GE Intelligent Platforms has launched a range of low-cost microcontrollers with built-in displays and I/O for applications such as conveyor control and motor monitoring. The Durus Plus controllers offer facilities such as PID, Modbus master/slave communications, high-current outputs, analogue outputs and expansion slots.

The controllers have 12-line displays with 16 characters per line. They can store 300 lines of ladder code and 260 blocks of function block diagram programming. Programming functions include add/subtract, multiply/divide, data multiplexing and data moves. They controllers can be programmed either via the built-in display and keypad or using free programming software. Expansion modules can be fitted using slide-and-snap mechanical interlocks.