Nano-PLC features IoT connectivity & rich functionality

Developed for customers specialising in small M2M technology looking for a means for connectivity of their installations, the em4 nano-PLC provides an integrated solution for integrators and OEMs that allows them to connect their devices via the internet on demand, without adding additional modules.

The nano-PLC can be remotely controlled and allows customers easy expansion with cost-effective models, making it suitable for a variety of markets including water treatment, access control, building equipment, and small industrial machines.

Crouzet has created three versions of the em4 and has also rolled out the ‘em4 lab’, an environment similar to a toolbox that includes all tools, services and partners. It allows customers to reinvent their applications and thus generate business opportunities. The em4 series is comprised of the em4 remote, fully connected to the secure infrastructure, the em4 alert, which is capable of sending SMS or email alerts, and em4 local: designed for applications that do not require remote communication or require only a LAN.

The em4 remote, the flagship product in the series, is connected to the internet, thus offering programming, monitoring, control and data logging functions that allow remote management of an application, a single machine or a fleet of machines. Crouzet's em4 is part of the IoT, and opens up a world of communication capabilities to all customers, even those without experience in managing network infrastructure or complex automation systems.

In terms of data exchange, em4 remote has no embedded web server, but operates on a M2M connection, essentially an exchange of raw data between the controller and the dedicated server. Communication is therefore optimised and the server's memory space is prioritised over the em4's embedded memory. Like its built-in communication capabilities, the em4 remote offers a complete solution including the nano-PLC, SIM card, data exchanges and remote access web and mobile platforms named em4 web and em4 app.

Consistently, em4 lab meets the needs of both OEMs and their customers who wish to manage several machines as a fleet through a number of tools such as: the em4 soft, offering the ability to programme all communication directly in a unique software solution, or the em4 web, to manage users, devices, data and applications remotely.

The machines are then accessible at a single point on the server, in order to simplify the compilation of data. The "on-demand" server connection can also be used to locate a faulty installation. It is equally possible to benefit from geo-location.

Sébastien de Peretti, General Manager, Custom Sensors & Technologies' Automation Business Unit, Crouzet, has no hesitation in talking revolution when he mentions em4: "This technology meets our customers' key expectations in different markets.That is why we are introducing a unique product that is based on a nano-PLC. The em4 complements Crouzet Automation's current range of Millenium 3 logic controllers and builds on our reputation of providing easy-to-use, adaptable and application-oriented products backed by strong technical support."