Product category:
PCs and Embedded Systems
News Release from: BTR Controls | Subject: Dedicated controllers
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 20 January 2004
Dedicated controllers make economic
sense
There is a proven cost benefit to the OEM when a dedicated controller becomes a part of a product.
The control industry is experiencing a revolution in system architecture from one large specific application controller to distributed control Taking advantage of lower cost microprocessors and available network technology, control engineers have changed directions to a more economical system model
Distributed control produces lower wiring costs, provides less demand on one processor and allows for easily customised expansion of the system.
BTR Controls has taken this proven architecture to another level by offering this same distributed concept in a dedicated controller for any given machine, process or system.
There is a proven cost benefit to the OEM when a dedicated controller becomes a part of a product.
It is designed to provide specific control and information necessary only to that application.
Installation and maintenance are simplified because the OEM decides what parameters and functions are required.
The product becomes user friendly and customers become increasingly satisfied.
Dedicated controllers are not just a concept, but a proven fact experienced through thousands of installations worldwide.
In applications where the annual usage exceeds 100 units, a customised system becomes quite economical.
BTR has integrated an operator interface, industrial operators and distributed control technologies into one standard product customised to meet OEM needs.
The total system is based on two major components.
First there is the main panel containing a display, 22mm operators, keypad and microprocessor.
Secondly, a remote I/O board (or boards) contain smart modules in standardised packaging designed to meet exact specifications.
The main panel functions as a human interface and contains the main control processor.
It is designed to meet Nema 4X specifications and is easily mounted in a standard control enclosure.
The processor has Flash memory for quick software updates, allowing for immediate changes to either production or installed products.
Modbus communications provide a network for the remote smart modules or other customer-defined components.
The available displays are a 2 x 20 backlit LCD or a new graphics capable vacuum fluorescent.
Other indicating options include illuminated 22mm operators or audible alarm.
Up to 12 buttons for the keypad and up to six 22mm operators plus an emergency stop are available as part of the standard design.
Any configuration beyond these limitations can be accommodated in a custom design.
A customer specific graphic overlay truly makes this a dedicated control system.
The remote plug-in smart modules are designed to customer specifications.
Each one contains a microprocessor, programmable LED and pushbutton for each channel and custom graphic overlay.
The main power supply for the entire system is also a smart module and can have up to four I/O channels.
Standard designs include four inputs, four outputs, analogue input, analogue output, thermocouple or encoder.
Custom function modules including proprietary options are also available to meet specific customer requirements.
The associated motherboard has two RJ45 connections for communications (optional six-pole terminal blocks for hardwiring), two two-pole terminal blocks for service voltage, six-pole terminal block for each smart module and a four-terminal block for emergency-stop connections.
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