Ultimate flexibility in industrial PC choice

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Aug 7, 2000

Rockwell Automation can supply a range of high performance PCs for use in demanding factory environments, built to customer specification from a wide range of options

Rockwell Automation is well known for its market leading Allen-Bradley brand of PLCs.

Now, with PC based control, a serious alternative to the PLC, many industrial users are also recognising the power and versatility of the proven range of Allen-Bradley industrial computers.

Rockwell Automation can supply a range of high performance PCs for use in demanding factory environments.

Their robust construction minimises the risk of downtime and certifications for industrial environments help assure reliability and long life.

Added to this, Rockwell Automation is committed to supplying world-wide Open Computer Platforms for the manufacturing and process industries.

Paul Herron, product manager industrial computers and displays, Rockwell Automation said, "The role of industrial computers in factory automation is changing and expanding.

The hardware and software technologies have evolved to allow for a wider, cost effective use of industrial computers in both HMI and Soft control solutions.

This is no longer a 'one-size-fits-all' product.

A winning strategy here must incorporate all the elements required by the user to support his current and future automation needs.

Rockwell Automation is uniquely positioned to do that.

No other single supplier can provide the world-class hardware, software, and communications products." All industrial computers are built to customer specification from a wide range of options and feature the latest high performance Intel processors.

Packaging and size is optimised for panelmount, rackmount, benchtop or tabletop mounting.

This offers highly flexible options for control cabinets, desks and machines.

The 19" Rackmount display-less version provides at least 5 PCI/ISA expansion slots to allow integration of industry standard networks, peripherals and various manufacturers expansion cards.

Other computers in the range use integrated displays, keypads, pointing devices and touch screen front panels, designed for operator interface applications.

Flexibility of hardware is one thing, being able to offer a scaleable operating system is another.

Designed to run Microsoft Windows based applications, computers can be supplied pre-loaded with a choice of Windows 95/98, NT 4.0 or Windows 2000.

A Windows CE variant will be available shortly.

Rockwell Automation expects that most of the applications for its industrial computers will be in the familiar areas of factory automation and process control.

They will also be used for data acquisition, building management and marine applications.

Now, engineers in the manufacturing and process environments can confidently select from the 'fit for purpose' range of industrial computers.

They provide the performance, versatility and reliability associated with the familiar Allen-Bradley name.