Product roundup: PLCs, PACs and PCs proliferate

Restful API on PAC enables IIoT

SNAP programmable automation controllers (PAC) have gained what's reported to be an industry-first RESTful API to close the IT/OT gap, and enable rapid Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) development. The API provides developers with secure, programmatic access to physical assets through control variables and I/O data using any programming language that supports JavaScript Object Notation (JSON). The API is available via a free, updated firmware release for SNAP PACs.

Opto 22 / 951-695-3000

Wide-screen, multi-touch PCs

BasicLine (BL) flat-panel monitors (FPM) have wide screens and multi-touch functions, and handle ambient temperatures of -10 °C to 60 °C. All monitors are equipped with a VGA, DVI-I and DisplayPort interface. They're available in three screen sizes: 39.6 cm (15.6 in.), 47 cm (18.5 in.), and 54.6 cm (21.5 in.) BL FPM's projective-capacitive, 10-point touchscreen supports operation based on gesture. Besides a scratch-resistant glass surface, all monitors have IP65 front rating (IP20 back) and integrated VESA 100 mounting.

Phoenix Contact / 800-322-3225

More accuracy, capacity

Allen Bradley CompactLogix 5380 controller provides more precision, connectivity and up to 20% more capacity than previous versions. When combined with the new Allen-Bradley Bulletin 5069 Compact I/O system, its scheduled outputs improve I/O response time to as fast as 0.2 milliseconds, while event triggers from the I/O modules provide near-instant task execution. CompactLogix 5380 has a dual-configurable, 1-gigabit Ethernet port that supports device-level-ring (DLR) or use of multiple IP addresses.

Rockwell Automation

I/O into field logic control

Argee technology added to Turck's multi-protocol Ethernet I/O components lets manufacturers add logic to compatible I/O devices without a PLC, driving down the cost per I/O point and increasing flexibility in control. This turns the I/O devices into field logic controllers (FLCs) for more flexible, cost-effective control. These devices can be used on any Profinet, Modbus TCP or EtherNet/IP platform, and include the TBEN-L/TBEN-S on-machine block I/O, BL compact on-machine flexible block I/O, and FEN20 in-cabinet block I/O.

Turck / 800-544-7769

Turns PCI's into HMIs

EZ SoftHMI is an affordable HMI software package built on EZTouch programming software that turns any computer into a fully capable HMI platform with unlimited tags or screens. EZ SoftHMI comes with serial and Ethernet drivers to most PLCs. It can also “bridge” two PLC protocols, so if users have two different PLCs, they can talk to both simultaneously with the same EZ SoftHMI application, and they can also have the two PLC processors exchange data through the EZ SoftHMI program.

EZAutomation / 877-774-EASY (3279)

More analog, discrete modules

Productivity2000 programmable controllers have added low-cost discrete and analog input and output modules. New AC and DC discrete I/O modules include eight-point, 100-120 VAC input and output modules; eight and 15-point, 3.3-24 VDC input and output modules; and high-density, 32-point, 12-24 VDC input modules. Also, 12-bit, low-resolution, four-channel, current and voltage analog I/O modules are available. Pre-wired ZipLinks eliminate hand-wiring.

AutomationDirect / 800-633-0405

Safe thin client for virtual HMIs

BTC01 standalone, thin-client computer for virtualized HMI systems is certified for Class I, Div. 2 locations. It comes preloaded with the company's proprietary, embedded operating system and VisuNet remote monitor (RM) Shell 4 software, or can be purchased ready for ACP ThinManager. The software enables a touchscreen user interface, advanced security features and Windows Embedded Standard 7. Eliminating internal moving parts allows a safe operating temperature range between -200 °C and 600 °C.

Pepperl+Fuchs

Light-industrial panel PCs

OMI6000 light-industrial panel PCs offer powerful performance in modern, rugged units that provide greater access and better control of the data in users' process applications. OMI6000's primary capabilities include: eight versatile sizes from 7 in. to 21.5 in.; fast, dual-core and quad-core processors; cast aluminum bezel and chassis; Microsoft Windows OS and data storage options; and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and SCADA software readiness.

Maple Systems Inc / 425-745-3229

Predictive PID performance

Model 535 Process 1/4-DIN process controller handles any process variable in batch and continuous processes, including temperature, pressure, flow and level, while its control algorithms, including Powertune tuning algorithms, allow users to quickly configure and control processes. With a 10-per-second sampling rate, 535's universal process input and modular, field interchangeable outputs allow greater flexibility. Equipped with an RS-485 serial communications interface, it also provides fast, accurate data transmission.

Moore Industries-International Inc. / 818-894-7111

Controller and PC combined

Automation PC 2100 unites the PC and real-time world. Its multi-core, Intel Atom microprocessor handles automation runtime and Windows software at the same time, which allows it to be used simultaneously as an controller and PC. It has no fans or rotating parts, so no maintenance is required. Other features include two gigabit Ethernet interfaces, as well as one USB 2.0 and one USB 3.0. Fieldbus connections such as Powerlink or CAN are individually configured.

B&R

Compact, fast secure PLC

PFC100 PLCs come in a 62-mm package with a Cortex A8 processor, and ensure application security with SSL/TLS 1.2 encryption, VPN capabilities and an integrated firewall. Available in five sizes, PFC 100 also has an onboard web server for HTML5 visualization; configurable Ethernet ports switched and separated with two IP addresses; compatibility with 500 modules; 64-bit processor, built-in web server micro SD and 12 MB of program memory; programmability with IEC 61131 languages; and OPC-UA server capability.

Wago / 800-DIN-RAIL (346-7245)

Software-selectable electronic fusing

SIO8.20 cyber-secure, 20-channel, discrete-output (DO) module for the Open Secure Automation (OSA) platform enables secure, software-selectable, electronic fusing, latching and failsafe shutdown for each 24 VDC output at 1 A max current per channel. SIO8.20 provides galvanically-isolated output switching in a rugged, all-metal enclosure, and one of the smallest footprints available. SIO8.20 is designed with the company's patented, built-in Black Fabric Cybershield protection.

Bedrock Automation / 781-821-0280

PLC-5 replacement

Smart SoftPLC programmable automation controller (PAC) provides an upgrade path to replace obsolete and discontinued Rockwell Automation PLC-5s without needing reprogramming. Few, if any, changes are required to the existing I/O, wiring, HMI/SCADA and communication networks. Smart SoftPLC can support up to two channels of Allen-Bradley Remote I/O (RIO) or Data Highway Plus (DH+), and has an embedded, four-port Ethernet router and up to six serial ports.

SoftPLC Corp. / 800-SoftPLC (763-8752)

Compact, flexible PC

C6015 industrial PC (IPC) measures just 82 x 82 x 40 mm, and is just one-third the size of the C6905, which used to be the company's smallest cabinet IPC. C6015 also has an integrated Intel Atom CPU with up to four processor cores, 30-GB SSD and Windows Embedded Compact 7 operating system, optional Windows 7 and Windows 10, 2-GB DDR3L-RAM expandable up to 4 GB, display port connection, onboard dual-Ethernet adapter with 2 x 100/1000Base-T connection, and ports for both USB 3.0 and USB 2.0.

Beckhoff Automation LLC / 877-TwinCAT (894-6228)

Standard failsafe functions

Simatic S7-1518-4 PN/DP ODK controller has 13-MB working memory and up to 32 GB load memory with memory card. It offers 1-nanosecond bit performance and 6-nanosecond performance for floating point arithmetic users. High-level language programs are generated in an Open Development Kit, and integrated into the controller's Step 7 program. Existing codes, such as algorithms written in C/C++ and Simulink models, are generated in the controller. S7-1518-4 PN/DP also has four communication interfaces.

Siemens

Smart gateway with HMI

Weintek cMT-G01 smart communication gateway has HMI capabilities to integrate IIoT solutions. It provides real-time alarm notification, supports more than 300 protocols, can communicate with more than 300 brands of controllers, and transmits to SCADA or ERP systems. cMT-G01 also has data acquisition and the same analysis functions of an HMI (like capture-event-log). MQTT and OPC UA protocols are built-in features to support TLS/SSL certificate system, and it's designed for secure data transmissions.

Rohtek Automation / 425-328-8445

Wide temperature range

Designed to operate in temperatures between -22° F and 131 °F, noax industrial PCs (IPCs) rely on components such as hard drives and SSDs engineered to withstand extreme environments. The IPCs can power up immediately in severe temperatures because they don't require external heating or cooling. Their microcontrollers also monitor temperatures inside the IPCs to protect them from extremes, while user-friendly nSmart software displays temperatures and allows users to configure settings.

noax Technologies AG

Lots of I/O, flexible expansion

UNO-3283G and UNO-3382/3384G fanless industrial computers are part of the company's UNO-3000 series, which have many I/O ports and allow flexible expansion. They include dual-front, hot-swappable SSD/HDD drive bays with RAID 0/1 support. The bays are accessible from the front using one captive thumb screw. The new models, UNO-3283G and UNO-3382/3384G, support the company's iDoor technology that gives users added, modular I/O port options such as fieldbus, wireless and Power over Ethernet (PoE).

Advantech / 888-576-9668