- March 15, 2007
New SNAP PAC System™ I/O Processors Simplify Ethernet Networking and Design of Distributed, Remote I/O Systems Temecula, CA – March 14, 2007 – Opto 22 introduced the SNAP-PAC-EB1 and SNAP-PAC-EB2 I/O brains—high performance, networked I/O processors that make designing Ethernet-based remote, distributed I/O systems easier and more cost effective. These new brains are an integral part of the new, simplified SNAP PAC System, designed to make understanding, selecting, buying, and applying industrial automation solutions easier. Both the SNAP-PAC-EB1 and SNAP-PAC-EB2 feature dual, switched 10/100 Mbps Ethernet interfaces. This built-in two-port Ethernet switch design lowers network equipment costs by making it possible to build multi-drop I/O networks over standard Ethernet cable. Many industrial automation users are familiar with the multi-drop network configurations typically used in serial-based I/O networks. The ability to “daisy-chain” SNAP PAC System brains on Ethernet cabling is very similar. Because these new brains have a built-in switch and can be configured in this fashion, the need for external, standalone Ethernet switches is reduced, and lengthy cable runs associated with traditional star-configuration Ethernet networks are minimized. In line with Opto 22’s strategy to simplify selecting industrial automation equipment, the SNAP-PAC-EB1 and SNAP-PAC-EB2 brains consolidate the capabilities of seven previously offered Opto 22 brains—while adding new features. With just two choices, it is significantly easier for customers to choose the right I/O processor for their applications. For example, the SNAP-PAC-EB1 boasts hardware-driven, high-speed digital functions for counting, quadrature input, pulsing, latching, and more, making it ideal for the high-speed digital requirements found in applications like sequential logic, motion control, and robotics; the SNAP-PAC-EB2 does not offer high-speed features, but provides counting and latching in the brain’s software. Other than the high-speed digital functions, both SNAP PAC brains are identical, including features like distributed intelligence, Ethernet networking, multiple protocol support, and SNAP I/O module compatibility. Opto 22’s SNAP PAC brains are unique in the industrial automation marketplace. SNAP PAC brains include powerful processors that offload time-critical tasks from the host controller or PC. Functions such as counting, latching, thermocouple linearization, PID loop control, event messaging, scaling, engineering unit conversion, ramping, time-proportional outputs, and more are handled in the SNAP PAC brain. Ethernet networking with multiple simultaneous protocol support—Modbus/TCP, OptoMMP, FTP, TCP/IP, UDP/IP, SMTP, SNMP, and more—come standard. Finally, a SNAP PAC brain 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 brains will be available March 1, 2007. List pricing for the SNAP-PAC-EB1 is $645 USD, and the SNAP-PAC-EB2 is $425 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 simplicity, 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. About the SNAP PAC SystemOpto 22’s flagship SNAP PAC System combines PAC Project™ software, SNAP PAC controllers, SNAP PAC brains, and SNAP I/O™ into a completely integrated, easy-to-use system designed to simplify the typically complex process of solving automation, monitoring, and data acquisition problems. By combining hardware, software, training, and support, the SNAP PAC System dramatically reduces the time, effort, and cost required to understand, design, buy, apply, and maintain automation and control systems. Pre-sales consultation, product training, support, and documentation are all FREE of charge with the SNAP PAC System.