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86  Mentor MP User Guide
www.controltechniques.com                     Issue: 3
10      Onboard PLC
10.1      Onboard PLC and SYPT Lite
The Mentor MP has the ability to store and execute a 6kB Onboard PLC 
ladder logic program without the need for additional hardware in the form 
of a Solutions Module.
The ladder logic program is written using SYPT Lite, a Windows™ 
based ladder diagram editor allowing the development of programs for 
execution in SM-Applications Plus.
Advantages of SYPT Lite:
• SYPT Lite is designed to be easy to use and to make program 
development as simple as possible. The features provided are a 
sub-set of those in the SYPT program editor. 
• SYPT Lite programs are developed using ladder logic, a graphical 
language widely used to program PLCs (IEC 61131-3). 
• SYPT Lite allows the user to draw a ladder diagram representing a 
program. 
• SYPT Lite provides a complete environment for the development of 
ladder diagrams. Ladder diagrams can be created, compiled into 
user programs and downloaded to SM-Applications Plus for 
execution, via the RJ45 serial communications port on the front of 
the drive. 
• The run-time operation of the compiled ladder diagram on the target 
can also be monitored using SYPT Lite and facilities are provided to 
interact with the program on the target by setting new values for 
target parameters.
• SYPT Lite is available on the CD that is supplied with the drive.
10.2      Benefits
The combination of the Onboard PLC and SYPT Lite means that Mentor 
MP can replace nano and some micro PLCs in many applications. The 
Onboard PLC programs can consist of up to a maximum of 50 ladder 
logic rungs (up to 7 function blocks and 10 contacts per rung). The 
Onboard PLC program can also be transferred to and from a 
SMARTCARD for backup or quick commissioning / start-up.
In addition to the basic ladder symbols, SYPT Lite contains a sub-set of 
the function from the full version of SYPT. These include:
• Arithmetic blocks
• Comparison blocks
•Timers
• Counters
• Multiplexers
•Latches
• Bit manipulation
Typical applications for the Onboard PLC include,
• Ancillary pumps
• Fans and control valves
• Interlocking logic
• Sequences routines
• Custom control words.
10.3      Limitations
Compared with the SM-Applications Plus or SM-Applications Lite V2 
modules when programmed with SYPT, the Onboard PLC program has 
the following limitations:
• The maximum program size is 6080 bytes including header and 
optional source code.
• The Mentor MP is rated for 100 program downloads. This limitation 
is imposed by the flash memory used to store the program within the 
drive.
• The user cannot create user variables. The user is only able to 
manipulate the drive parameter set.
• The program cannot be downloaded or monitored over CTNet. The 
program is only accessible via the drives RJ45 serial 
communications port.
• There are no real-time tasks, i.e. the scheduling rate of the program 
cannot be guaranteed. SM-Applications Plus tasks such as Clock, 
Event, Pos0 or Speed are not available. 
• The Onboard PLC should not be used for time-critical applications. 
For time-critical applications either the SM-Applications Plus or SM-
Applications Lite V2 Solutions Modules should be used.
The program runs at a low priority. The Mentor MP provides a single 
background task in which to run a ladder diagram. The drive is prioritized 
to perform its major functions first, e.g. motor control, and will use any 
remaining processing time to execute the ladder diagram as a 
background activity. As the drive's processor becomes more heavily 
loaded, less time is spent executing the program.
Figure 10-1 Mentor MP Onboard PLC program scheduling
The user program is scheduled for a short period approximately once 
every 64ms. The time for which the program is scheduled will vary 
between 0.2ms and 2ms depending on the loading of the drive's 
processor. 
When scheduled, several scans of the user program may be performed. 
Some scans may execute in microseconds. However, when the main 
drive functions are scheduled there will be a pause in the execution of 
the program causing some scans to take many milliseconds. SYPT Lite 
displays the average execution time calculated over the last 10 scans of 
the user program.
The Onboard PLC and SYPT Lite form the first level of functionality in a 
range of programmable options for Mentor MP.
• SYPT Lite can be used with either the Onboard PLC or with SM-
Applications Lite V2 to create ladder logic programs.
• SYPT can be used with either the SM-Applications Lite V2 or SM-
Applications Plus to create fully flexible programs using ladder logic, 
function blocks or DPL script.
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12864
Time 
(milliseconds)
Major 
drive 
functions
User 
program