2025-04-28
The SMC Dialog Plus from Allen-Bradley is a smart motor controller series that delivers innovation, protection, and flexibility for a broad range of industrial applications. With advanced motor protection features, easy programmability, diverse networking capabilities, and robust solid-state reliability, the SMC Dialog Plus is engineered to control squirrel-cage three-phase AC induction motors rated from 1 to 1000A at 200–600V AC or 200–480V AC, operating at either 50Hz or 60Hz.
SMC Dialog Plus controllers also support resistive load applications and accept 24V DC/AC or 100–240V AC control power input, self-adjusting as needed based on the selected catalog number.
Standard Features
SCANport Communications
Every SMC Dialog Plus controller is equipped with a built-in SCANport, enabling seamless integration with optional Bulletin 1203 communication modules and 1201 Human Interface Modules (HIMs). SCANport supports multiple industrial protocols, including:
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Allen-Bradley Remote I/O (RIO)
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RS-422/232/485-DF1
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DeviceNet
This allows flexible network communication across a wide variety of plant architectures.
Power Metering
SMC Dialog Plus controllers offer powerful real-time monitoring with measurements for:
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3-phase Voltage (disabled during braking operations)
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3-phase Current (unavailable during slow speed/braking)
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Power Factor (displacement power factor, disabled during bypass)
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Motor Thermal Capacity Usage (monitored to prevent overload trips)
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kW (kilowatt) Power Usage
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kWH (kilowatt-hour) Energy Usage
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Elapsed Time
Note: kWH and elapsed time are saved automatically every 12 hours. For bypass configurations, a Bulletin 825 power converter module is needed to maintain measurements.
Integrated Protective and Diagnostic Features
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Electronic Motor Overload Protection: Programmable I²t thermal overload system with selectable trip classes (10, 15, 20, 30).
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Underload Protection: Adjustable from 0–99% of motor full load current, with 0–99 second delay settings.
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Overvoltage/Undervoltage Protection: Trip thresholds adjustable from 0–99%, with customizable delay periods to avoid nuisance trips.
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Jam Detection and Stall Protection: Configurable trip settings to protect against mechanical faults and blockages.
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Energy Saver Functionality: Automatically reduces voltage during light load operation to lower energy costs.
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Phase Rebalance: Monitors and corrects voltage imbalances to extend motor life (requires Bulletin 825 and 150-NFS accessories).
Auxiliary Contacts
Each controller includes three hard-wired auxiliary contacts:
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Aux Contacts 1 & 2: Programmable for Up-to-Speed/Normal.
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Aux Contact 3: Programmable for Fault/Normal.
User Interface and Programming
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Backlit LCD Display: Two-line, 16-character display organized into a four-level menu structure for fast parameter access.
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Five-Button Keypad: Intuitive programming using Select, Up, Down, Escape, and Enter buttons.
Modes of Operation
The SMC Dialog Plus offers five standard motor starting modes:
| Starting Mode | Description |
|---|---|
| Soft Start | Gradually ramps voltage from an adjustable initial torque (0–90% locked rotor torque) over 0.0–30.0 seconds. |
| Soft Start with Kickstart | Adds a 550% current pulse at startup to initiate difficult loads. |
| Full Voltage Start | Traditional across-the-line starting, reaching full voltage within ¼ second. |
| Dual Ramp Start | Two separate programmable Soft Start profiles for varying load conditions. |
| Current Limit Start | Limits inrush current to 50–600% of motor full load current, adjustable over 0.0–30.0 seconds. |
Control Options
The SMC Dialog Plus supports several additional control options (one per controller):
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Pump Control | Smooth acceleration/deceleration to minimize water hammer in centrifugal pumps. |
| Soft Stop | Programmable voltage ramp-down (0.0–60.0 seconds) for gentle stopping. |
| Preset Slow Speed | Provides forward/reverse slow-speed operation (7–20% of motor base speed). |
| Slow Speed with Braking | Combines slow jogging motion with braking torque for positioning. |
| SMB Smart Motor Braking | Microprocessor-based dynamic braking without external braking resistors. |
| Accu-Stop | Combines Preset Slow Speed and SMB Braking for precise positioning and soft stopping. |
Note: Control options must be specified at ordering, but upgrades are possible via control module replacement.
Why Choose the SMC Dialog Plus?
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Reliable performance across diverse industrial environments
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Advanced motor protection with customizable safety parameters
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Energy-saving operation without additional hardware
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Network-ready with SCANport communications and industrial protocol support
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Easy installation and setup with user-friendly LCD and keypad interface
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Flexible starting and stopping options to suit a wide range of motor control needs
Final Thoughts
The SMC Dialog Plus controller is a powerhouse for smart motor control, offering comprehensive motor protection, intelligent energy savings, and seamless system integration. Whether you're managing pumps, conveyors, fans, or specialized process equipment, the SMC Dialog Plus provides the flexibility, ruggedness, and ease of use that modern industrial operations demand.
Here at DO Supply, we carry a wide range of SMC Dialog Plus controllers available to ship today. Our knowledgeable team of sales and technical experts is ready to help you find the perfect model and configuration for your facility.
Need help selecting a SMC Dialog Plus or exploring the full Stratix line? Contact PLG Automation today:
Email: sales@plgautomation.com
Phone: 800-906-9271