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The Programmable Automation Controller - A new type of control system or a fancy name for a PLC? Sunday, December 14, 2003 The term “Programmable Automation Controller” has recently remerged as a new class of system, according to news from the ARC Advisory Group and from Rockwell Automation, makers of Allen-Bradley PLCs. In a news story released on December 5, 2002 the PLC is still alive and well. However, new improvements and additional functionality is resulting in a new functionality of system. The ARC Advisory Group has coined the term Programmable Automation Controller for the advanced functionality of the new types of systems. ARC’s Research Director of Manufacturing Advisory Services, Craig Resnick, said that “PACs address the integration issues confronting OEMs and end users by extending the domain expertise of automation systems, resulting in increased return on assets, reduced lifecycle costs, and a lower total cost of ownership for manufacturers.” Exactly one year later, on December 5, 2003, Rockwell issued a press release describing their involvement in the PAC business. According to Rockwell, PACs are “new breed of controllers that combines multiple platforms, such as sequential, motion and process control, with expanded information-handling capabilities. By converging the best attributes of the PLC, PC, DCS and open control platforms, the PAC has proven it can meet requirements of an integrated manufacturing enterprise.” According to Rockwell, the PAC concept offers the following features: Scaleability. “The Logix controller platform from Rockwell Automation currently includes two PACs: the Allen-Bradley® ControlLogix™ for large, complex applications and CompactLogix™ for small-scale applications. In the future, the PAC will be available in an even greater variety of sizes to meet the broad range of applications on the plant floor. New additions in I/O communication will also contribute to scaleability.” Support for Multi-Discipline Control. PACs combine various types of control, including sequential, drive, motion control, and process control into a single platform and will, in the future, also integrate batch control, safety, and security. "As information throughout the manufacturing enterprise becomes more available, it is only natural that security become an integral part of the solution." according to Ken Deken, vice president, Rockwell Automation Control Systems. Integration with business systems. PACs will incorporate business system connectivity into the controller without the need for separate linking devices. Simplified system maintenance. Users will have access to maintenance information at any time and in their choice of format, including e-mail or a Web page. Life-Cycle cost management. PACs’ modular design will ease the migration from existing systems. PAC vendors will also continue to adopt commercial technology and standards, including Ethernet and Windows based operating systems. |