- October 16, 2007
Temecula, CA – October 16, 2007 – Opto 22 released SNAP-PAC-SB1 and SNAP-PAC-SB2, serial-based I/O processors (or “brains”) used for serial I/O networking and performing local control for the company's SNAP I/O.The SNAP-PAC-SB1 and SNAP-PAC-SB2 serial brains offer an RS-485 serial interface between SNAP PAC System programmable automation controllers (PACs) and analog, digital, serial, and special purpose SNAP I/O modules. These new serial brains can coexist with Ethernet-based brains in a SNAP PAC System, offering more options for I/O network design without impacting control strategy design. When used with the jointly released PAC Project 8.1, these serial brains enable a distributed control architecture—unique to Opto 22 SNAP PAC systems—where control functions are distributed to and executed at the I/O level. These functions include PID loop control, analog scaling, thermocouple linearization, digital counting and latching, analog clamping, alarming, event reactions, waveform generation, ramping, pulse generation, and totalization.“The SNAP-PAC-SB1 and SNAP-PAC-SB2 fill a newfound need in the automation industry for control system architectures that require both Ethernet and serial I/O networking, along with distributed control, all under a single integrated development environment,” says Opto 22 CEO Mark Engman.The SNAP-PAC-SB1 brain offloads tasks from a host PAC controller like counting, quadrature input, pulsing, and latching through custom application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), making it ideal for projects that include high-speed sequential logic, motion control, and robotics. The SNAP-PAC-SB2 offers software-based counting and latching. Both brains can address a mix of up to 512 points of analog, digital, serial, and special-purpose I/O on a single rack.The SNAP-PAC-SB1 is available now at a list price of $555 USD, and the SNAP-PAC-SB2 is available at a list price of $475.00 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.