Focus on PLCs and PACs

April 11, 2007
Every month, Control’s editors take a specific product area, collect all the latest, significant tools we can find and present them here to make your job easier. This month, we focus on PAC and PLC-based controllers.

BUILDING PACS WITH LABVIEW FPGA
This tutorial gives an overview of programmable automation controllers (PAC) when used as solutions for applications that require highly integrated analog and digital I/O, floating-point processing and seamless connectivity to multiple processing nodes. It discusses how to build custom I/O interfaces for applications using FPGA modules. National Instruments; 800/531-5066; http://zone.ni.com/devzone/cda/tut/p/id/3068

PLC TRAINING
This website gives the details of an online training program that will help users install, operate and troubleshoot PLCs. Offered by fully accredited colleges, the program can be started at any time and allows students to study at their own pace at home or at work. It includes free tutorial and technical support by phone and email. Online Tech Training; 888/553-5333; www.gbctechtraining.com


PLC COURSES
This website lists all Rockwell Automation/Allen-Bradley training classes and programs. There’s information on e-learning, tutorials, online study guides, self-study CD-ROMs, educational videos, home-study programs, J2EE application server certification and education, preparation, educational resources, professional training, computer courses, exam prep and instructor-led training. Rockwell Automation; 414/382-2000; www.training-classes.com/learn/_k/r/o/c/rockwell_automation/

UNDERSTANDING PACS
Whitepaper survey of programmable automation controllers (PAC). PACs blend the advantages of PLC-style deterministic machine or process control with the flexible configuration and enterprise integration strengths of PC-based systems. Illustrations give users a clear understanding of system configurations. Opto 22; 800/835-6786; www.opto22.com/ad/pac.aspx

VIDEO PLC TRAINING SITE
This video tutorial and training site is divided into major product categories. The site answers frequently asked questions on a wide range of automation topics from “Selecting a PLC” to “Building a Combination Manual Motor Starter.” Other topics include HMI and PLC software features, the basics of sensors, motors and motion control, and more. AutomationDirect; 770/889-2858; http://my.execpc.com/~icauto/

PACS TODAY
This whitepaper discusses the pros and cons of PACs versus PLCs and offers a migration path from PLCs to PACs. PACs offer one control engine and a universal programming environment, as well as portability across multiple hardware platforms. GE Fanuc; 800/GE-FANUC; www.gefanuc.com/en/whitepaper_archive/pacs_gft582.html

BOOK ON PLCS
This is a manuscript for an updated PLC-based control book that is currently used for teaching an undergraduate controls course, EGR 450 – Manufacturing Controls. The course and book feature topics such as PLC hardware, Boolean logic design, PLC operation, PLC memory, function-block programming and human machine interfaces. Claymore Engineer; 616/771-6755; www.claymore-engineer.gvsu.edu /

FREQUENTLY ASKED PLC QUESTIONS
This website answers frequently asked questions about programmable logic controllers.  It also leads to many programmable, controller-related links on subjects such as Visual Basic and C++, signal conditioning, hexadecimal conversion, and networking and communications. HTS High Tech Services; 919/467-1427; www.htservices.com

INTEGRATED ARCHITECTURE WEBSITE
This website offers a collection of resources about Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture. Contains sample code libraries, videos and DeviceNet tag generator tools to simplify selecting, designing and configuring control systems. Rockwell Automation; 414/382-2000; www.rockwellautomation.com/go/iatools