DirectLogic 405: What You Need to Know

Close-up of a DirectLogic CPU. The DL405 D4-450 CPU is one of several CPUs in AX Control stock.
The DirectLogic D4-450 CPU

The DirectLogic 405 from Koyo is a modular controller with built-in PID instruction. End-users can add a number of different I/O modules to this low-cost controller to create configurations that meet their particular needs.

The DirectLogic 405 offers up to 3,500 local or distributed individual remote I/O points. The I/O and specific PID (proportional integral derivative control) allows command of processes like position, velocity, and temperature. One of our earlier blogs talks more about PID.

DirectLogic 405 Features

As a modular PLC, the DirectLogic 405 uses specialty and expansion modules to complete the system. This includes modules like

  • High-Speed Counters
  • PID Modules
  • SDS Modules
  • Input Simulators
  • 4-loop Temperature Controller
  • Filler Modules
  • Interrupt Modules
  • Relay Output Modules
  • Analog Modules

The DirectLogic 405 PLC offers three CPU modules. This includes the DL430, the DL440, and the DL450. All units offer built-in power supplies and communication ports. They have built-in diagnostics, significant program memory, and a substantial instruction set. However, the CPUs vary in initialization speeds, time required to read input status, and communication request speeds. Also, I/O support may change between modules. Additionally, the DL450 has drum timers and built-in PID loops, along with extra communication ports.

DirectLogic PLC: Uses

The DirectLogic PLC supports 4-20 mA, 0-20 mA, 0-5 V, 0-10 V, 1-5 V, +/-5 V, and +/-10 V. As a low-cost controller with a wide number of application options, the DL405 is popular for many applications. It is widely used in industrial applications where data communications or RTD/thermocouple inputs are required.

A DirectLogic 405 CPU. Close-up of a DL405 D4-430.
The DirectLogic D4-430 CPU

DL405 Port Comparison

The DL450 offers more network ports than the DL430 or DL440. In comparison, the DL450 includes two network ports. These can serve as ModBus masters or slaves, or as DirectNET masters or slaves.

The DL430 and the DL440 have two built-in communication ports. Meanwhile, the DL450 has four.

Other DirectLogic 405 FAQs

At AX Control we field many questions about our DL405 inventory. Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

Do DL405 PLCS offer Ethernet capability? Yes. Order an H4-Ecom Module if you require Ethernet.

What about Modbus protocol? If you have a DL430 or DL440 CPU, you will need a F4-MAS-MB master or a F4-SLV-MB slave module for Modbus. However, a DL450 CPU can support Modbus on port 1 or port 3.

Can the DL405 reset to factory defaults? Yes, it can. We can help with this. If you are resetting equipment in your possession, we suggest referring to directions in the DL405 manual for taking the CPU back to factory defaults.

Can AX Control provide PLC training or PLC programming manuals for DL405 products? Our staff is always happy to help our customers with whatever information we have at our disposal.

A DirectLogic 405 CPU. Close-up of a DL405 D4-440DC-1
The DirectLogic D4-440DC-1 CPU

Our staff is always ready to help with any Automation Direct components you may need. Talk to us today.

Hardware Comparison: Multilin 469 vs. Multilin 369

GE’s Multilin Motor Management Relays provide protection and monitoring for three-phase motors. They also provide protection for their associated mechanical systems.

Close up of a Multilin 369 Motor Management Relay.
GE Multilin 369 Motor Management Relay

Introduction

The GE Multilin 369 Motor Management Relay Series is designed with customizable relays. The units can protect three-phase motors and also offer monitoring applications.

Functional Summary Multilin 369

  • Display: 40 Character, Alphanumeric LCD
  • Status Indicators: 4 Output LEDs. Service LED, 5 other LEDs
  • Keypad: 12-buttons, including Help Key.
  • Interface: RS-232 comm port, Baud rate 120 to 19200
  • Case: Corrosion and flame-retardent
  • Digital Inputs: standard
  • Analog Inputs: Available
  • Current inputs: standard
  • Ground CT inputs: standard
  • Ports: 3 x RS485, Baud rate 1200 to 19200
  • RTD Inputs: available
  • Profibus Port: available
  • Backspin detection: available
  • Fiber Optic Data Link: available
  • Voltage Inputs: available

Protective Functions Multilin 369

Motor protection including:

  • Standard phase overload curves
  • Programmable (custom) overload curves
  • current unbalance

Management functions including:

  • Pre-trip data, to 40 events
  • starts per hour
  • time between starts
  • mechanical stall and jam
  • statistical data
  • backspin detection
  • flash memory
  • power metering (optional)

Technical Specifications Multilin 369

  • Control power: LO = 20 to 60 VDC, 20 to 48 VAC at 50/60 Hz, HI= 50 to 300 VDC, 40 to 265 VAC at 50/60 Hz
  • Power: Nominal: 20 VA, Max 65 VA
  • Fuse: T 3.15 Amp H 250 V, Timelag high breaking capacity
  • Operating Range: -40 to +60 Celsius
  • Operating Range w/Profibus: +5 to +60 Celsius
  • Humidity: up to 95%, non-condensing
  • IP50
  • Overvoltage Cat. II

Close up of a GE 469 Multilin Motor Management Relay
GE Multilin 469 Motor Management Relay

Introduction

The GE Multilin 469 Motor Management Relay is used to manage and protect motors of many HP ratings.

Functional Summary Multilin 469

  • Display: 40 Character, Alphanumeric LCD
  • Status Indicators: 6 Output LEDs, 8 Motor Status LEDs, 8 other LEDs
  • Keypad:Alphanumeric with Help button, plus +/- value keys. Message toggle keys. Enter, Menu, Escape, and Reset Key.
  • Interface: RS-232 comm port
  • Case: draw-out, IP40-X
  • Digital Inputs: 9 opto-isolated
  • Analog Current Inputs: specifications vary
  • Differential Current Inputs: Primary, 1 to 5000 A. Secondary, 1 A or 5A.
  • Ground CT inputs: Primary, 1 to 5000 A. Secondary, 1 A or 5 A.
  • Phase Current Inputs: Primary 1 to 5000 A. Secondary, 1 A or 5 A.
  • RTD Inputs: 3 wire RTD types
  • Voltage Inputs: 273 VAC full scale
  • Ports: 2 x RS485
  • Modbus: Modbus RTU/half-duplex
  • Ethernet: Available
  • DeviceNet: Available
  • Backspin detection: Restart Block can act as a backspin timer

Protective Functions Multilin 469

Motor protection including:

  • Overload Pickup using RTDs
  • Overload Curve
  • Short Circuit Trip
  • Ground Fault
  • Unbalance Alarming
  • Acceleration Trip
  • Stopped/Running Cooling Times
  • Stator and Bearing RTDs
  • Unbalance bias of thermal capacity and K factor
  • Hot/cold curve ratio

Management functions including:

  • Starts per hour
  • Time between Starts
  • Enable Start Inhibit
  • Mechanical jam
  • Remote Switch
  • Vibration & Pressure Switches
  • Remote Start/stop
  • Breaker failure

Technical Specifications Multilin 469

  • Control Power: LO = 20 to 60 VDC, 20 to 48 VAC at 48 to 62 Hz, HI= 90 to 300 VDC, 70 to 265 VAC at 48 to 62 Hz
  • Power: 45 VA (max) 25 VA (typical)
  • Fuse: 2.50 A 5 x 20 mm SLO-BLO HRC Littelfuse, high breaking capacity
  • Operating Range: -40 to +60 Celsius
  • Humidity: up to 90%, non-condensing
  • Altitude: up to 2000 m
  • Pollution degree: 2
  • IP: check case
  • Overvoltage: check case

Other differences you may want to consider. While the Multilin 369 can be used for small or medium induction motors and induction motors with a cyclic load, they cannot be used for large induction motors or induction motors via VFD as the 469 Multilin can. Additionally, the 469 offers synchronous motor protection that the 369 doesn’t have.

Also keep in mind the 469 has trip/close coil supervision. The 369 doesn’t offer that.

Both Multilin options are extremely versatile. Since they both offer a wide operating temperature range (-40 C to +60 C) they are suitable for a number of climate conditions. So even if your factory has to deal with Canadian cold or Australian heat, these motor management relays should work well inside its walls.

Have more questions? Se our GE Multilin FAQs blog.

Electric Motor Failures: How to Diagnose

Small DC Motor rotor showing windings
File:Small DC Motor Rotor.JPG” by Jjmontero9 is licensed with CC BY-SA 3.0.

When your electric motor fails, it can be difficult to know why. But there are quick tests you can use to easily diagnose problems.

Make sure to disconnect power from your electric motor before beginning. Power is not required. This step protects you and the equipment.

Motor Identification

Electric motors have a metal nameplate or tag riveted to the outside of the motor housing. This nameplate usually includes a lot of useful information, including

Nameplate for a Reliance Electric Servo Motor
Nameplate for a Reliance Electric Servo Motor
  • Manufacturer Name. Who made the motor.
  • Serial Number or Model Number. The model number tells you the make of your motor. The serial number uniquely identifies it.
  • RPM. Revolutions Per Minute. The output capability of your motor.
  • Horsepower. A rating of motor performance.
  • Voltage. The motor’s voltage requirements.
  • Current. How many amps the motor requires.
  • Frame Style. The unit’s physical dimensions.
  • Type. This can include NEMA ratings, cooling indications, etc.

A wiring diagram may also be included on the nameplate. In some cases, this tag will include the unit’s manual identification number, too.

Continue reading “Electric Motor Failures: How to Diagnose”