Add SuiteLink, DDE, or FastDDE to local or remote ControlLogix® Processors with the inRAx PC56-SLS module, available primarily through Wonderware distribution channelBAKERSFIELD, Calif., July 11, 2006 - The PC56-SLS in-rack PC with SuiteLink-DAServer for ControlLogix processors (PC56-SLS)is the first collaboration between ProSoft Technology and Wonderware. It was first initiated at the request of General Mills, a leader in food manufacturing with global net earnings in excess of 1.2 billion dollars in 2005. The scale of production for General Mills requires a highly efficient, reliable, and high-speed network, capable of maintaining tight control of this extensive and sophisticated operation.
The Prosoft Technology PC56-SLS can deliver this functionality because of its unique location directly in the ControlLogix chassis.For Wonderware users, connectivity directly into the backplane of the Allen-Bradley ControlLogix chassis is a cost-effective means for integrating the network with SuiteLink-compatible devices. “ProSoft’s new communication further enhances our company’s commitment to offering the most powerful and efficient device integration options for our mutual customers using ArchestrA technology on the Wonderware’s Software Platform,” said Thomas Muth, Directory Product Marketing for Wonderware.
Product Description
The PC56-SLS adds backplane connectivity to local or remote Rockwell Automation ControlLogix controllers to Wonderware's DAServer, creating a reliable connection by eliminating the need for costly middleware, simplifying installation and improving performance. The PC56-SLS is an efficient, distributed, and cost-effective solution that allows seamless access to tagged data from the ControlLogix Controller to a DAS Engine located in the module. The in-rack PC with SuiteLink is the ideal solution for users of Wonderware software who: require high tag count systems (2000-10,000 tags), want to implement a redundant data path, or would benefit from running distributed “Application Objects”.
Benefits of the in-rack PC with Wonderware SuiteLink-DAServer
- Improved reliability and performance: No middleware between client software and ControlLogix hardware
- Application Objects are run directly from the rack resulting in highly reliable applications
- Easy Hardware Redundancy by utilizing two PC56-SLS modules
- Easy-to-use configuration tools via Archestra SMC (Management Console), a graphical interface providing for configuration and diagnostic support.
- Because the PC56-SLS works exclusively with Wonderware SuiteLink, the module is primarily available for purchase through the Wonderware distribution channelGeneral features include:
- Provides data access to Wonderware clients such as InTouch
- Space saving, in-chassis, industrial hardware for ControlLogix
- Access to data from a ControlLogix PLC directly over the ControlBus backplane
- Ability to read tags from networked processors
- Supports multiple ControlLogix controllers either in the local rack or in remote racks connected via Ethernet or ControlNet (no network connection required for local processors)
- Can be added to new or existing ControlLogix PLCs without changing the control applicationProSoft Technology: Where Automation ConnectsProSoft Technology, Inc. specializes in the development of communication solutions compatible with the large automation supplier’s controllers such as Rockwell Automation and Schneider Electric.
The primary focus is to provide connectivity solutions that link dissimilar automation products.
ProSoft Technology’s offerings consist of four primary product families: Protocol and network connectivity modules known as inRAx for Rockwell Automation and ProTalk for Schneider Electric, stand-alone gateways, protocol converters, and wireless gateways known as ProLinx, and industrial serial and Ethernet wireless modules known as RadioLinx.
Over the last 16 years, ProSoft Technology’s product lines have grown to over 400 communication modules supporting more than 60 different protocols.
ProSoft Technology provides field-proven connectivity and communication solutions that bridge between various automation products as seamlessly as if they were all from the same supplier.
These connectivity options enable controller platforms to provide solutions in areas such as computing gas flow calculations and SCADA telemetry applications.
These solutions also enable interfacing to motor controls, drives and other devices in industries such as water/wastewater, power generation, oil & gas, machinery, packaging, and production.ProSoft Technology is committed to providing localized sales and support to customers worldwide.
Sales, application engineering and support services are provided internationally by over 500 distributors in 52 countries and served by Regional Area Offices in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia Pacific.All ProSoft Technology products come with a one year minimum warranty and unlimited technical support.
