Mini8 Loop Controller – Original Press Release

The Mini8 controller offers outstanding modularity both in terms of hardware and software functions. It has four plug-in I/O slots which can accommodate a variety of I/O modules, and its feature set enables it to handle a wide range of applications, from simple multi-loop and data acquisition up to and including setpoint programming, mathematical and logical operations and complex strategies such as cascade and ratio loops. This is a high stability 4 loop or 8 loop PID controller unit or a 32 input Data Acquisition unit. The Mini8 has been designed to integrate seamlessly with programmable logic controllers, intelligent I/O and other supervisory control and monitoring systems.

The Mini8 can be used with a PLC, HMI software, or a standalone unit. It can enhance the performance of a PLC or other control system by offering easy configuration, deterministic response and the same auto-tune capability featured in Eurotherm’s standard panel mount controllers. Inputs and outputs are always updated at a deterministic 110ms and, are no way dependent on the PLC program.

Eurotherm’s well-established open approach to data communications makes this new controller easy to interface to PLCs and other intelligent devices. The Mini8 can multi-drop on either Modbus RTU or Devicenet, offering a highly cost-effective alternative to performing analog measurement or control loops. By implementing these functions in the Mini8 ™, overall system hardware cost is reduced and other devices are relieved of the extra processing burden of analog control.