IMAC2B009 V2
Uncontrolled Copy - Refer to Ampcontrol Website for Latest Version
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Ampcontrol Pty Ltd
– ABN 28 000 915 542
iMAC System User Manual
iMAC2B009 V4
– 10/18
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Typical Installation
The iMAC system consists of a Controller which drives either a 2-wire or 3-wire fieldbus to which I/O
modules are multi-drop connected; the fieldbus is terminated with specialised End-Of-Line (EOL) module(s)
to ensure the integrity of the fieldbus.
Figure 4.1: Block Diagram of a Simple iMAC 2-Wire System
The iMAC2 Controller is analogous to a mini-PLC. It communicates with I/O modules and can be
programmed to process input data and affect output controls. The application program is known as SLP
–
Supervisory Logic Program. The SLP programming language is a proprietary Ampcontrol language with
specialised control and monitoring functions.
The majority of iMAC input modules derive their power directly from the fieldbus line, whilst the majority of
iMAC output modules require a local power supply to operate.
A host system (e.g. PLC) can communicate with the iMAC2 Controller via a configurable RS232/RS485
serial port using Modbus protocol. Data can be exchanged between iMAC2 Controller and host system via a
read/wire Modbus register map. The iMAC2 Controller provides an Ethernet TCP/IP port that allows read-
only access to the iMAC2 Controller’s Data Point Table. The Ethernet port also provides a Web Interface,
allowing system data to be viewed in real time, as well as a viewing platform for the Controller’s historical
logs.
The Controller displays monitoring and control data on a four (4) line LCD screen. The user navigates the
application software defined
display screens via the unit’s keypad, which also allows for user supervisory
control messages.
Remote monitoring and control is implemented through modules connected to the fieldbus. Local control is
implemented through the Controller’s inputs and outputs. The Controller’s critical safety relay is called the
Control Relay (CR). The Controller also has an Auxiliary Relay (AR) output, which can be used for general
control applications.
CR
Control Relay
L1+
L1-
iMAC2 Controller
End of Line (EOL)
Module
Input
Module
Output
Module
Input
Module
