PC-based control software for windows NT and CE
Jan 2000
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
PLC Direct
Think & Do Software, a PC-based control software package for Windows NT and Windows CE, now supports Automationdirect.com's RUNtimePC, a Windows CE controller with a built-in 12,1" graphical display. The package offers users a range of options in PC-based control. Users can run the software application on standard PCs with Windows NT, on the RUNtimePC with its graphical display, or on fully embedded Windows CE controllers. The ability to target multiple Windows CE controllers is included at no extra cost in the Think & Do Software development package. The RUNtimePC is sold by PLCDirect and comes pre-loaded with Windows CE and the Think & Do Windows CE runtime.
Windows CE is rapidly emerging as the preferred realtime operating systems for control applications where diskless operation, 'instant on' and/or small size are important considerations. Microsoft developed Windows CE for use in small, realtime embedded systems. It is widely used in palm PCs and newer consumer electronic devices. Diskless Windows CE devices designed for industrial control applications are becoming available from a wide variety of sources. Think & Do software Windows CE device support currently available or in development includes controllers from Automationdirect.com, Ann Arbor Technologies, AAEON and others.
Ken Spenser, President and CEO of Think & Do Software, said, "We focus on enabling our customers to take full advantage of commercial PC and embedded system technology to achieve high-performance, low-cost systems that integrate seamlessly with plant-wide information systems. With our Windows CE runtime capability users can finally extend their standard information technology infrastructure all the way down to embedded control systems", he added.
"Windows CE controller support brings the advantages of PC based control to a whole new set of embedded control applications. Flowchart control logic, integrated HMI and standard Microsoft interfaces (like COM/DCOM/OPC) simplify embedded control design and accelerate the integration of control system data with plant monitoring and control applications." He also noted that, "It gives control system designers new options in system architecture by enabling cost-effective distribution of control and HMI."
The Think & Do Software package includes flowchart logic, HMI with 2200 symbol graphics library, integrated motion control, PID loop control, all I/O drivers and Windows CE device support. Users can extend the flowchart logic by writing and seamlessly linking Visual Basic, C or C++ programs. The software includes powerful debugging capabilities such as online change capability and EasyTrac (a patented visual logic analyser).
PLC Direct
(021) 914 0412
Further reading:
Innovating control and display solutions
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Mimic Group, founded in 1971, started with electronic and mimic displays before expanding into control desks, software and display electronics.
Read more...
ABB technology for greater circularity in metals and mining industries
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
ABB has been selected by GreenIron, an innovative Swedish company working in the mining and metals industries with its patented materials reduction technology, to provide automation and control system solutions for a first commercial facility in Sandviken, Sweden.
Read more...
EtherCAT Box modules for confined spaces
Beckhoff Automation
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Users of EtherCAT and EtherCAT P Box modules from Beckhoff’s EP and EPP series benefit from 25 years of IP67 expertise in the I/O sector. The broad product range for decentralised distribution of the I/O level directly at the machine or system has been continuously expanded and further developed during this time.
Read more...
ABB updates distributed control system
ABB South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Leveraging 30 years of continuous innovation and reliability, ABB’s updated Freelance 2024 distributed control system (DCS) offers greater plant adaptability, faster and more reliable device communication, improved system security, and seamless data exchange.
Read more...
Four ways modern operations control can boost sustainability and efficiency
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
With the growing importance of digital transformation, HMIs and scada have evolved from control panels to vast operational hubs. Next-gen HMI/scada can bring together data, personalisation, and advanced insights to successfully achieve organisational goals, it is important to think about HMI/scada holistically within the operations ecosystem.
Read more...
The convergence of intelligence: DCS, SCADA and TLC
Schneider Electric South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
In the early days of industrialisation, control systems were primarily mechanical, and relied on manual intervention and simple feedback loops to manage processes. Now, in the 21st century, industrial process automation systems are mind-blowingly intelligent, and provide almost unparalleled control and monitoring capabilities, making them integral to modern industrial systems.
Read more...
PC-based control for advanced hydrogen storage technology
Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
The proportion of renewable energies from solar, wind and water is rising continuously. However, sufficient storage options are of the essence to use these energies as efficiently as possible. GKN Hydrogen offers a particularly compact and safe option, low-pressure metal hydride hydrogen storage systems with PC-based control from Beckhoff.
Read more...
ABB modernises key board mill
ABB South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
ABB has secured a landmark contract to modernise Smurfit Kappa’s Paper Machine 5 at its corrugated cardboard mill near Mexico City. ABB will provide Smurfit Kappa with DCS, accompanied by a comprehensive paper machine drives system, encompassing some of the market’s most advanced drives and motors meticulously designed to optimise PM5’s performance.
Read more...
The synapses of the distributed control system
Schneider Electric South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Industrial operations require a distributed control system (DCS) to coordinate and control their process subsystems in real time. Like the brain, a DCS is a multitasking maestro, controlling and coordinating complex processes in a myriad of industrial setting such as large manufacturing plants, providing valuable top-down control.
Read more...
Modular assembly platform for clean manufacturing
Beckhoff Automation
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
JR Automation delivers custom automated solutions for numerous industries. It has done this through its scalable, modular automation platform, FlexChassis, which speeds up time to market while cutting costs. The company chose the XTS linear transport system from Beckhoff because of its speed, and modular design that allows for multiple configurations.
Read more...
printer friendly version