choose memory size of CLX cpu

hi all,

i'm building a contrologix system that has 4 IB32, 2 OB32, 2 IF16HI, 2 OF16HI and 2 EN2T modules.

without knowing the process or the logic that could go into it, how can i select a memory size at this stage? what would be the right memory size

thanks
muhunthan

You can load the details into Integrated Architecture Builder and it will give you an estimate

Without knowing the logic you have to do it's hard to calculate the best course of action. PlantPAX has a tool to calculate this based on the number of objects you plan on using, but logic made by yourself won't be that simple to account.

It is possible though to write the logic and have an estimated size of the controller and go off of that.
There will be a table in the ControlLogix documentation explaining the cards each model can take and the Ethernet Nodes as well.

My first reply is why are you looking at a project or pricing one if you do not know what the process is likely to be ?. If at costing stage I would like to know everything about the likely control before being stung by having to upgrade processors or memory which could be costly.
I have seen companies who lost money on projects where they totally underestimated the true cost of the project, usually based on a number of factors, lack of understanding the specs & having to spend time & money getting right, or taking on projects without proper user requirements, producing functional design specs etc. My response is if you do not know the process then always go for the largest memory size, better still consider if the project is worth taking on and possibly losing money on.

the_msp said:

You can load the details into Integrated Architecture Builder and it will give you an estimate

Click to expand...

+1 for IAB. That is really all I use IAB for is a quick memory double check.

The comments above for IAB are spot on. But, let's look at this question from a different perspective. Perhaps the OP is wondering about choosing the memory size in Studio 5000. You are required to select that before you begin programming the application.

In Studio 5000 you can easily change the controller after you have started creating your application. You can change the controller to select a controller with more or less memory. The only problem would be trying to select a controller with less memory than your application requires. So, my advice would be to start with the lowest memory size and move up from there as needed.

OG

I think you would run out of nodes before you run out of memory.
Nodes can fill up fast on a CompactLogix versus a Contrologix processor.

Nodes are the ethernet drops for individual devices that have an IO interface.
Just remember the lower cost compatlogix have a lower node count then the other higher priced processors.

I filled up an L33ER with less IO than that with PlantPAx...it is very memory intensive.

If you write your own simple code, you can do it in a lot less memory.

PAx is good, but expensive processor memory is the deal breaker.