Arduino
Webinar Date: January 16, 2025
Key Takeaways
- How can the Opta Essentials (ACE-100) course be a foundation for PLC programming in your classroom?
- Insights into the DigiKey Opta PLC Trainer Kit and its benefits for creating a real-world, hands-on PLC learning environment.
- Access to free practical demos and exercises using Ladder Diagram, C++ Arduino Sketches, Cloud, and more to bring PLC programming and Industrial IoT labs to life.
- Tips for educators on engaging students and aligning learning experiences with industry demands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Arduino PLC IDE have a built-in simulator?
- FACTCHECK: Yes. It’s a good way to test Program Organizational Units (POU).
Where does the Opta fit within the greater PLC environment?
- The Opta is closely related to the Schneider Modicon M171/M172 HVAC PLCs. The Arduino PLC IDE is nearly identical allowing IEC61131-3 POUs to be shared across platforms.
Can the Opta be expanded?
- Yes, side-by-side expansion modules area available including a digital and an analog module. Arduino is also partnering with FIXME to offer an HMI.
Should we program using the Opta using the traditional Arduino IDE or the IEC61131-3 languages (LD, ST, FB, IL, SFC)?
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This is a complex question that depends on your application and technical workforce.
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There is a good argument for keeping things simple. Ladder is considered the base language for the technical workforce. It also provides immediate feedback where the state of each contact and coil can be seen. This greatly simplifies the troubleshooting process.
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There is also a good argument for using C++ although troubleshooting can be difficult as the control logic requires an intermediate to advanced knowledge of programming e.g., non-blocking code and the state machines. The troubleshooting time can be mitigated by using the serial monitor with potential to send error messages to the cloud. Troubleshooting is therefor related to the skill of the programmer.
How does its robustness compare to that of an industrial PLC?
- Opta® is engineered to operate between a minimum environment temperature of -20°C (-4°F) to a maximum of +50°C (122°F) according to cULus safety standards with a humidity rate of 5-95 RH%. It has an IP20 degree of protection. Opta® is not meant to be used in hazardous or explosive environments.
Is there only one training course per kit purchased? Or can one kit be used to train multiple people?
- Each DigiKey Trainer Kit can be shared to train multiple people.
Is there a repository or list of functions available for the Arduino PLC system?
- There is a good resource of user manuals as well as tutorials on Arduino’s Arduino Doc’s page: Opta™ User Manual | Arduino Documentation.
Is there a published function list for this system?
Can you use Python on the Opta?
- Not at this moment.
What’ the price point for the Arduino controller and what is the cost for development software?
- The Opta is available in 3 variants depending on the type of connectivity. All 3 variants have an MSRP of under USD $200 and please refer to DigiKey to get the best price for Opta in the market. The cost of Opta software and perpetual license is already included in the hardware cost of the Arduino Opta.
Is Aduino being embraced for industrial applications?
- Yes, take a look at Arduino’s Case Studies for applications.
How much does this course cost?
- The course is free and full available with the purchase of the DigiKey Opta Trainer Kit. The software, license and Cloud access is included in the cost of the Kit.
Why is Arduino not used commercially?
- Take a look at Arduino’s use Cases for more information:
Can more than one language be used at the same time, such as the standard Arduino C and ladder logic?
- Yes, both Arduino C++ and Ladder Logic are supported given the dual brain nature of the Opta.
Are there PWM outputs and analog inputs to the Opta?
- Yes, it comes with an analog expansion module.
How can STEM educational academies collaborate with you to present this curriculum physically at local classes?
- Reach out to the academy team via email on the academy web page to help manage a solution - Arduino Academy. It’s recommended to purchase the products through DigiKey.
I understand that the OPTA can simultaneously run C++ compiled code and ladder diagram programmed code. How is this working together?
- The Opta has dual MCU which allows to run two different programming paradigms (IEC PLC Languages) and C++ higher programming language on it.
Are there any ECO-system expansion modules?
- Yes! Arduino offers both Digital and Analog Expansions
Question related to Opta hardware: Is it possible to use the Opta to control stepper motors?
- The Opta is currently configured as a relay output, and the relays would not be fast enough to drive a stepper motor. However, the Arduino is expandable and there are a variety of modules.
Are there any concerns in using the Opta with other programming platforms like OpenPLC?
- No concerns, these can be used with other platforms and will work fine with OpenPLC.
When working with Allen Bradley PLCs and Studio 5000, is there knowledge crossover?
- The logic ideas are the same, however the file compatibilities are not.
Is there analog I/O?
- Yes, the Opta comes with 8 I/O which can be digital and analog. There are also compatible Opta Expansion modules for Digital and Analog.
The price of the course considers acquire the kit to make ‘Hands on Lab’ or are separate elements?
- The course is free with the purchase of the DigiKey Opta Trainer Kit.
Is the Opta actually used in industrial production lines, or is it ‘only’ for learning?
- Opta is used in the Industrial Automation space, check out one of our use cases for more information:
Are there plans to integrate the MSP line of microcontrollers from Texas Instruments into the Arduino environment?
- Here is a link to a GitHub page that should help. It has the cores for MSP board to be used with Arduino IDE:
Is a ~10ms cycle time common, and does this mean that sensors, etc. are sampled at that 10ms rate?
- Yes, it is a common cycle time.
Are programs written in PLC IDE and Arduino IDE cross compatible? Can I open ladder logic programs in C++ and vice versa?
- Yes, these are cross compatible.
Does the software associated with this system allow for an HMI to control the system via monitor and keyboard or touchscreen?
- Yes, the ethernet connectivity is allowed and is the preferred connection.
Would this course be a proper first step or should I start with something simpler?
- This is a great first step as you are being introduced into the world of industrial automation and gives you the fundamentals of the hardware aspects, wiring PLCs, and programming them. You also get to learn ladder logic, which is used in a lot of PLC applications.
Can the Opta covers alarm timing functions for multiple 24-hour alarm functions.
- Yes, the Opta does have access to alarm functions for multiple 24-hour alarm functions. It can accommodate this in both Ladder Diagram using On-Delay Timer (TON) and Off-Delay Timer (TOF) and C++ code. Both are covered in the ACE-100 course.
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