FireEdge™ FE400

PLC Interface
Technical Note
A programmable logic controller (PLC) is commonly used in manufacturing processes for its flexibility
and ruggedized design. PLC digital I/O modules can be used to interface with Phoseon LED light
sources for control functions and process monitoring.

This document provides reference wiring circuitries for different PLC I/O modules to interface with
the FireEdge™ FE400. The updated FE400 input and output pin design is very similar to those of
FE200/FE300/FJ100/FJ200. Therefore, the same wiring circuitries can be used when working with
the above-mentioned Phoseon UV LED light sources.

PLC I/O modules consist of signal pins and common pins. There are sourcing and sinking types.
Sinking types connect the common pin to ground, and provide a path for current to go into the signal
pin. Sourcing types connect the common pin to a high voltage (Normally +24VDC), and provide a path
for current to go out from the signal pin.

For the output module, as the signal pin is shorted to the common pin through the internal output
switch, if it is a sinking type, it is a negative logic (commonly called NPN). And if it is a sourcing
output, it is a positive logic (commonly called PNP).

For the input module, in contrast, as the signal pin has the opposite polarity with the common pin,
if it is a sinking type, it is a positive logic (commonly called PNP). And if it is a sourcing type, it is a
negative logic (commonly called NPN).

It is common to configure both input and output modules of one PLC to the same logic, for example,
either both positive (PNP) or both negative (NPN), for simplicity and clarity. In general, American/
European PLC manufacturers prefer to use positive logic, while Asia Pacific (Japan, Taiwan, etc.)
prefers to use negative logic.

Figure 1 below illustrates the concept discussed above.

Figure 1: PLC Input/Output Types

It is important to understand the properties of the PLC I/O module used, and the line impedance
and current limit of Phoseon UV LED light sources before connecting the PLC to the light source.
In general, the Enable High Pin for all Phoseon light sources is an active high logic input with high
internal resistive load. The Lamp Ready Pin has an internal pull-up to +24VDC. Figure 2 provides the
equivalent circuit of the updated FE400 Lamp Ready Pin.

• The updated Lamp Ready Pin design has an internal

pull-up to 24Vdc.
-- If Lamp Ready, the internal N-Channel transistor
is off, and Pin 5 will be pulled to high.
-- If Lamp Not Ready, the internal transistor is On,
and Pin 5 will be pulled to low.

Thus, to interface with PLC positive logic, i.e., PLC sourcing output and sinking input, both Enable
High and Lamp Ready Pins can be connected directly.

In case only PLC Negative Logic is available, i.e., PLC sinking output and sourcing input,
a SSR can be inserted between the PLC output module and the FE400 Enable high for bridging
(Figure 3, right).

Figure 3: PLC Interfacing Circuitry for FE400

*Notes:
• The above wiring examples use an external +24VDC power to drive the signal pins. If the current
capability is sufficient, it is possible to use the PLC’s internal auxiliary +24VDC supply for cost
effectiveness.
• In the above example, PLC Output Modules use BJTs. The actual PLC Output Module interfacing
circuitry components may vary.
• In the above example, PLC Input Modules are single directional, i.e., either sinking or sourcing
type. Many PLC Input Modules are bidirectional, meaning they can be configured to either sinking or
sourcing type.

Specifications are subject to change without notice. info@phoseon.com 34788 Rev 2.0
©2017 Phoseon Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. www.phoseon.com September 2017