The Allen Bradley Micro 820 (2080-LC20-20QWB) PLC, an integral member of the Micro800 family, is a compact and cost-effective solution designed for small, standalone machine control and remote automation applications. With built-in I/O, embedded communication ports, and a microSD card slot, the Allen Bradley Micro 820 PLC offers versatile control capabilities within a remarkably compact footprint.
Overview of the Allen Bradley Micro 820 (2080-LC20-20QWB)
The Allen Bradley Micro 820 (2080-LC20-20QWB), part of the Micro800 family, provides:
- 12 to 20 points of built-in I/O, encompassing analogue, digital, and relay outputs.
- An integrated RS232/RS485 serial port combo.
- A 10/100 Base-T Ethernet port.
- A microSD card slot for data logging and recipe handling.
- Support for up to two Micro800 plug-in modules, expanding I/O and communication capabilities.
Built-in I/O Capabilities
The Allen Bradley Micro 820 (2080-LC20-20QWB) PLC's built-in I/O capabilities cater to common needs, including digital and analogue inputs and outputs, relay outputs, and PWM functionality, eliminating the need for additional hardware.
Key Micro 820 (2080-LC20-20QWB) PLC Models and Specifications
The Micro 820 (2080-LC20-20QWB) family includes several models, each designed to match specific application requirements. Here's a table with different models and their specifications:
| Part Number |
Digital Inputs |
Analog Inputs |
Relay Outputs |
Digital Outputs |
Analog Outputs |
| 2080-LC20-20AWB(R)2080-LC20-20AWB(R) |
8 |
4 |
7 |
- |
1 |
| 2080-LC20-20QWB(R)2080-LC20-20QWB(R) |
- |
4 |
7 |
4 |
1 |
| 2080-LC20-20QBB(R)2080-LC20-20QBB(R) |
- |
4 |
- |
7 |
1 |
These different models allow you to choose the one that best suits your specific automation needs. The main options are:
- 2080-LC20-20AWB(R) - Provides a mix of digital, analogue, and relay outputs.
- 2080-LC20-20QWB(R) - Digital and relay outputs plus analogue I/O.
- 2080-LC20-20QBB(R) - Mainly digital outputs with analogue capabilities.
Micro 820 PLC Applications
The Micro 820 family targets standalone machine control applications that only require 10-20 I/O points. Its small footprint and onboard I/O are well-suited for controlling:
Packaging Machines
For shrink wrappers, baggers, cartoners, case packers, and other compact packaging machinery, the Micro 820 provides an economical control option. I/O can monitor sensors to track product flow, control actuators for guiding and manipulating products, and integrate with coders/printers for labelling and marking.
Benefits:
- Compact size takes up little cabinet space
- Ethernet allows quick connection to coders/printers
- Onboard I/O covers sensing and actuation needs
Material Handling Systems
For simple conveyor controls, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and small robotic arms, the Micro 820 is an ideal controller choice. Its I/O configuration can handle sensing for conveyor zones, safety monitoring, and integrating with variable speed drives.
Benefits:
- Serial port allows connectivity to legacy equipment
- Relay outputs directly control motor starters
- Digital I/O handles common sensor/actuator needs
Mixing and Blending Systems
For paint mixers, food processing, and pharmaceutical blenders, the Micro 820 provides the necessary control capabilities. Its analogue I/O can monitor levels and drive variable speed pumps. Timers, counters, and PID loops allow closed-loop batch control.
Benefits:
- Analog I/O for level monitoring and speed control
- Recipe management through microSD card
- Small footprint saves cabinet space
Building Automation
For small HVAC systems, access controls, pumps, lighting, and other facility applications, the Micro 820 serves as a distributed control node. Its serial and Ethernet options allow connectivity with BMS networks and remote I/O drops.
Benefits:
- Web server provides remote monitoring
- Thermistor inputs for temperature control
- Serial connectivity to existing systems
These are just some examples of how the Micro 820's compact yet capable design makes it the ideal controller for smaller standalone machine control and building automation applications.
Industries Utilising the Allen Bradley Micro 820 (2080-LC20-20QWB)
The Allen Bradley Micro 820 (2080-LC20-20QWB) PLC is utilised across a wide range of industries, including:
Manufacturing
The Micro 820 is widely used in manufacturing industries for controlling small assembly machines, packaging equipment, and conveyors. Its I/O capabilities help monitor sensors, control actuators, and integrate with other machinery in the production process.
Food and Beverage
In the food processing industry, the Micro 820 can be used for controlling mixers, blenders, and batch processes. Its analogue I/O supports level monitoring and pump control, while the microSD card enables recipe management.
Pharmaceuticals
In the pharmaceutical industry, the Micro 820 offers precise control of mixing and blending processes. Its support for closed-loop batch control, along with its compact size, is advantageous in pharmaceutical applications.
Remote Terminal Units (RTUs)
The Micro 820 is well-suited for remote monitoring and control applications. It can be used as an RTU to collect and transmit data from remote locations, making it suitable for industries that require remote data acquisition and control.
Automotive
Small automotive production lines and equipment can benefit from the Micro 820's compact design and built-in I/O. It can control specific aspects of production and assembly processes, helping maintain efficiency and product quality.
Chemical
In chemical processing, the Micro 820 is used for controlling small-scale mixing, blending, and monitoring processes. Its compatibility with analogue I/O and recipe handling ensures precise control over chemical operations.
Programming the Allen Bradley Micro 820 (2080-LC20-20QWB) PLC
Programming the Micro 820 is done using Rockwell Automation's Connected Components Workbench (CCW) software. This provides an IEC 61131-3 compliant development environment for creating logic programs.
CCW supports programming in ladder diagrams (LD), structured text (ST), and function block diagrams (FBD). It also allows users to create reusable function blocks for custom logic routines.
Key programming features include:
- Symbolic addressing: Variables can be named instead of using register addresses.
- User-defined data types: Custom data structures group related variables.
- Add-on instructions: Extend functionality with specialized math and statistics operations.
- Global variables: Share data between programs.
- Strong data typing: Assign specific data types for variables.
Programs are developed on a PC using CCW and are then downloaded to the Micro 820 via the USB port. The software provides diagnostics to validate program logic and identify errors.
Advantages of the Allen Bradley Micro 820 (2080-LC20-20QWB)
For small automation applications, the Micro 820 (2080-LC20-20QWB) PLC provides key advantages:
Compact, DIN-rail Mount Design: With its small footprint, the Micro 820 controller occupies very little cabinet space. The depth is just 3.5" deep, and quick mounting on DIN rail makes installation easy.
Built-in I/O: With 10-20 points of embedded I/O, the Micro 820 covers many basic control needs without requiring additional expansion I/O hardware, saving costs. It offers options such as digital, analogue, and relay outputs.
Economical Pricing: The Micro 820 is extremely cost-competitive compared to other PLCs on the market. Its affordable price point aligns with the lower I/O count requirements of small machines.
Integrated Serial and Ethernet: Built-in serial and Ethernet ports enable connectivity to HMIs, drives, sensors, and other devices without the need for additional communication modules.
Simplified Wiring: Removable terminal blocks on selected models simplify installation wiring and maintenance. Replacing units can be done quickly thanks to removable connections.
Programming Software: CCW software offers a single development tool for Micro800 controllers, PanelView HMIs, and Allen-Bradley drives. The software provides an intuitive environment for beginners.
Function Block Libraries: Reusable function blocks help add capabilities like PWM control, math functions, alarm handling, and simplifying programming for small systems.
For small, budget-driven applications, the Micro 820 delivers PLC capabilities in an extremely compact, cost-effective platform that is easy to program and integrate. These advantages make the Micro 820 a versatile controller solution for a wide range of small standalone machine control and remote automation systems.
In Conclusion
The Allen Bradley Micro 820 (2080-LC20-20QWB) PLC is a powerful and versatile solution for small to mid-sized automation and control applications. Its compact size, built-in I/O capabilities, and support for various programming languages make it suitable for a wide range of industries, from manufacturing to pharmaceuticals.
The Micro 820 offers the flexibility and functionality you need. With the right programming using Rockwell Automation's CCW software, you can unleash the full potential of this compact yet capable PLC.
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