Omron CP1E-N40DT-A Programmable Logic Controller

Technical Overview

Sysmac CP1E CPU with 24 VDC inputs, 16 NPN sinking transistor outputs, 8K step memory, dual 100kHz pulse outputs, and built-in RS-232C/USB communication.

Key Features

Built-in 40 I/O points consisting of 24 24VDC digital inputs and 16 NPN sinking transistor outputs.
Integrated USB 2.0 port for easy programming and monitoring with CX-Programmer.
Built-in RS-232C serial port for direct HMI, inverter, or smart device integration.
Supports dual-axis high-speed pulse output at up to 100 kHz for precise servo/stepper control.
Equipped with 6 high-speed counter inputs (two at 100 kHz, four at 10 kHz) for encoder feedback.
Expandable up to 3 additional CP1W/CPM1A expansion modules for scalable configuration.
Generous memory layout with 8K steps of program memory and 8K words of data memory.
Auxiliary 24 VDC, 300 mA power supply to power external sensors and input devices.

Technical Specification Matrix

Parameter	Value
Power Supply Voltage	100 to 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
Operating Voltage Range	85 to 264 VAC
Total I/O Points	40
Number of Inputs	24 (24 VDC)
Number of Outputs	16 (Transistor, Sinking/NPN)
Program Capacity	8K steps
Data Memory Capacity	8K words
Pulse Output Capacity	2 axes, 100 kHz
High-Speed Counter Inputs	2 axes at 100 kHz, 4 axes at 10 kHz
Built-in Communications	1 x USB 2.0 (Type B), 1 x RS-232C
Operating Temperature Range	0 to 55 °C
Operating Humidity Range	10% to 90% RH (non-condensing)
External Sensor Power Supply	24 VDC, 300 mA
Power Consumption	50 VA max at 100 VAC, 70 VA max at 240 VAC
Dielectric Strength	2,300 VAC 50/60 Hz for 1 minute
Physical Weight (kg)	0.66
Dimensions L x W x H (cm)	15 x 8.5 x 9

Industrial Applications

1. 2-Axis Cut-to-Length Material Shearer

Controls the precise feeding and shearing of sheet metal, paper, or plastic rolls. One 100 kHz high-speed counter input tracks a rotary encoder on the material feed roll to measure exact length. A 100 kHz pulse output drives a stepper or servo drive to feed the material, and a transistor output rapidly triggers a pneumatic shearing valve with minimal propagation delay.

Problem Solved

Traditional timer-based or low-speed PLC configurations suffer from drift and high latency, leading to variations in cut lengths. This PLC leverages its dedicated 100 kHz high-speed counter and 100 kHz pulse outputs to achieve sub-millimeter positioning accuracy and repeatable cut cycles.

Rotary EncoderHigh-Speed CounterPulse OutputServo ControlSolenoid Valve Triggering

2. Automated Multi-Lane Sorting Conveyor

Manages speed tracking and product routing across multiple conveyor lanes. Uses high-speed inputs to read photoelectric sensors detecting product presence and passage, while using the 16 sinking transistor outputs to rapidly actuate sorting gates (pneumatic diverters) via solid-state relays without mechanical contact wear.

Problem Solved

Relay-output PLCs suffer from contact degradation and slow response times (typically 10-15 ms) when driving high-frequency sorting actuators. The CP1E-N40DT-A's 16 transistor outputs switch in under 1 ms, maximizing throughput and ensuring precise gate actuation at high conveyor speeds.

Transistor Sinking OutputPhotoelectric SensorsHigh-Speed SortingPneumatic DivertersConveyor Control

3. Volumetric Chemical Batching and Mixing Control

Controls flow meters, pumps, and mixers in a small-scale chemical batching system. The PLC reads digital pulse trains from turbine flow meters on the high-speed counter inputs. It then regulates 100-240 VAC auxiliary pumps and mixers, using its built-in RS-232C port to continuously transmit batching parameters and alarms to a local HMI panel.

Problem Solved

Integrating discrete high-speed flow signals, basic serial HMI communication, and local digital I/O usually requires separate specialty modules or expensive high-end PLCs. The CP1E-N40DT-A provides high-speed counting, built-in RS-232C, and a high digital I/O density in a single cost-effective, panel-mount package.

Flow Meter Pulse CountingRS-232C HMI InterfaceVolumetric BatchingCyclic ScanningModbus RTU