Reliable, integrated networking/control/monitoring

The Open Network Controller is a revolutionary, compact industrial computer that combines Omron's powerful industrial messaging service with a tremendous capability for integrating control systems

In order to optimise investment in Business systems such as ERP and MRP, and to truly realise the benefits that e-manufacturing can offer, the provision of flexible and powerful interfaces between commerce and production areas is absolutely essential.

However, many control applications never provide information to a company's enterprise systems because they lack the capability of moving data through their own industrial networks, and do not provide suitable interfaces between these environments.

The unique and innovative Open Network Controller from Omron is a tool and resource that solves this problem.

The ONC is a revolutionary, compact industrial computer that combines Omron's powerful industrial messaging service (FINS) and application software with a tremendous capability and flexibility for integrating industrial control systems.

Its openness provides users and integrators with a new cost-effective platform for integrating all types of manufacturers' industrial automation networks into ERP/MES and SCADA systems; it also enables web monitoring of control information and can act as a primary controller all at the same time.

One powerful function of Omron's Open Network Controller is that of an industrial real time data server to enterprise applications.

Combining the power of Omron's middleware (FINS Gateway) and a real time QNX operating system, the Open Network Controller can serve as a communications gateway for the entire plant floor to other information systems for both Omron and non-Omron products The Open Network Controller dramatically reduces the time and cost required to establish and maintain communications because connections between various devices in DeviceNet, serial or Ethernet industrial automation networks can be made without programming by using the FINS Gateway single interface, regardless of which communication network is being used.

The Open Network Controller also has the powerful ability to host web applications running on its embedded web server.

The Open Network Controller's web server function provides for interactive remote monitoring, setting and maintenance through a web browser, using either Java or ActiveX programming.

The Open Network Controller guarantees reliable information exchange between industrial automation equipment and plant information systems.

In addition, the Open Network Controller has the capability to be used as an industrial controller by installing either Omron's SYSMAC Board PLCs into its 1/2 slot ISA bus, using a third party Soft-Logic Controller or by writing C or C++ applications to run on the QNX platform.

Combining these control options with the Open Network Controller's ability to gather and distribute data provides manufacturers a new solution for solving complex control and information problems on the plant floor.

Built for harsh industrial environments, the Open Network Controller meets noise and vibration requirements of any typical industrial controller.

Also, because the QNX real time operating system requires so few computer resources to run its system, there are no parts to fail, such as fans and disks.

Its compact size allows for installation in almost all sites and existing control panels.

As added extra capability, the Open Network Controller features an open ISA slot that can use both Omron and non-Omron communication cards.

The Open Network Controller is available with or without DeviceNet and with or without a spare ISA slot.

There is also a version to connect directly to the backplane bus of the CS1 range of PLCs, providing data exchange at very high speeds.

Future built in network support is also planned for ControlNet and Profibus.

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