Radical new Windows NT-based PC control package

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Oct 24, 2000

4Control is a Web-aware, Windows NT-based PC control package that provides Configuration, Control, Console and Connectivity functionality for applications in process, factory and building automation.

A brand new force in the UK for PC-based control and automation intends to make a big 'splash' during its first UK Trade Show appearance, at FieldComms this year.

Munich-based Softing is demonstrating its radical new PC-based control package - called '4Control' - as the centrepiece of its booth.

Softing will also be delivering a paper on the use of Ethernet at the FieldComms Conference and another on communications in the separate Profibus conference.

4Control is a Web-aware, Windows NT-based PC control package that provides Configuration, Control, Console and Connectivity functionality for applications in process, factory and building automation.

The unique set of 'four' functions (more below) offers rich opportunities for flexible-architecture plant floor automation, and simplified vertical data integration with Ethernet TCP/IP (IT) and Internet domains.

Using 4Control, automation users can easily implement customised 'local area' distributed control architectures into 'wide area' network operations within one plant or spanning several plant locations, and implement Web-based management services.

Integration with production management systems such as SAP R/3 has been proven at a number of sites.

One common PC-based platform ensures that familiar software and hardware is used, reducing hardware and training costs.

A library of Function Blocks for Building Automation is available and a Pharmaceutical library is under development.

The intention is to build these and other industry-specific libraries to provide ready-to-use components for end users.

Library components are also available for system and network operations for File Management and Database access.

Open standard technologies such as IEC 61131-3 and OPC are used.

4Control uses a standard Windows NT kernel, guaranteeing compatibility with all common Windows software and allowing error-free use of 4Control with other systems - e.g SCADA - on the same PC.

Determinism is addressed through the networking capabilities of PROFIBUS.

Since 4Control uses Java (also as a programming language) exception handling, for eliminating divide-by-zero weaknesses, and the absence of stacks and stack pointers, provide exceptional stability.

"It's a solid as a brick" was one comment made during recent UK product demonstrations.

4Control was launched about 18 months ago in Germany and is now used in 200 installations in Europe (mainly Germany).

A 4Control installation runs control programs on any NT-based PC, using distributed I/O to connect to the field.

To answer the demands for dedicated hardware, Softing also offers NT-based PanelPCs with touch screen, and FieldPCs with integrated fieldbus cards to connect to the field.

Softing is the Munich-based supplier of fieldbus protocol software and board-level communications products.

For nearly 20 years it has been providing the automotive industry with customised electronics modules and is at the centre of fieldbus software developments.

Softing has also developed engineering and control tools for well-known industry majors.

It has created its own PC-based automation package - 4Control - and is now establishing a company to market and support this in UK.

The company should be active and fully staffed by year end.

Marketing support is currently being provided by GGH Marketing Communications from their Titchfield offices, with sales and technical support through independent consultant Tom Ridley.