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Read the online version if links don't work in this Programmable Automation Controller (PAC) Update. |
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April 2008 |
Sponsor: Opto 22 |
What are PACs?
Want to learn about PACs? Watch our newest OptoMinute videos. You'll learn all about rack-mounted PACs, flowchart-based control programming, and HMI development & runtime software. And while you're at it, check out these other videos, too:
- Case studies highlighting PACs in process, OEM, and monitoring applications
- Quick tutorials on programming PACs
- Steps for building HMIs and linking to databases
Watch PAC videos now.
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Sponsor: GE Fanuc |
PACSystems RX3i CPU320
The PACSystems RX3i CPU320 incorporates the Intel 1 GHz processor to provide unprecedented speed and performance. Key features include 64Mbytes of user memory, two built-in communication ports, configurable data and program memory. The CPU320 excels in applications where the processing power of the controller is pushed to the limit.
Click here to learn more.
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| Featured Articles |
XML Control Logic Standard Gains Acceptance as Digital Factory Interface
By Bill Lydon, Managing Director, PLCopen North America
Open non-proprietary interface allows users to pick the best of breed production hardware and software including PLC, PAC, PLM, modeling, and simulation software to make virtual design and production simulation a reality.
Understanding Programmable Automation Controllers (PACs) in Industrial Automation
By Opto 22
This white paper describes the advent of the programmable automation controller (PAC) and its use in modern industrial applications.
PACs Gain Momentum
Automation World, February 2008
By Wes Iversen
While not everyone likes the name, a new generation of programmable automation controllers that feature multi-domain control functionality are helping to reduce costs for a growing number of manufacturers.
Distributed Control Systems Vendors Respond to PAC Questions
Automation World, February 2008
By Wes Iversen
Are PACs displacing DCSes? Here’s what four DCS vendors have to say about that.
Controllers evolve as information needs grow
Control Engineering, February 2008
By Lee Lane, Rockwell Automation
Controllers have evolved over the years from relay boards that automate a machine to the tag-enabled multidisciplined controllers today. As an information-enabled controller, PACs will continue to evolve along with the information systems executives find useful.
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Browse these and more articles and white papers on the Programmable Automation Controller (PAC) portal.
| | Resources & Literature |
Latest Version of EMC2 Available for free download
EMC2 is a software system for computer control of machine tools such as milling machines, cutting machines, robots, hexapods, etc. EMC2 is free software released under the terms of the GNU GPL (General Public License). EMC2 is a descendent of the original EMC software, which is in the Public Domain.
Opto 22 Support Blog Answers Questions
Opto 22 users can go to this blog and see the latest fixes to hardware and software. By subscribing, customers can ask questions.
Schneider Electric opens Industrial Solutions Center
ISC provides solutions, engineering support, consulting and project management services to manufacturers and industrial customers.
Schneider Electric launches OEM technology and solutions center
TASC provides a dedicated team of specialists from multiple disciplines who serve as a single-point resource for technical and application support.
OptoVideo: PAC-Based Motion Control
Four-minute video shows how to use SNAP PAC System Motion Control with the G4 Handler. It shows how motion control, digital and analog control, and data acquisition are all handled by one PAC programmable automation controller
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Browse these and more resources and literature on the Programmable Automation Controller (PAC) portal.
| | Application Stories |
Hot oil, cool control
Intech, April 2008
By Ellen Fussell Policastro
Austral Pacific Energy in New Zealand installed programmable automation controllers to provide capabilities of a traditional DCS system, and manage thousands of discrete, process, and safety I/O points using a single platform.
Crush control optimizes wine production
Control Engineering, March 2008
the Clos du Bois winery in California replaced analog machine controls on its grape press system with a centralized PAC control architecture that governs the entire system, from the conveyors to the pumps.
FlavourCraft standardises on Beckhoff Automation
SA Instrumentation & Control, February 2008
By Andrew Ashton
The Beckhoff choice allowed FlavourCraft the flexibility to build both small and large systems with the same components and programming languages. They use Beckhoff I/O, Profibus, OPC, PACs and PLCs.
Optical Fibers Need Critical Process Control
Control Engineering, January 2008
By Kelly Downey, Opto 22
Lumenyte, a fiber optics manufacturer, is using Opto 22 Snap PAC systems to control and monitor a host of equipment used in the manufacturing of its plastic optical fibers, including levels, flows, temperatures, and pressures in a process using more than 35 various sensor inputs.
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Browse these and more application stories on the Programmable Automation Controller (PAC) portal.
| | Featured Training |
FREE Training on Opto 22’s SNAP PAC System
Opto 22 offers FREE SNAP PAC System training classes held at company headquarters in Temecula, California. The four-day, hands-on class provides an overview of Opto 22’s simple answer to complex automation problems.
Basic Training - Cybersecurity Style
Control, March 2008
By Dan Hebert
Four experts give advice on how to learn more about cyber security.
Make2Pack Training Session at Packaging Automation Forum
May 19-20, 2008 Chicago, IL
OMAC will provide a half day training session for attendees on May 19 at 1:00 p.m. The session will include a Make2Pack Workshop and a Hands-on Connect-and-Pack Demonstration.
Programmable Automated Controllers with Embedded Technology
On-demand webcast covers machine diagnostics, advanced sensing techniques, and custom control algorithms. Learn about new technologies available for advanced measurement and control systems based on programmable automation controllers (PACs).
OPC and DCOM - free video training
OPC Training Institute (OPCTI) has published a free 6-part video on setting up DCOM for use with OPC. Titled "OPC & DCOM: 5 Things you need to know", the videos can be streamed from the OPCTI site (where you'll also find a whitepaper), or downloaded from Google Video.
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Browse these and more training and seminar opportunities on the Programmable Automation Controller (PAC) portal.
| | Product Announcements | | |
Browse these and more Product Announcements on the Programmable Automation Controller (PAC) portal.
Search all Products by keyword, category, manufacturer or release date. | | Company & Organizational News |
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GE Fanuc acquires machine safety assets From MTL
GE Fanuc will acquire MTL Open Systems Technology (MOST) product lines including the MTL8000 I/O, intrinsically safe I/O, SafetyNet system, and process control technologies.
PLCopen revives TC6 - XML
PLCopen TC6 first published its XML schema and documentation in June 2005 as version 1.01. After feedback from companies starting to implement this specification, it's been revised.
PLCopen Releases Safety Specification User Guidelines
The PLCopen Technical Committee 5 (TC5) Safety Software User Guidelines is a reference for control people implementing safety control systems.
Omron opens regional headquarters in Mexico
The office will provide sales, technical support, and training for Omron industrial automation customers across Mexico.
ABB reports $29.2 billion in revenue in 2007
ABB's net income increased to a record $3.8 billion in 2007 from $1.4 billion a year earlier as markets remained strong and further operational improvements were made.
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Browse these and more company and organizational news on the Programmable Automation Controller (PAC) portal.
| | Application News |
Opto 22 upgrades Ballarat Health Services facility controls
By Opto 22
Ballarat Health Services is upgrading its older Opto 22 faciltity controls, an installed base of 17 controllers and 2700 I/O points, to new Opto 22 Mistic and SNAP Ethernet I/O modules, brains, and controllers.
Rockwell Automation supplies drives and controls to SCA Tissue
Rockwell Automation will supply PowerFlex 700S drives, ControlLogix master control and an HMI for SCA's new tissue machine in Barton, AL.
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| Browse these and more application news on the Programmable Automation Controller (PAC) portal. |
| Featured Events |
Embedded Systems Conference
April 14-18, 2008 San Jose, CA
Attracts the industry’s engineers and engineering managers, media and technology analysts, executives, financial analysts, venture capitalists, and many of the largest hardware and software companies.
ISA International Instrumentation Symposium
May 5-8, 2008 Pensacola Beach, Florida
The 54th annual ISA International Instrumentation Symposium will include paper sessions, short courses, tutorials, and a student presentation competition.
Automatica 2008
June 10-13, 2008 Munich, Germany
Displays the latest in robots, assembly and handling technology, machine vision and associated technologies in five trade fair halls.
2008 Siemens Automation Summit
July 23 -25, 2008 Chicago, IL
The 2008 Siemens Automation Summit has presentations from industry experts and analysts, and customer case histories which detail the benefits of Siemens products.
ISA International Instrumentation Symposium
May 5-8, 2008 Pensacola Beach, Florida
The 54th annual ISA International Instrumentation Symposium will include paper sessions, short courses, tutorials, and a student presentation competition.
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| Browse more industry events on the Programmable Automation Controller (PAC) portal.
Add an event to our calendar.
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| I hope you enjoyed this PAC update. If you have any comments or suggestions regarding the content in this e-newsletter or on Automation.com, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Rick Zabel
Vice President, Publisher
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