems typically used on the factory floor to identify, inspect, and guide parts. Depending on the model, In-Sight cameras offer high-resolution and high-speed built into a rugged body capable of holding up to demanding industrial applications with pinpoint accuracy.

How to Find the IP Address of a Cognex InSight Vision System

New Cognex vision systems have DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) enabled. This means your camera will listen for a DHCP server to assign it an address. However, if this does not happen automatically the Cognex In-Sight camera will default to a Link-Local IP address in the 169.254.xxx.xxx range.