FlexiMod – Customization within a Standard Module

FlexiMod offers a simple concept for integrating application-oriented solutions in electrohydraulics, combining the availability benefits of standard solutions with the individuality of custom designs. 

Under the guiding principle “Parameterizing instead of programming,” W.E.St. Elektronik GmbH simplifies the implementation of customer-specific functions based on a standard device series, for which the script-based FlexiMod concept was developed. It adds a flexible layer to a fixed core of control and hardware-related functions, making it extremely easy to use and requiring minimal programming knowledge. 

In the basic configuration, all process and setpoint signals are read in and, depending on the version, output to the driver stage or analog outputs. The actual signal processing function can be freely defined in the script. No programming skills or experience with common PLC programming languages are required. The script editor is clearly structured in rows and columns, where each row represents the result of an operation and the columns define the input signals. These are processed cyclically from top to bottom.  

The script environment provides all logical operators, timing functions, mathematical operators, and several special functions. This allows for the generation of simple signals like a sawtooth waveform or the implementation of more complex tasks such as oscillating drives for cylinders.  

We also offer variants that come with basic functionality pre-installed, such as positioning control. To shorten development time, users can make individual adjustments directly within this framework without having to implement the core function from scratch. 

The WestScript scripting environment is available as a free download and supports both online and offline configuration. A convenient feature is the integrated oscilloscope, which allows users to simulate signal behavior during implementation to validate and adjust functionality before commissioning 

The hardware architecture of the new series offers higher processing power, ensuring that even script-based applications maintain a cycle time of no more than 1 ms. It is platform-based and uses existing expansion modules, meaning FlexiMod derivatives are available off-the-shelf in various configurations – e.g., with or without power output stages or network interfaces. The base module includes analog and digital I/Os that can be flexibly configured via script for process and setpoint signals, often eliminating the need for additional controllers or I/O units. 

Custom solutions are often commissioned from component manufacturers or require extensive PLC programming. Both approaches involve significant time, cost, and expertise, typically taking months. In contrast, script development with FlexiMod can be completed in days or just a few weeks. W.E.St. Elektronik offers services to develop scripts tailored to customer applications or to support users in doing so. It’s also possible to receive an OEM version with the custom configuration already onboard at delivery. 

Thanks to the adaptability of devices with the FlexiMod Engine, they become a kind of Swiss Army knife for various tasks. For example, they can serve as functional replacements for control units during machine upgrades or repairs, faithfully replicating previous functionality. 

A key advantage for system integrators and machine builders is that multiple configurations can be covered with just a few catalog numbers, allowing integration into different system or machine variants. At the same time, logistics for procurement and inventory are simplified, as only one hardware base needs to be stocked instead of multiple derivatives.ür Systemintegratoren und/oder Maschinenbauern zu Gute kommt, ist dass mit nur wenigen Katalognummern verschiedene Konfiguration abgebildet werden können, die in unterschiedliche Varianten ihrer Systeme/Maschinen integriert werden. Gleichzeitig wird die Logistik rund um die Beschaffung und Lagerhaltung einfacher, da nur eine Hardwarebasis anstelle von unterschiedlichen Derivaten bereitgehalten werden muss. 

The first devices featuring the FlexiMod Engine are the fully configurable modules DSG-112-U (with analog outputs) and DSG-112-P (with power output stage) for direct control of valve solenoids.