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PD4-A Series

PD4-A Series is a digital control units that has been improved for ease of use in manufacturing environments by adding new functions to the PD4 series.

AC power cable will be included in the standard model.
AC power cable will not be included in the model with "-NC" at the end.
The product with the model name with "-NC" at the end conforms to the KC standards.
For customers in Korea and Europe, please select model name with "-NC" at the end.

Features

Features

  • Continuous lighting, ON/OFF mode, or strobe mode
  • Lighting output capacity: 30W / 120W available
  • Channel options: 30W with 2 channels/4 channels, 120W with 8 channels
  • Ethernet / parallel external control
  • Trigger input signals and parallel input signals support both NPN and PNP connection
  • 1,024 steps of precise intensity settings*
  • All types feature natural air cooling, improving installability
  • Can be switched to PWM frequency 500 kHz mode*
  • Trigger input signal and parallel input signal 5 V input is possible

*256 light intensity setting levels in PWM frequency 500 kHz mode for the PD4-A Series

Various Lighting Control Functions

  • Turn lights on in desired pattern with sequence control function
  • Supports PLC link function for easy integration with PLCs
  • Trigger output function simplifies the synchronization of the camera and lighting
  • With Recipes setting, save lighting settings in a maximum of 8 recipes
  • Real-time information monitoring from applications, such as operating status and operation logs

Lineup of PD4/PD4-A Series

We have expanded the PD4 lineup to include the PD4-A Series, which features new lighting control functions.

Lighting output / ch 2 ch 4 ch 8 ch
30 W PD4-3024A-2-E (PD4-A)
PD4-3024A-2-E (PD4-A)
PD4-3024A-2-P (PD4-A)
PD4-3024A-2-P (PD4-A) 		PD4-3024A-2-E-NC (PD4-A)
PD4-3024A-2-E-NC (PD4-A)
PD4-3024A-2-P-NC (PD4-A)
PD4-3024A-2-P-NC (PD4-A)		 PD4-3024A-4-E (PD4-A)
PD4-3024A-4-E (PD4-A)
PD4-3024A-4-P (PD4-A)
PD4-3024A-4-P (PD4-A) 		PD4-3024A-4-E-NC (PD4-A)
PD4-3024A-4-E-NC (PD4-A)
PD4-3024A-4-P-NC (PD4-A)
PD4-3024A-4-P-NC (PD4-A)		  
60 W PD4-6024-2-E
PD4-6024-2-E (PD4)
D4-6024-2-P
PD4-6024-2-P (PD4) 		PD4-6024-2-E
PD4-6024-2-E-NC (PD4)
D4-6024-2-P
PD4-6024-2-P-NC (PD4)		 PD4-6024-4-E (PD4)
PD4-6024-4-E (PD4)
PD4-6024-4-P (PD4)
PD4-6024-4-P (PD4) 		PD4-6024-4-E-NC (PD4)
PD4-6024-4-E-NC (PD4)
PD4-6024-4-P-NC (PD4)
PD4-6024-4-P-NC (PD4)
120 W PD4-12024-2-E (PD4)
PD4-12024-2-E (PD4)
PD4-12024-2-P (PD4)
PD4-12024-2-P (PD4) 		PD4-12024-2-E-NC (PD4)
PD4-12024-2-E-NC (PD4)
PD4-12024-2-P-NC (PD4)
PD4-12024-2-P-NC (PD4)		 PD4-12024-4-E (PD4)
PD4-12024-4-E (PD4)
PD4-12024-4-P (PD4)
PD4-12024-4-P (PD4)
PD4-12024-4-E-NC (PD4)
PD4-12024-4-E-NC (PD4)
PD4-12024-4-P-NC (PD4)
PD4-12024-4-P-NC (PD4)		 PD4-12024A-8-E (PD4-A)
PD4-12024A-8-E (PD4-A)
PD4-12024A-8-P (PD4-A)
PD4-12024A-8-P (PD4-A) 		PD4-12024A-8-E-NC (PD4-A)
PD4-12024A-8-E-NC (PD4-A)
PD4-12024A-8-P-NC (PD4-A)
PD4-12024A-8-P-NC (PD4-A)

External control is indicated by the E and P at the end.　E: Ethernet P: Parallel
AC power cable will be included in the standard model. AC power cable will not be included in the model with "-NC" at the end.

Sequence

Turn lights on in desired pattern with sequence control function

Program up to 16 steps of ON input for a pattern of light emission.
For example, when using 4-quadrant bar lights or segmented lights to illuminate from multiple directions,
the emission patterns for each channel can be stored and switched ON / OFF by trigger input.

Turn lights on in desired pattern with sequence control function

Difference in lighting operation depending on trigger operation mode setting values

Program a maximum of 16 steps of ON input.
Sequence operation can be performed with multiple steps per trigger or 1 step per trigger.

■Limited function for PD4-A
  • In addition to lighting pattern, light intensity and lighting time can also be set in levels
  • Added function enabling change of lighting pattern implementation order and multiple implementations (up to 32 times)
  • Added mode enabling change of sequence numbers in trigger operation mode via trigger input
When the Set Value of the Trigger Operation : Mode Is 1-Trigger 1-Step Sequence Operation
Mode Is 1-Trigger 1-Step Sequence Operation
When the Set Value of the Trigger Operation : Mode Is 1-Trigger N-Steps Sequence Operation
Mode Is 1-Trigger N-Steps Sequence Operation
Sequence Control Application Examples: Imaging using photometric stereo method

The workpiece is illuminated and imaged in each direction.
It is possible to generate images that highlight only the unevenness or extract only the pattern by using the differences of each captured image.

Sequence Control Application Examples: Imaging using photometric stereo method
Character inspection of patterned tiles
Imaging using photometric stereo method　Character inspection of patterned tiles
By removing patterns and extracting unevenness,
it is possible to acquire images in which characters can be easily recognized.
Surface imaging on rubber products
Imaging using photometric stereo method　Surface imaging on rubber products
By enhancing the unevenness of the rubber product,
it is possible to acquire images in which characters can be easily recognized.
Heat seal inspection
Imaging using photometric stereo method　Heat seal inspection
Removes the pattern and halation and obtains information on the unevenness of the heat seal.

For details, see "Sequence Control" on page 10 of the operation manual.

Trigger Output Mode

Trigger signal can be output from the control unit

This function can be used as a trigger signal for the camera.
By simply setting the parameters of the PD4-A, it is possible to synchronize the lighting and camera.

■ Trigger Output Application Example

Trigger Output Application Example

■ Trigger Output Signal Connection Example

Trigger Output Signal Connection Example

*1 Setting time of the filter for noise suppression.

Recipes

Save lighting settings in a maximum of 8 recipes

Parameter settings such as intensity values for each channel and other inspection-specific parameter settings can be registered in advance, allowing for easy setting changes simply by recalling recipes.

Save lighting settings in a maximum of 8 recipes

Application

Application

It is possible to intuitively set various lighting parameters.

The PD4-A Series main unit is equipped with two modes: "Simple Mode", which focuses on basic functions such as intensity value and ON/OFF settings, and "Normal Mode".
The application with the same mode as the main unit will automatically start.

Simple mode
Application : Simple Mode

Basic lighting settings such as intensity value and lighting time, as well as trigger input assignments to lighting outputs, are possible.

Normal mode
Application：Normal Mode

In addition to the functions of the Simple Mode, all functions of the PD4-A Series can be configured, including sequence control, real-time monitoring functions, etc.

System Requirements: Windows10（64bit）、Windows11 / .NET Framework 4.8.1
* The application can be downloaded from "Product Lineup"
* This application is dedicated to the PD4-A Series. (Cannot be used with the PD4 Series.)

Communication function

PLCCOM Communication

Supports PLC link function for easy integration with PLCs

PLCCOM communication allows the product to be controlled by reading and writing memory areas on the PLC via Ethernet. Easy to install because there is no need to create a program specifically for the control unit.

Without PLCCOM Communication [For Conventional Control Units]

A program is needed to communicate with the control unit separately from the various lighting parameter settings.

Without
With PLCCOM Communication [For PD4/PD4-A]

Can be connected via the PLC function, so there is no need to build a communication program.

With PLCCOM Communication [For PD4]
PLCCOM Communication Specifications
For PLCs supporting MC protocol For PLCs supporting FINS commands
• Device : Data register
• Protocol : MC protocol for MELSEC-Q series
• Frame : 3E frame
• Transmission code : Binary
• Transport : TCP or UDP
• I/O Memory : DM Area
• Protocol : FINS Commands
• Transmission code : Binary
• Transport : TCP or UDP
• FINS node address :
　For the TCP setting, specify the address that is automatically
　assigned by the PLC. For the UDP setting, specify the 4th octet
　of the IP address of the Control Unit.
　(Eg. When the IP address is 192.168.0.123, specify 123.)
For details, see " 7.3 PLCCOM Communication Overview" of the operation manual.

USB Communication

Equipped with a USB connector to enable data communication with a PC while connected to external control devices

Various settings and operations can be verified via USB communication.
Use a USB cable with a ferrite core.

USB Connection Image

USB Connection Image

Options

Cable

Prong AC Power Cable with Ground Terminal (100-120VAC, 2m)
ACC-JIS-125-7-M4-2
Model name: ACC-JIS-125-7-M4-2

AC power cable will be included in the standard model.
AC power cable will not be included in the model with "-NC" at the end.
E.g. PD4-3024A-4-P (included)
PD4-3024A-4-P-NC (not included)

ACC-JIS-125-7-M4-2

Parallel Communication Cable (Sold Separately)
EXCB2-FX40-3

Parallel communication cable

EXCB2-FX40-3

Model name: EXCB2-FX40-3

Software Tools

Application Note

Application note: Use cases and technical explanation of the digital control unit "PD4-A Series"

Title Functional Classification Download Last Update
Sequence control that changes light intensity and lighting time in each step Sequence

CPAN0001

2025/3/7
Sequence control that operates two or more sequences simultaneously Sequence

CPAN0002

2025/3/7
Sequence control that executes each step in an arbitrary order Sequence

CPAN0003

2025/3/7
Individual lighting confirmation in sequence control Sequence

CPAN0004

2025/3/7
Multiple image inspections achievable with a single trigger input Sequence,
Trigger output

CPAN0012

 2025/3/7
Operation mode in trigger output Trigger output

CPAN0005

2025/3/7
Simple method for synchronizing with a camera using the trigger output function Trigger output

CPAN0006

2025/3/7
How to communicate with PLCs using the PLCCOM function
(Mitsubishi Electric PLC version)		 PLCCOM

CPAN0007

2025/3/7
PLC communication using the easy setup mode of the PLCCOM function PLCCOM

CPAN0008

2025/3/7
PLC communication using the easy setup mode of the PLCCOM function PLCCOM

CPAN0009

2025/3/7
How to communicate with PLCs using the PLCCOM function
(Panasonic PLC version)		 PLCCOM

CPAN0013

 2025/3/7
How to communicate with PLCs using the PLCCOM function
(Keyence PLC version)		 PLCCOM

CPAN0014

 2025/3/7
Functionality of the 'Simple mode' in the firmware switching function Firmware switching

CPAN0010

 2025/3/7
Method for confirming synchronization with a camera using the internal trigger function Internal oscillation function

CPAN0011

2025/3/7

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