Product category:
Stepper and Servo Drives, Motors, Controls
News Release from: Rockwell Automation | Subject: SoftLogix 5800 software
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 03 August 2001
PC systems now reliable enough for
motion control
SoftLogix 5800 software offers reliable motion control from a PC, with super-fast control, single point programming and major reductions in panel space requirements
Rockwell Automation is introducing motion capabilities of SoftLogix 5800 software to offer reliable motion control from a PC Using the capabilities of the new motion interface card (Allen-Bradley 1756 PM02E), it provides super-fast control, single point programming and major reductions in panel space requirements
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 8 Aug 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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Until now, PC based systems have not been considered reliable enough for use with motion control systems that are normally used in critical applications.
Now, the combination of Windows NT4, SoftLogix and the new interface card, the problem is solved.
The secret lies in using the interface card as the interrupt master.
Clearly, the processing power of modern computers offers formidable power at modest cost - perhaps 30 times quicker than the fastest equivalent hardware based motion solution.
And every time the engineers from the major PC chip manufacturers release a faster processor, the benefits are increased.
Enhanced processing power also offers a range of possibilities for the motion engineer, such as the ability to show movie clips of how the machine should run on an HMI, for example, de-skilling the operation of the ultimate machine.
Single point programming via the PC avoids the need to use different software and work independently on the PLC, HMI, Servo and other components of the system.
It also gets over the problem of different engineers only understanding particular parts of the system.
For OEMs the major attraction will be the reduction in panel space requirements.
As well as requiring fewer physical units, SoftLogix for Motion reduces their size making it much easier to distribute them around the system.
Those wishing to continue with traditional motion control solutions will still find that Rockwell Automation offers the best choice of modern sophisticated products.
Those wishing to try an alternative solution now have the ideal option. Request a free brochure from Rockwell Automation ...
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