System integrators and OEMs using hardware-based automation solutions typically need to integrate a combination of PLC, HMI, and motion-control modules from different suppliers and combine them with motorized positioning tables or gantries, mechanical actuators and often pneumatic or hydraulic control systems. More complex machines might also involve vision systems for automated parts inspection or position measurement and even the simplest machines would involve specialist modules for such diverse requirements as temperature or pressure sensing, high speed position sensors, tension control units and a whole host of other process monitoring functions. While this is the most common approach to automated machine control, the use of several different hardware and software systems can be difficult, time-consuming, and expensive to build, often resulting in numerous sources of error and limitations in overall system performance.
By combining all of the major machine- and motion-control functions into a single, software-based solution that runs on a standard PC and by providing an open architecture for specialized 'bolt-on' modules, the Automation Platform offers a choice of programming options for 32 axes of decentralized motion interfaced via a IEEE 1394 FireWire network with modules for HMI, PLC, and Vision. The complete system has been designed to be adapted to production and inspection applications and is supported by software development, diagnostic and commissioning tools.
Depending on application requirements, the Automation Platform can operate in real time (RTX) or under the Windows environment. Motion, HMI, PLC, and vision modules can be programmed in a choice of languages including C, C++, Visual Basic, Delphi, and Labview. For the creation of process-based user interfaces, a complementary software package provides preconfigured Active X components for Windows leading to a significant reduction in development time. By using a common language to program all of the machine control functions, the close connection between the individual control modules helps to maximize data exchange flexibility and process structure whilst maintaining real-time capability.
The main PLC module also can be programmed with the IEC-61131 interface or via Profibus with Siemens Step7. The image-processing module can be integrated at real-time level via a DLL and includes a wide selection of processing tools for part identification and measurements using the Matrox Imaging Library.
Whether new plant or upgrade – the requirements for a “state of the art” automation are basically the same. Just some examples: A high degree of standardization at low development costs and reliable operation from the very beginning; convenient diagnostics for high availability; multi-level simulation for safe process control.
Our automation solution meets these requirements. The modular platform is exclusively based on standards of our product family. Uniform engineering tools ensure end-to-end communications, data management and operation and visualization across the plant. The integrated diagnostics makes the hardware and software transparent and keeps maintenance times short. And due to the three-level simulation, not only the modules and the overall system can be subjected to extensive tests, but the process as a whole can be represented in a realistic manner.
Features for process optimization and for the implementation of new control concepts complete the system.
As a result, you get a proven solution that means short implementation times and fast start-ups as well as tight tolerances, high availability and low maintenance and spare parts costs. And if your requirements grow? Automation platform will simply grow with them.
©2004-2007 automationplatform.com