Soft controller integrates HMI, Ethernet, fieldbus
A
Softing product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team
Jan 29, 2001
Softing's new PanelPC is a ruggedized PC-based platform using 4CONTROL automation software to provide a high performance 'soft' controller for process and factory automation.
Softing's new PanelPC is a ruggedized PC-based platform using 4CONTROL automation software to provide a high performance 'soft' controller for process and factory automation.
PanelPC integrates the controller, an HMI and Ethernet and fieldbus interfaces in one package and offers offer a complete, standalone and fully integrated automation solution.
A separate but integrated 4CONTROL engineering module is used for configuration.
PanelPC is a wall-mounting Industrial PC (IPC) incorporating a Windows NT CPU, an operator panel with 10", 12" or 15" touch screens, the 4C Control automation software including the 4C Engineering IEC61131-3 configuration tool for developing automation applications and the 4C Console integrated visualization (HMI) package.
PanelPC also includes Ethernet-TCP/IP interfacing for integration into end user networks and fieldbus interfaces and configurators for PROFIBUS.
With these features PanelPC is ideal for both horizontal and vertical integration into end user applications.
PanelPC has a 266MHz CPU, 64kbytes SRAM and battery backup for retained variables and therefore smooth restarting after a power failure.
Remote I/O, connected via a fieldbus, can be up to 2000 connected points.
Via the 4C Console package, PanelPC uses either an Internet Explorer browser or a Visual Basic visualization system.
For large scale applications, a full SCADA system such as Citect can be installed.
In addition, remote operation with web terminal functionality makes it possible to integrate online documentation and general Intranet applications.
Additional information is displayed via two status LED in the front panel for system supervision like 'CPU temperature high', 'PLC run/stop', etc.
For process interfacing, interface cards such as PROFIBUS are available in PC104 format.
PanelPC eliminates the need for separate system components such as a PLC in a local switch cabinet, assembly, cabling, a TCP/IP interface with network integration, an HMI, a fieldbus interface and serial connection to the operator panel.
As a result, PanelPC provides a cost-effective and powerful way to create localized automation solutions for manufacturing which can be easily integrated into higher level networks.
Softing, which is currently supported in UK by GGH Marketing Communications and Tom Ridley, an independent technical sales consultant, is in the process of setting up a UK operation by the early part of 2001.
Automation Products (01675 466658) of Coleshill, Birmingham, is already appointed as the first Softing distributor in UK.
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