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Read the online version if links don't work in this Programmable Automation Controllers (PAC) Update. |
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May 2009 |
Sponsor: Opto 22 |
Wireless or Wired?
Make sure you address the issues:
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Security
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Performance and reliability
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I/O component availability and cost
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Upfront expense in money and time
Find out more: Download the free white paper from Opto 22
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Sponsor: GE Fanuc |
PACSystems High Availability Solutions
Built on a scalable, synchronized, hot-standby redundancy control platform, our PACSystems High Availability solutions ensure uninterrupted control of your applications and processes with total transparency to meet your needs for enhanced speed and performance, increased memory, built-in hardware redundancy and ease of use.
Click here for more information
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Sponsor: National Instruments |
PACs for Industrial Control, The Future of Control
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With a number of vendors producing Programmable Automation Controllers that combine the functionality of a PC and reliability of a PLC, PACs today are increasingly being incorporated into control systems. This white paper explores the origins of the PAC, how PACs differ from PLCs and PCs, and the future direction of industrial control with PACs.
View the white paper now
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| In this Issue |
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| Featured Articles |
PAC for Performance
Control Engineering Asia, April 2009
By David Hill and David Crum, Opto 22
Blending the best of PLC and PC technology in a single, versatile unit, the programmable automation controller (PAC) is increasingly being called upon to meet the complex demands of today’s industrial applications.
Fast-Tracking a Control System Retrofit
Power, April 2009
By Kevin Geraghty, PT Inco Indonesia
Upgrading a 1970s-era generator control system to Allen Bradley ControlLogix technology in 12 days during a three-week shutdown would require careful planning and teamwork under any circumstances. The quick replacement of the governor and control system at the PT Inco smelter’s hydroelectric generation system is even more impressive because the facility is located in the middle of an Indonesian jungle.
Battle Royal for Machining Center Control
Control Design, March 2009
By Jim Romeo
Where is CNC control architecture heading? Opinions differ. Some believe there is a clear trend in integrating advanced control into CNC machining. While CNC may still be the dominant choice, the use of PLCs, PACs and PC-based controls is becoming an increasingly visible consideration, often due to the need to integrate the machining center with other systems.
Perfect Packaging with PC Control
Control Engineering Europe, January 2009
Multivac employs PC-based control technology in all fully automated machines making thermoformers. At the core of the machine control systems are Beckhoff embedded PCs with Windows XP Embedded and TwinCAT automation software.
PLC Programming
Control, January 2009
By Dave Harrold
The three top reasons why RLL — Ladder Logic — remains the control language of choice of PLC users worldwide are – it’s easy to learn, robust to use and offers transparency across platforms.
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| Browse more articles and white papers on the Programmable Automation Controllers (PAC) portal. |
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| Other Product Announcements
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Search all Products by keyword, category, manufacturer or release date. |
| White Papers |
The Rise of the Programmable Automation Controller
By John Wilhite, Advantech
In the past decade, programmable automation computers have proved themselves, leveraged themselves on COTS hardware and software, and become rugged, reliable, versatile, and ubiquitous. Often it is not possible to tell the difference between a PLC and a PAC, from the outside. It is only when you get to see the advantages built into a PAC from the inside out that you can tell.
Is there one controller that can do it all?
By Bob Nelson, Siemens Energy & Automation
Complete analysis of PLC vs. PAC, along with other embedded and PC-based automation controllers. Evaluate new and existing controller technologies to save time and money.
Using Appliance Transaction Modules to Enable Tracking and Tracing
By Alex Cuningham, Online Development
Appliance transaction modules provide a simple, yet effective method to connect dissimilar devices, PLCs, PACs, controllers and computer systems for a wide variety of tracking and tracing applications. They enable the development of specific event-based, bidirectional transactions between different brands and types of products without programming. Intuitive screens in the setup utility, as well as drag and drop configuration, make startup fast and easy.
Using Intelligent SNAP I/O with Allen-Bradley Logix Systems
By Opto 22
Technical note introduces concepts to help add SNAP I/O to an A-B PLC system. It describes SNAP I/O, discusses explicit and implicit messaging, and provides some architectural details of implicit messaging, the more common method of communication.
New Generation Programmable Automation Controller
Brief white paper compares PLCs vs PACs and describes features and benefits of Ethernet Direct’s SME programmable automation controller (PAC).
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Browse more white papers on the Programmable Automation Controllers (PAC) portal.
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| Resources & Literature |
Video Demo Configures PAC-to-Computer connection
By Online Development
Video demo shows how eATM appliance transaction modules make it easy to bidirectionally exchange data between an Allen-Bradley ControlLogix PAC and an IBM, Microsoft or Oracle database.
PAC PODcast
By National Instruments
Brief introductory webcast introduces features and benefits of the National Instruments PAC platform. Learn how NI PAC technology can help optimize an existing automation system with advanced measurements, enhance the functionality of a PLC-based control system, or design a new machine control and monitoring system.
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Browse more resources and literature on the Programmable Automation Controller (PAC) portal.
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| Application Stories |
Automated Interface Solutions uses PAC for Polypropylene
By Opto 22
A polypropylene manufacturer called on system integrator AIS to help solve control and integration problems involving Measurex, Foxboro and Rockwell hardware. AIS installed an Opto 22 SNAP PAC to replace the Measurex I/O and communicate with the PLC and Wonderware HMI software.
Rockwell Automation controls Green Planet Farms food plant
PlantPAx process automation system manages more than 100 batch and continuous process phases. System includes HMI software, instrumentation and wireless equipment.
Full-color control in print
PACE, May 2009
Shepparton Newspapers tripled its color printing capacity, implemented a complete Rockwell Automation drive, ControlLogix, and integrated safety control system overhaul, and maximized plant uptime when it’s most needed--in the dead of night.
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Browse more application stories on the Programmable Automation Controllers (PAC) portal.
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| Featured Training |
Rockwell Automation RSTechED User Conference
June 21-26, 2009 Orlando, FL
Speakers and panelista will focus on helping attendees navigate the most challenging business climate in decades and use manufacturing data to overcome the economic downturn.
CoDeSys to hold User Conferences across Europe
Through June 2009
CoDeSys Users' Conferences on IEC 61131-3 programming will be held in Germany, France, Italy, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland and Netherlands.
Opto 22 Remote I/O for Allen-Bradley Logix seminar
Half-day technical seminar, hosted by Opto 22, shows how to add intelligent remote I/O to Allen-Bradley PLC/PAC systems without programming.
Online Training Courses
Training for PLCs, OSHA safety, electricians, infrared data surveys, troubleshooting, hazardous area installations and PC software. Visitors have access to pre-test, post-test and print certificates, Companies can set-up training objectives for their employees and all other SCORM/AIC compliant LMS functions. More than 5000 lessons ready to go.
Opto 22 introduces SNAP IO Learning Center
Learning Center provides all the hardware, software, and instrumentation required to learn how Opto 22 I/O can connect to and communicate with Allen-Bradley Logix systems.
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Browse more training and seminar opportunities on the Programmable Automation Controllers (PAC) portal.
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| Company & Organizational News |
ABB Q1 revenues steady despite economic challenges
ABB’s first-quarter 2009 revenues rose 3 percent to $7.2 billion while orders decreased by 3 percent to $9.2 billion.
SERCOS lll software now available without license fees
SERCOS III will be the first high performance real-time protocol which makes driver software available as source code, without any license fees and without any usage limitations.
Beckhoff increases turnover to 278 Million Euros in 2008
Beckhoff Automation closed the 2008 business year successfully with robust turnover growth of 20 percent.
PLCopen updates Compliance Testing & Certification specs
Specs for certification of IEC 61131-3 editors have been updated for the first time since 1998.
ARC says machinery automation market to reach $21.2 Billion
The market for AC Drives, PLCs, motion controls, CNC, and machine safeguarding was $18.0 billion in 2008 and is forecast to be over $21.2 billion in 2013.
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Browse more company and organizational news on the Programmable Automation Controllers (PAC) portal. |
| Featured Events |
ISA International Instrumentation Symposium
June 1-5, 2009 League City, Texas
The 55th annual ISA IIS covers electronic instrumentation, wireless technology, Cybersecurity, aerospace systems, process measurement and control, and more.
Sensors Expo & Conference
June 8-10, 2009 Rosemont, IL
The 2009 Conference Program will offer 18 tracks with an expanded focus on data acquisition, data analysis, wireless, M-2-M and communications.
Asean Industrial Automation
July 15-18, 2009 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Asean Industrial Automation is a leading trade event dealing with the Industrial Automation, Manufacturing Process, Control and Measurement Equipment & Technology.
Industrial Automation Show
November 3-7, 2009 Shanghai
Since its inception in 2003, Factory Automation ASIA has been successfully held three times. It has established itself amongst the most important platforms in the production automation industry in Asia.
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Browse more industry events on the Programmable Automation Controllers (PAC) portal.
Add an event to our calendar. |
I hope you enjoyed this Programmable Automation Controllers (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
Automation.com
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