In a broad sense, a programmable automation controller (PAC) is an industrial controller that combines the functionality of a PLC with the processing capability of a PC. The term “Programmable Automation Controller” is generally accepted as having been coined by the ARC Advisory Group, which specified five characteristics that define a PAC: Multi-domain functionality A […]
PLCs + PACs
IDEC introduces MicroSmart FC6A Plus PLC
IDEC Corporation announces the release of its MicroSmart FC6A Plus, a PLC with up to 2,060 local I/O. With its expanded I/O capacity, the FC6A Plus can control and monitor the largest machines or entire small-scale manufacturing facilities, a capability seldom found in a micro PLC. To ensure high-level performance with this expanded I/O count, […]
What are IEC 61131-3 and PLCopen?
The IEC (the International Electrotechnical Commission) is an international standards organization that publishes electrical and electronic standards. Hundreds of them, in fact; standardizing everything from letter symbols in electronics to medical equipment and railroad communication and signaling. Specifically, IEC 61131-3 is the standard for “Industrial-process measurement and control – programmable controllers.” It sets standards for […]
IDEC releases iOS and Android apps for PLC access
IDEC Corporation announces the release of its WindEDIT Lite app for iOS and Android devices, providing two-way access to its family of MicroSmart FC6A PLCs. The app provides much quicker, simpler and easier connection as compared to browser-based access. With the WindEDIT Lite app, users can monitor any PLC parameter, and change set points and […]
PLC basics video: Processor types, I/O modules, and programming
Programmable logic controllers — or PLCs — are microprocessor-based electronic components that serve as the programmable smarts for simple or isolated applications. Now they’re also finding increased use on integrated machines and more involved automation setups … PLCs came to being in the 1960s to replace relay-based controls — whole cabinets of relays and impressive […]
Pack Expo 2017: What we’re seeing come out of Vegas
This year’s Pack Expo had us running hard to get the big picture of the major trends in the industry — as well a survey of new technologies making a splash or even overlooked. Below is a summary of what’s hot. By the way, we just got news of another packaging-industry event from Industrial Pack […]
Schneider Electric Modicon M251 PLC for safety, flexibility, and efficiency
Schneider Electric is currently showing its smart machine setups for packaging at Pack Expo 2017 in Las Vegas. Schneider Electric’s smart machine setups are built on its Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled open and interoperable EcoStruxure system architecture and platform that deliver Innovation At Every Level, from connected products via edge control to applications, analytics and […]
What’s the difference between a machine automation controller (MAC) and a PAC?
Machine automation controllers (MAC) are relatively new to the industrial market. The new category of controller was introduced by Omron Industrial Automation as an expansion of the industrial controller concept, along a continuum from PLCs and PACs (programmable automation controllers) to new MACs. The main differentiating feature of a MAC versus a PAC is that […]
What is hot swapping in PLC systems?
For computer systems in general including PLCs, hot swapping refers to the process of adding or replacing components in a control system or a PLC without having to shut down power to the system. In a PLC, this typically refers to I/O modules that plug into the PLC chassis. For PLCs that don’t have hot […]
PLC called Do-more! controller leverages AutomationDirect programming software (with embedded help)
With the launch of the newest Do-more! controller, the BRX PLC, AutomationDirect released an enhanced version of the Do-more! Designer programming software. Do-more! Designer 2.0 has many new features added to improve programming efficiency. A new dashboard allows easy navigation to important features and functions … … but one of the more popular additions is […]
