Ace PLCs

Velocio’s Ace PLCs

Ace PLCs are members of the Velocio’s
groundbreaking series of programmable logic
controllers. These PLCs introduce revolutionary
new concepts, capabilities, performance and
ease of use features to the automation market.
They constitute a generational leap over the staid
products that have comprised the PLC world for
years.

Ace PLCs are the small, stand alone members of

the Velocio family. They brings incredible power, in
a very small package and at a very low price. Many
control system applications require 36 points of IO
or less, all located very close to the PLC. For those
applications, Aces are the Velocio PLCs that fit the
requirements.

Ace PLCs are programmable, using Velocio’s

vBuilder software. The program development
interface between the PC running vBuilder and
an Ace is a standard USB communications cable.
Through this USB cable, the Ace PLC can be Applications
programmed, debugged and deployed. • Machine control
• Process control
Ace PLCs interface a variety of inputs and outputs. • Motion system control
Certain models have additional communications
ports for interfacing HMIs, cellular modems, other • Automated Test
PLCs and other devices. • Internet of Things
• Integration into standard products
The functionality available for incorporation into
your application program is very encompassing and
easy to implement.

In addition to the features and interfaces common Features

to most PLCs, Ace PLCs incorporate a number • Up to 36 Inputs and Outputs
of advanced features. Some of these features • USB connection to PC and other Host devices
include high speed stepper motion control of up to • RS232/RS485 on some models
three motors simultaneously, PWM (pulse width
modulation), PID control, high speed pulse counter • Smallest physical footprint of any PLC
inputs, configurable digital input debounce and • High end software features that are easy to use
custom communications under program control. • Graphical program development in flow charts or ladder
-- Interactive, graphical debug functionality
The Ace’s small size is another key feature. High -- Software reusablity
end automation capabilites are packed into a PLC
that fits in a shirt pocket. For those systems with • Subroutines, PID, motion, statistics & many more
limited availabilty of space, the Ace can provide a • High speed pulse and direction motion control of up to 3 stepper or
solution. servo motors
• PWM capability on all digital outputs

Benefits
• Enhanced and efficient development process
• Reduced system cost
• Reduced development time
• Improved reliability
• Embeddable within product
• Rapid development and deployment

Velocio Networks, Inc. Velocio.net August 2018 1

 Focus on Safety

Velocio PLCs are general purpose devices, designed to provide an applications engineer or technician the
capability to easily configure, program and make operational, specific projects of interest. Those specific
applications can involve nearly anything and may have aspects that might be dangerous. Providing a safe
operating environment for personnel and equipment is your responsibility and should be your primary goal
during system design and installation. Control systems can fail. You should not rely on the control system alone
to provide for a safe operating environment. External design features, including electromechanical devices,
physical barriers and independent safety systems may be required to provide protection for any part of a system
that poses a potential safety concern. Each application is different, so there may be special requirements for
your application. Make sure you follow all national, state and local governement requirements for the proper
installation and use of your equipment

Safety as Part of the Design Process

The best way to provide a safe operating environment is to make the safety of personnel and equipment a part of the design
process. You should consider every element and feature of your system to determine which areas require attention to ensure
personnel safety and to protect related equipment. In addition to your personal evaluation, be sure to take into account the
following.
• NEMA - The National Electrical Manufacturing Association has a number of relevant standards and guidelines.
• NFPA - The National Fire Protections Association safety documents
• NEC - The National Electrical Code defines regulations and standards for electrical wiring
• Local and State Agencies - Many local governments have additional regulations
• Your company standard - Many companies have standards that are specific to the company

Standard Safety
While every application is different, if you have an application that presents potential safety risks, you should take (at least) the
following list into consideration.

• Physical barriers - keep people, including their hands and legs away from moving parts
• Light curtains or other sensors that detect personnel moving into areas that are potentially unsafe
• Emergency shut down circuits that are electrically separate from the PLC
• System power disconnect
• Orderly shutdown - orderly, controlled shut down of equipment when triggered by the sensing of an unsafe or irregular
condition, or initiated by an operator

For your specific application, there my be other, or additional considerations. The key is to purposely take the time to consider,
during the design process - “What could go wrong” - and then design in barriers of mechanisms that will protect personnel and
equipment from the effects of what could go wrong. Keep safety in mind throughout the process and, if addtional concerns crop
up, address them.

At the end of development, again look for potential problem areas and address them appropriately yet again. While doing so,
consider that it is possible that you made a mistake or didn’t cover a condition in your design. Ask the question, “What might
happen if my design has a error or an unhandled condition?”. Then make sure that safety features cover that case.

The most important aspect of any application is safety. Its your responsiblity to make safety paramount.

Velocio Networks, Inc. Velocio.net August 2018 2

 Flavors of Ace
There are a growing number of models of Ace PLCs. The units vary with respect to input/output (IO) configuration, number of
ports and communications capabilities. They range from the simplest unit, the Ace 11, to higher end units with a great deal of
functionality.

Velocio Networks, Inc. Velocio.net August 2018 3

Ace 11
The Ace 11 is a low IO count, least expensive member of
Ace 11
the family. In addition to basic digital inputs and outputs, it Power
is designed for motion control, PWM outputs and high speed
pulse counting.

• 6 Digital Inputs
-- Protected, 3-30VDC
-- High speed pulse counting capability
• 6 Digital Outputs
-- Sinking transistor outputs
-- Step and direction motion control enabled (3 maximum)
-- PWM capable on all outputs
• USB programming port
-- USB port Modbus RTU slave enabled

C D
1 1

VI

VO
2 2
3 3
4 4
5 5
6 6
Digital In Digital Out

Ace 1430
The Ace 1430 includes IO interfaces for 6 digital inputs, 12 Ace 1430
digital outputs and a serial port that is program configurable
as either RS232 or RS485. Power

• 6 Digital Inputs
-- Protected, 3-30VDC
-- High speed pulse counting capability
• 12 Digital Outputs
-- Sinking transistor outputs
-- Step and direction motion control enabled (3 maximum) 23
2
RS 485) VO2
-- PWM capable on all outputs S TX(-) RX(+)
( R 56 t
• Serial port configurable as RS232 or RS485 E 2 3 4 al Ou
t
1 i
Dig
-- Modbus RTU slave
-- Custom message communications
• USB programming port
-- USB port Modbus RTU slave enabled C D
1 1
VI

VO1

2 2
3 3
4 4
5 5
6 6
Digital In Digital Out

Velocio Networks, Inc. Velocio.net August 2018 4

Ace 1450
The Ace 1450 includes IO interfaces for 6 digital inputs, 12 Ace 1450
digital outputs, 2 thermocouple/differential voltage inputs and Power
a serial port that is program configurable as either RS232 or
RS485.

• 6 Digital Inputs
-- Protected, 3-30VDC
-- High speed pulse counting capability
• 12 Digital Outputs 23
2
RS 485) VO2
-- Sinking transistor outputs S TX(-) RX(+)
( R 56 t
Diff
+-
1 E 3 4 al Ou
-- Step and direction motion control enabled (3 maximum) 2 t
+-
Analog 2 1 i
Dig
-- PWM capable on all outputs
• 2 thermocouple/differential voltage inputs
-- J, K, T or N thermocouple C D
-- 16 bit differential voltage input selectable for +/-0.256V,
0.512V, 1,024V and 2.048V ranges 1 1

VI

VO1
2 2
3 3
• Serial port configurable as RS232 or RS485 4 4
5 5
-- Modbus RTU slave 6 6
Digital In Digital Out
-- Custom message communications
• USB programming port
-- USB port Modbus RTU slave enabled

Ace 1600
The Ace 1600 is the lowest cost Ace PLC with an RS232
port. It provides 3 digital inputs and 6 digital outputs, along
Ace 1600
with that RS232 port. In addition to basic digital inputs and Power
outputs, it is designed for motion control, PWM outputs and
high speed pulse counting.

• 3 Digital Inputs
-- Protected, 3-30VDC
-- High speed pulse counting capability
• 6 Digital Outputs
-- Sinking transistor outputs
-- Step and direction motion control enabled (3 maximum)
-- PWM capable on all outputs
• RS232 port
-- Modbus RTU slave
-- Custom message communications
• USB programming port D
-- USB port Modbus RTU slave enabled
RX

21

1
VO

2
3
Di

3
git
TX

4
al

5
2

In
23

6
RS

Digital Out

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Ace 1630
The Ace 1630 provides 3 digital inputs, 3 digital outputs and 3 Ace 1630
analog inputs. It also includes an RS232 port for connection
to HMIs and other devices. In addition to basic digital inputs Power
and outputs, it is designed for motion control, PWM outputs
and high speed pulse counting.

• 3 Digital Inputs
-- Protected, 3-30VDC
-- High speed pulse counting capability
• 3 Digital Outputs
-- Sinking transistor outputs
-- Step and direction motion control enabled
-- PWM capable on all outputs
• 3 Analog Inputs
-- Ace 1630v5 : 0-5VDC analog inputs
-- Ace 1630v10 : 0-10VDC analog inputs
D
-- Ace 1630c : 0-20mA analog inputs (also used for
4-20mA signals)

RX

21
1 4

VO
2 5
• RS232 port

An

3
3 6

alo
TX
-- Modbus RTU slave

Di
Di
g

g
2

g
In
23

Ou
In
-- Custom message communications

RS

t
• USB programming port
-- USB port Modbus RTU slave enabled

Ace 1700
The Ace 1700 provides 12 digital inputs and 24 digital Ace 1700
outputs. In addition to basic digital inputs and outputs, it is
designed for motion control, PWM outputs and high speed Power
pulse counting.

• 12 Digital Inputs
-- Protected, 3-30VDC
l In 1 VO4
-- High speed pulse counting capability ita
56 t
Dig4 3 2
• 24 Digital Outputs A F 3 4 l Ou
65 1 2 igita
VI1 D
-- Sinking transistor outputs In
a l 1 VO3
-- Step and direction motion control enabled (3 maximum) it
Dig4 3 2 56 t
65
B E 3 4 al Ou
-- PWM capable on all outputs 1 2
Dig
i t
VI2
• USB programming port
-- USB port Modbus RTU slave enabled

C D
1 1
VO1

VO2

2 2
3 3
4 4
5 5
6 6
Digital Out Digital Out

Velocio Networks, Inc. Velocio.net August 2018 6

Ace 1701
The Ace 1701 includes IO interfaces for 8 digital inputs, 24
digital outputs, and an RS232.
Ace 1701
Power
• 8 Digital Inputs -
-- Protected, 3-30VDC
-- High speed pulse counting capability
• 24 Digital Outputs 23
2
RS TX(-) RX(+) VO4
-- Sinking transistor outputs 56 t
l In 1 F 3 4 l Ou
-- Step and direction motion control enabled (3 maximum) ita 2 1 2 igita
Dig VI1 D
-- PWM capable on all output In VO3
l
ita 2 1 56 t
• RS232 port Dig4 3
65
B E 2 3 4 al Ou
-- Modbus RTU slave VI2
1
Dig
i t

-- Custom message communications

• USB programming port
-- USB port Modbus RTU slave enabled
C D
1 1

VO1

VO2
2 2
3 3
4 4
5 5
6 6
Digital Out Digital Out

Ace 1800
The Ace 1800 includes IO interfaces for 18 digital inputs and Ace 1800
18 digital outputs.
Power

• 18 Digital Inputs -
-- Protected, 3-30VDC
-- High speed pulse counting capability
• 18 Digital Outputs l In 1 VO3
ita
-- Sinking transistor outputs Dig4 3 2 56 t
A F 3 4 l Ou
65 1 2 igita
-- Step and direction motion control enabled (3 maximum) VI1 D
-- PWM capable on all outputs t a l In 1 VO2
i
Dig4 3 2 56 t
• USB programming port 65
B E 2 3 4 al Ou
t
1 i
-- USB port Modbus RTU slave enabled VI2 Dig

C D
1 1
VI3

VO1

2 2
3 3
4 4
5 5
6 6
Digital In Digital Out

Velocio Networks, Inc. Velocio.net August 2018 7

Ace 1801
Ace 1801
The Ace 1801 includes IO interfaces for 14 digital inputs, 18 Power
digital outputs, and an RS232.

• 14 Digital Inputs -
-- Protected, 3-30VDC 2
23
-- High speed pulse counting capability RS TX(-) RX(+) VO3
56 t
• 18 Digital Outputs l In 1 F 2 3 4 al Ou
ita 2 1 i t
-- Sinking transistor outputs Dig VI1 Dig
In VO2
-- Step and direction motion control enabled (3 maximum) l
ita 2 1
Dig4 3 56 t
-- PWM capable on all output 6 5 B E 2 3 4 al Ou
1 it
VI2 Dig
• RS232 port
-- Modbus RTU slave
-- Custom message communications
• USB programming port C D
-- USB port Modbus RTU slave enabled
1 1

VI3

VO1
2 2
3 3
4 4
5 5
6 6
Digital In Digital Out

Ace 22
Ace 22
The Ace 22 provides 12 digital inputs and 12 digital outputs.
In addition to basic digital inputs and outputs, it is designed Power
for motion control, PWM outputs and high speed pulse
counting.

• 12 Digital Inputs
-- Protected, 3-30VDC
-- High speed pulse counting capability
• 12 Digital Outputs
l In 1 VO2
-- Sinking transistor outputs ita
Dig4 3 2 56 t
65
B E 3 4 al Ou
-- Step and direction motion control enabled (3 maximum) 1 2 i t
VI1 Dig
-- PWM capable on all outputs
• USB programming port
-- USB port Modbus RTU slave enabled
C D
1 1
VO1
VI2

2 2
3 3
4 4
5 5
6 6
Digital In Digital Out

Velocio Networks, Inc. Velocio.net August 2018 8

Ace 222
The Ace 222 includes IO interfaces for 12 digital inputs, 12
digital outputs and 12 analog inputs. The three different
Ace 222
models of Ace 222 differ only in the analog signal range they Power
are designed to interface (v5 = 0-5VDC, v10 = 0-10VDC and
c = 0-20mA). In addition to basic digital inputs and outputs,
it is designed for motion control, PWM outputs and high
speed pulse counting.
n
• 12 Digital Inputs gI VA2
alo 2 1 5 6n
An 4 3
-- Protected, 3-30VDC 65
A F 2 3 4 log I
1 a
VA1 An
-- High speed pulse counting capability
l In VO2
• 12 Digital Outputs ita 1
Dig4 3 2 56 t
-- Sinking transistor outputs 65
B E 2 3 4 al Ou
t
1 i
VI1 Dig
-- Step and direction motion control enabled (3 maximum)
-- PWM capable on all outputs
• 12 Analog Inputs, 12 bit resolution
-- Ace 222v5 : 0-5VDC analog inputs C D
-- Ace 222v10 : 0-10VDC analog inputs 1 1

VI2

VO1
-- Ace 222c : 0-20mA analog inputs (also used for 4-20mA 2 2
3 3
signals) 4 4
5 5
• USB programming port 6 6
Digital In Digital Out
-- USB port Modbus RTU slave enabled

Ace 3090
The Ace 3090 includes IO interfaces for 6 digital inputs, 18
Ace 3090
digital outputs, 3 analog inputs, four thermocouple/differential Power
voltage inputs and an RS232 port. The three different
models of Ace 3090 differ only in the analog signal range they
are designed to interface (v5 = 0-5VDC, v10 = 0-10VDC and
c = 0-20mA).
n
gI
alo 1
An 2 A + -4
• 6 Digital Inputs 23
2 3
F - + -3
RS TX RX +2 Diff
-- Protected, 3-30VDC + -1 Analog

-- High speed pulse counting capability l In 1 VO3

ita
Dig4 3 2 56 t
• 18 Digital Outputs 65
B E 3 4 l Ou
1 2 igita
VI D
-- Sinking transistor outputs
-- Step and direction motion control enabled (3 maximum)
-- PWM capable on all outputs
• 3 Analog Inputs, 12 bit resolution C D
-- Ace 3090v5 : 0-5VDC analog inputs 1 1
VO1

VO2

2 2
-- Ace 3090v10 : 0-10VDC analog inputs 3 3
4 4
-- Ace 3090c : 0-20mA analog inputs (also used for 5
6
5
6
4-20mA signals) Digital Out Digital Out
• 4 thermocouple/low level differential voltage inputs
-- J, K, T or N thermocouple
-- 16 bit differential voltage input selectable for +/-0.256V, 0.512V, 1,024V, and 2.048V ranges
• RS232 port
-- Modbus RTU slave
-- Custom message communications
• USB programming port
-- USB port Modbus RTU slave enabled

Velocio Networks, Inc. Velocio.net August 2018 9

Ace 5150
The Ace 5150 includes IO interfaces for 12 digital inputs,
12 digital outputs, 3 analog inputs and an RS232 port. The
three different models of Ace 5150 differ only in the analog Ace 5150
signal range they are designed to interface (v5 = 0-5VDC, Power
v10 = 0-10VDC and c = 0-20mA).

• 12 Digital Inputs
-- Protected, 3-30VDC
n
-- High speed pulse counting capability gI
alo 1
An A
• 12 Digital Outputs 2 3 2
23
RS TX RX
-- Sinking transistor outputs
-- Step and direction motion control enabled (3 maximum) l In 1 VO2
ita
Dig4 3 2 56 t
-- PWM capable on all outputs
65
B E 2 3 4 al Ou
t
1 i
• 3 Analog inputs, 12 bit resolution VI1 Dig

-- Ace 5150v5 : 0-5VDC analog inputs

-- Ace 5150v10 : 0-10VDC analog inputs
-- Ace 5150c : 0-20mA analog inputs (also used for C D
4-20mA signals)
• RS232 port 1 1

VI2

VO1
2 2
-- Modbus RTU slave 3
4
3
4
-- Custom message communications 5
6
5
6
• USB programming port Digital In Digital Out
-- USB port Modbus RTU slave enabled

Ace 7096
The Ace 7096 includes IO interfaces for 6 digital inputs, 12
digital outputs, 4 analog inputs, four thermocouple/differential
voltage inputs, two analog outputs and two RS232 ports. The
Ace 709X
three different models of Ace 7096 differ only in the analog Power
signal range they are designed to interface (v5 = 0-5VDC,
v10 = 0-10VDC and c = 0-20mA).

• 6 Digital Inputs
2-1 VA
-- Protected, 3-30VDC 23
2 RS TX RX 5 6 Analog Out
2- F
23 34
-- High speed pulse counting capability RS TX RX 12 Analog In
• 12 Digital Outputs 1 +- VO2
Diff 2 56 t
+-
-- Sinking transistor outputs Analog 3+-
B E 3 4 l Ou
4 1 2 igita
+-
-- Step and direction motion control enabled (3 maximum) D

-- PWM capable on all outputs

• 4 Analog Inputs, 12 bit resolution
-- Ace 7096v5 : 0-5VDC analog inputs C D
-- Ace 70960v10 : 0-10VDC analog inputs 1 1
VO1
VI

2 2
-- Ace 7096c : 0-20mA analog inputs (also used for 3 3
4 4
4-20mA signals) 5 5
6 6
• 2 Analog Outputs Digital In Digital Out
-- 0-5V or 0-10 (selectable using vBuilder)
-- 16 bit resolution
• 4 thermocouple/low level differential voltage inputs
-- J, K, T or N thermocouple
-- 16 bit differential voltage input selectable for +/-0.256V, 0.512V, 1,024V and 2.048V ranges
• 2 RS232 ports
-- Modbus RTU slave
-- Custom message communications
• USB programming port
-- USB port Modbus RTU slave enabled

Velocio Networks, Inc. Velocio.net August 2018 10

 Ace IO
◊ Digital Inputs :
All Ace PLCs accept some number of digital inputs. Digital inputs sense binary status, such as on/off, switch open/closed, etc.
The Ace PLC can interface any DC voltage signal between 3 and 30VDC. Typical system designs utilize 5V, 12V or 24VDC
power supplies, which are all within the Ace’s signal range.

Any connection to DC voltage between 3 and 30VDC is sensed as a ‘1’. Any connection to ground (or voltage below 0.8VDC)
or an open connection is sensed as ‘0’. The ground reference of the signal must be connected to the ground terminal pin next to
signal 1, or to the PLC’s input power ground.

The figure on the right shows a variety of typical digital input signals that may
be connected to Ace digital inputs. Some of the more common ones include : switch
pulse
• Switches (this could be mechanical switches, buttons, limit switches,
transistor
etc.)
-- Connect one side to positive DC power (from a supply whose ground is 5V Inside PLC
connected to the PLC ground) VDC
-- Connect the other side of the switch to the digital input 6 6

Digital Input Signals

• Transistor signal 5

Protection Circuit
5
-- For transistor signals that supply voltage when on : connect sensor
output to digital input 4 4
-- For transistor signals that switch to ground when on : connect to sensor 3 3
output to digital inputs & if input device does not pull high when inactive,
also pull up to positive voltage through a pull up resistor 2 2
• Encoder signals 1 1
-- Encoders will fall into one of the transistor signal categories listed above
• Logic level signals
-- Make sure that the signal’s ground reference is connected to the PLC
ground. Connect of input.
-- Make sure that the signal switches high and low.

The last pin on each digital input port connector provides a voltage (connected to the 5V power input, through a 10 ohm resistor
and a diode) which is used by the Optocouple Input Terminal modules. It can also be used to supply “wetting voltage” to dry
contact inputs.

Internally, as part of the protection circuit, each digital input is pulled to ground through a 10K ohm resistor. This pull down
resistor ensures that the digital input shows up as inactive when nothing is connected or the connection just sources voltage
when it is active.

Do not connect external power to the

voltage pin (pin 8) on the digital input
port.

Ace digital inputs (and the Ace CPU) are

very fast. For a small program, the logic
scan and input scan can occur 5 times
per millisecond. At this rate, mechanical
contact bounce can signal the program
that an input is changing rapidly - which can be a problem. To alleviate this situation, vBuilder has an option to allow you to
set a debounce time on digital inputs. A debounced digital input will not report a change of state until that change has been
continuous for the set debounce time. Note that debounce does not apply to inputs configured as high speed pulse counter
inputs.

Using vBuilder, one high speed pulse counter can be configured for basic high speed pulse counting (one digital input), or
quadrature pulse counting (two digital inputs). The same signal level requirements apply, as listed above.

For digital inputs that are AC signals, the Ace’s digital input ports can be connected to Velocio Optocoupled Input Terminal
Block modules. These modules interface 24VAC or 120VAC signals. A cable, supplied with each terminal block module is then
connected to the Ace digital input port. The Optocoupler Input Terminal Block modules convert the AC signals to the proper DC
levels to the PLC.

Velocio Networks, Inc. Velocio.net August 2018 11

◊ Digital Outputs :
VO VO
All Ace PLCs have some number of digital outputs. Ace digital outputs 5V Inside PLC Output Pin
are sinking transistor outputs - which means that they provide the ground Common Gnd
connection turn on a load. When switched on under program control, they Load
complete the circuit to turn on any connected DC device up to 30VDC and
(nominally) 300mA. The actual current limit is shown in the figure at the 6
bottom of this page and is dependent on the number of digital outputs that 6
are on simultaneous and their duty cycle.
5
Each ouput includes diode snubber protection, for inductive load (solenoids, 5
relays, etc.) protection. The supply voltage, up to 30VDC, which is
connected to the load devices, must be connected to the VO terminal

Digital Output Signals

pin, next to output 6 of the output port, to enable this protection. All loads 4
connected to a digital output port should be connected to the same DC 4
supply. The load power supply ground must be connected to the ground
(next to signal 1) of the output port.
3
Each output is connected, through a 33K ohm resistor to the VO terminal pin 3
(next to output 6). This acts as a weak pull up. When the output is off (logic
state 0), the output will be pulled up to the voltage at the VO terminal. If no 2
power supply connection is made to the VO terminal, the voltage at the VO 2
terminal will come through a 10 ohm resistor and an isolation diode, resulting
in a voltage approximately 0.7V below the 5V supply to the PLC. This is
enough to allow the PLC outputs to directly interface TTL circuits. If voltage 1
is connected from an external source to the VO terminal, inactive outputs will 1
pull up to the external source voltage.

If AC power, or higher power DC needs to be switched, the Ace’s digital

output ports can be connected to a Velocio Relay Terminal Block module
or Transistor Terminal modules (sinking or sourcing, DC only), through a short standard cable, supplied with the module. With
these modules, higher currents and in the case of the Relay Modules, up to 250VAC, can be switched under program control.
The cable diagram connection to the PLC digital output port pluggable connector is illustrated in the Relay Terminal Block
module documentation.

Velocio Networks, Inc. Velocio.net August 2018 12

◊ Combination Digital Input and Output Ports
The Ace 1630 has a port (the D port) that has three digital inputs and three digital
VO
outputs. The diagram for that port is shown on the right. As you can see, the 5V Inside PLC
ground reference is common to the digital inputs and outputs. There is a VO
connection on pin 8. The digital input and output characteristics as the same as
describe previously, under the Digital Input and Digital Output sections.
6
6

Digital Output Signals

5
5

4
4
VDC
3
3

Digital Input Signals

Protection Circuit
2
2

1
1

◊ Digital Inputs for Ace 1600 Inside

PLC VDC
Protection Circuit
The digital inputs on the Ace 1600 PLC are located on a 4 pin connector, which is
Digital Input

the second half of the C port. The RS232 port is the first half of the C port. Since 3
Signals

3
this is a minimal IO count PLC, with RS232, the digital port maximizes the number
of digital inputs available (3) by eliminating the VI voltage pin. 2 2

1 1

◊ Digital Inputs on Other Combination RS232/Digital Input Ports

Four pin digital input port connectors, other than the Ace 1600, have the same
connections as the standard 8 pin/6 digital input signal ports. They simply have Inside
only two digital inputs. They do have the signal ground on pin 1 and VI voltage PLC
Protection Circuit

ouput on pin 4. VDC

Digital Input

5V
Signals

2 2

1 1

Velocio Networks, Inc. Velocio.net August 2018 13

◊ Analog Inputs :
Ace PLCs are available with some number of general analog inputs. Ace PLC
analog input interfaces are available for either 0-5VDC, 0-10VDC or 0-20mA.
Inside PLC
Analog inputs are normally used to connect to transducer outputs. Such
transducers measure some physical parameter, such as pressure, temperature, Signal VA
liquid level, position, pH level, or other such continuously variable measurement. Conditioning Transducers
The transducer signal output should be connected to a signal input on the Ace 6 6
analog port and the transducer return or ground reference line must be connected 5

Analog to Digital
to the PLC ground, next to signal 1 (or otherwise connected to the PLC’s ground). 5

Converter
4 4
Ace PLCs with current input analog input ports (part number ending in ‘c’) should
be used for analog current signals between 0 and 20 mA. The two most common 3 3
type of current signals are 4-20 mA and 0-20 mA.
2 2
Full range analog signals will convert to a value between 0 and 4095 (12 bits). 1
For 4-20mA inputs, the converted value will be between 820 and 4095. The 1
Scale function in vBuilder can be used to automatically convert the signal value to
meaningful data.

For PLCs that have a full 8 position port dedicated to analog inputs, the pin next to
the sixth input is connected to the PLC’s internal 5V, through a 10 ohm resistor and a diode. This is provided to power a future
analog input simulator. It servers no other purpose and should remain unconnected for application use. Analog input ports that
do not occupy the full 8 position port do not have this connection.

◊ Combination Analog Inputs and Analog Outputs

Certain Ace PLCs have a single connector with both analog inputs and outputs.
Inside PLC
The connections are as shown on the diagram at the right. 5V
The first few signals on the port are analog inputs. They are 12 bit analogs, VA
6
Converter

described in the analog input description. Typically, there are either 3 or 4 analog
D to A

inputs in a combination port

5
The last signals on a combination port are analog outputs. For the Ace 7096
these are 16 bit resolution outputs, which can be individually configured, using
vBuilder for either 0-5V or 0-10V operation, as shown below.

4 4
Converter

3
3
A to D

2
2
1
1

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◊ Thermocouple/16 bit Differential Low Voltage Analog Inputs Inside PLC
Several Ace PLC’s include interfaces that are configurable for either providing 8 -
thermocouple interfaces or serving as analog inputs for differential analog 8
signals. These signal inputs can be individually configured, in vBuilder, for either 7 +

low level voltage signals

7
thermocouple or differential voltage ranges.

Signal Conversion

thermocouples or
6 6 -
For interfacing to thermocouples, these inputs can be configured for J, K, T or N 5 +
type thermocouples. Connect each thermocouple to one of the four wire pairs 5
shown in the diagram on the right. The negative (red) wire should be connected to 4 -
the negative input (indicated by a ‘-’ sign on the diagram). The positive wire should 4
be connected to the positive connection. 3 +
3
Each differential input can also be used to measure low level differential voltage 2 -
2
signals. The following ranges are available : 1 +
• +/- 0.256V 1
• +/- 0.512V
• +/- 1.024V
• +/- 2.048V

The vBuilder Setup window for the thermocouple/

differential analog configuration is shown on the
right.

In operation, the signal is converted to a floating

point value. That value is either temperature, in
degrees Celcius, or volts.

◊ RS232 and RS232/485 Ports : Inside PLC

RX
Certain Ace PLCs have RS232 ports or configurable RS232/485 ports.
RS232 ports are commonly used for interfacing hardware HMI panels

RS232
RS232 TX
and other devices through Modbus RTU communications. They are Cable
also commonly used to interface cellular transceivers for internet of
things applications and can be used in Custom communications mode to
communicate to any device that has an RS232 port.

RS485 ports are commonly used in multi-unit systems and for longer
distance communictions.

Ace PLC RS232 ports have three pin connectors. The illustration on the right shows the connections.
• Signal ground
• PLC transmit (must be connected to the receive pin of the connected device)
• PLC receive (must be connected to the transmit pin of the connected device)

Some Ace PLCs have serial ports that can be configured as either RS232 Inside PLC
or RS485. When configured as RS232, the connections are identical to the
connections shown for the dedicated RS232 ports. If the port is configured +
for RS485, the two connections used are the + (or A), on the same pin as -
RS485

RS485
the RS232’s RX and the - (or B), on the middle pin or RS232’s TX pin. The Cable
ground can be connected to the cable shield. However, the shield should
only be connected at one end of the cable.

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Serial ports can be configured by vBuilder for either Modbus RTU slave or Custom communications operation. Each port can
also the configured for a variety of baud rates, the number of stop bits and parity. Serial ports that can be configured for either
RS232 or RS485 have another configuration selection for that purpose.

All serial ports support

Modbus RTU protocol
The PLCs are slave
devices. The default
device address is 1, but
can be configured to
any desired address via
vBuilder.

Modbus communications is autonomous and simply

requires set up of address mapping, using vBuilder, as
shown on the
right. Once set up
and connected,
communications
occurs automatically.

When configured for Custom Communications, the port will send and receive character (ui8) arrays, under program control,
through the use of program blocks like those shown on the right.

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Wire Connections to the Ace Pluggable Terminal Blocks
Ace units come with pluggable terminal blocks, like the one shown on the on the right.
Connect your wires using the larger circular holes on the top row of the orientation shown.

Looking at the connector, in the orientation shown from left to right, the eight wire positions
are ground, six signal positions 1 through 6, and either a no connect or voltage connection

You simply need to strip the insulation back about 1/8 inch, insert each wire into the proper
round connector hole and push the wire in. It should push in very easily and lock in place.
You should not be able to pull the wire back out.

To insert fine stranded wire, insert the blade of a Velocio connector tool (screwdriver) in
the rectangular hole directly below the connection hole which you wish to
insert your wire. The screwdriver blade should be horizontal (in line with the
long dimension of the rectangular hole). This will open the spring capture
connection. Simply push your wire in, then remove the blade. If you pull the
wire, it should be captured in place and will not come out.

To remove any wire from the connector, use the Velocio screwdriver connector tool. Push the blade into the rectangular slot
below the wire to open the spring clamp and release the wire. Gently pull the wire out, then remove to blade.

Connecting Power
Power to the Ace PLC must be provided via a two position pluggable connector, included with the
Ace unit. To connect power, insert the 5VDC and ground connections from a power supply into the
plug, as shown in the figure below. When plugged into the PLC’s power connector socket, the +5VDC GND +5V
connection is to the right, closest to the corner..

Shielded Cabling
For applications in which interconnection requires long lengths of wire/cabling in exposed areas, it is highly recommended that
shielded cable be used. Long wires act as antennas and have unwanted electrical signals induced onto signal connections.
Shielded cable (grounded at one end) will shield the signal wires from unwanted and potentially dangerous electomagnetic
interferance.

Velocio Networks, Inc. Velocio.net August 2018 17

Mounting Options
Each Velocio PLC comes with a double sided adhesive pad for attaching to painted
metals, plastics or glass. Using this method of attachment allows you to install the PLC
in very tight and unusual environments as well as place them in typical electrical control
panels. The adhesive is very strong and will provide a solid permanant attachment,
unless extreme pressure is applied to break the seal.

Alternatively, Velocio PLCs are designed to add an optional vMount DIN

rail mounting adapter. The vMount adapter snaps onto the bottom side
of the PLC. It can then be snapped onto a standard 35mm DIN rail, or
can slide onto a pair of properly spaced screws.

DIN rail mounting is illustrated on the right. The necessary hole pattern for
screw mounting is shown below.

2.5”

Outer outline is USB (Ace and Branch)

Inner Gray is vLink (Branch Expansion)
pwr.

A* F*
0.75” 1.0”
2.5”

#8 Bolts vLink Location

B* 1.25” E* (Branch or Expansion)

C D

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 Specifications :

Hardware Specifications
Power : Physical Dimensions :
Voltage 4.75 - 5.5VDC 2.5”H x 2.5”W x 0.5” deep
current 300mA maximum
< 100mA typical
Digital Inputs : Environmental
Type : DC voltage input Operating temperature : all components rated for
Input range : 3 to 30 VDC -40 to +85C
Internal pull down to ground : 10K ohms Humidity : 0 to 95% (non-condensing
Input low (or 0) signal : 0 to 0.8V, or open connection
Input high (or 1) signal : 2.5 to 30VDC
Pulse counter input frequency : Software Specifications
up to three pulse count or quadrature inputs Application Program Limits (in Ace PLC)
at up to a combined rate of 250 KHz Program Memory : 34K Words
Program selectable debounce : 0 to 255 milliseconds Maximum rungs or function blocks 4K
Digital Outputs : Maximum # Subroutines 68
Type : Sinking transistor Maximum Tagnames 950
Voltage range : 3 to 30VDC Main Program data memory
Current : 300 mA maximum (see curve in Bits 2,048
Digital Output section) unsigned 8 bit integers 512
Motion output pulse frequency unsigned 16 bit integers 512
up to three pulse and direction outputs at up signed 16 bit integers 512
to a combined rate of 250 KHz (maximum) signed 32 bit integers 256
PWM resolution : 1 microsecond floating point numbers 256
Off state pull up resistance to VO : 33Kohms Object Memory (used for subroutine data)
Analog Inputs : object words 4,096
Type : v5 = 0 to 5VDC: object bits up to 65,536
v10 = 0 to 10VDC object 8 Off integers up to 8,192
c = 0 to 20 mA object signed 16 bit up to 4,096
resolution : 12 bit object unsigned 16 bit up to 4,096
object signed 32 bit up to 2,048
Analog Outputs : object floating point up to 2,048
Types : selectable ; 0-5V, 0-10V Maximum # objects 292
resolution : 16 bit Maximum # PWM outputs all digital outputs
Maximum # of Stepper Motion Controls : 3
Thermocouple/Differential Voltage Inputs : Maximum Stepper Motion speed (Hz) 250,000
Types : selectable ; J, K, T and N or -
+/- 0.256V Terminal Block Connections
+/- 0.512V Terminal type Socket connectors and
+/- 1.024V Spring cage capture plug
+/- 2.048V Terminal spacing : 2.50 mm
Output value : floating point value in degrees C or V Wire AWG 20 to 26 AWG*
* best wire fit is with 22 or 24 AWG
Communications :
Upstream : USB Device
mini USB connector
RS232 : 3 wire (TX, RX and ground)
RS485 2 wire
• baud rates selectable ;
9600 baud
19200 baud
38400 baud
57600 baud
15200 baud
• parity selectable
• stop bits selectable

Velocio Networks, Inc. Velocio.net August 2018 19