- October 08, 2007
Temecula, CA – October 8, 2007 – Opto 22 released the SNAP-PAC-S2, a standalone, multi-serial port, dual Ethernet interface programmable automation controller (PAC) and the newest addition to the company’s SNAP PAC System of software, controllers, brains, and I/O. The industrially hardened, compact SNAP-PAC-S2 has four serial ports, each of which is fully configurable for either RS-232 or RS-485 serial communication, making it ideal for connecting to machines, devices, instrumentation, I/O subsystems, and other equipment with serial interfaces - including weigh scales, vibration monitors, RFID and barcode readers, display terminals, and printers. An RS-232 Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) modem connection for communication over leased lines, radios, and cellular networks is also supported. In addition to its four configurable serial ports, the SNAP-PAC-S2 also features two 10/100 Mbps Ethernet interfaces for host and I/O communication over Ethernet networks. These two independent interfaces can be used to create dual Ethernet networks for segmenting I/O and host traffic, or to design redundant Ethernet links for critical applications. “The six communications ports built into the SNAP-PAC-S2 clearly place it at the head of the industry and make it perfect for today’s hybrid applications, where serial networking and communications - combined with digital and analog signal processing, PID loop control, data acquisition, motion control, and other control system functions - are often required,” says Opto 22 CEO Mark Engman. Well-suited for deployment in any Opto 22 distributed control system architecture, this new SNAP PAC S-series controller is also ideal for existing Opto 22 customers seeking to upgrade older, serial-based Opto 22 control systems that utilize mistic controllers (forerunners to today’s PACs). Combined with PAC Control Professional - programming software for the SNAP PAC System controllers - and its ability to import control strategies from older FactoryFloor-based control programs, the SNAP-PAC-S2 provides the multiple serial ports longstanding Opto 22 customers require as they seek to migrate to newer, more powerful controllers, while keeping their field wiring and I/O intact. Other SNAP-PAC-S2 features include a 32-bit multitasking processor with floating point unit, 32 MB of RAM, 16 MB of flash memory, and 8 MB of battery-backed RAM. The controller supports multiple communication protocols, including TCP/IP, SNMP, FTP, Modbus/TCP and OptoMMP, and free developer toolkits add support for Data Highway, Modbus ASCII, and Modbus RTU. The controller is capable of multitasking up to 32 PAC Control flowcharts simultaneously.The SNAP-PAC-S2 is available now at a list price of $1495 USD.About Opto 22Opto 22 develops and manufactures hardware and software for applications involving industrial automation and control, remote monitoring, and data acquisition. Opto 22 products use standard, commercially available networking and computer technologies, and have an established reputation worldwide for ease of use, innovation, quality, and reliability. Opto 22 products are used by automation end-users, OEMs, and information technology and operations personnel. The company was founded in 1974 and is privately held in Temecula, California, USA. Opto 22 products are available through a worldwide network of distributors and system integrators.