Realtime solutions for the PC-based PLC
Jan 2000
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Flexible Electronic Systems
PCL, the software PLC from Bosch, combines the reliability and functionality of the PLC with the flexibility of the PC world. Bosch says its product is easy to program and suitable for open networking using standard bus systems such as TCP/IP and the fieldbuses Profibus-DP, CANopen, InterBus-S and DeviceNet. PCL operates in realtime using the VxWorks operating system in combination with the Bosch PC plug-in card. Using the power PC operator terminals BT150 and BT200, together with the MMI-MADAP operator-panel software, PCL can be extended to form a complete operator-control panel. The result is a high-power control system featuring unique diagnosis functions.
Bosch PCL combines the features of the classic PLC with the open characteristics of the PC world:
* The user therefore has a system at his disposal which provides him with a PC featuring the functionality of the PLC.
* The user has the benefit of a reasonably priced, globally accepted standard.
* Via standard interfaces, the user has direct access to local and higher-level networks.
PCL represents a newly developed, innovative software solution: whereas standard programs run using Windows NT, the SPC function is executed in parallel by the realtime operating system VxWorks. This means that even in case of a total breakdown of Windows NT, the safety-relevant control function remains fully operable. In addition, PCL incorporates such PLC features as watchdog, remanent data areas, forcing and peripheral monitoring, features which up to now were restricted to the classical PLC.
Bosch says that the WinPanel operator interface, which visualises the PLC information, is very easy to operate. WinPLC is a future-oriented programming tool which provides the well-known Windows 'Look and feel' for the programming languages as per IEC 1131:
* Sequence language.
* Instructions list.
* Sequence function chart (SFC).
* Ladder diagram.
PCL can also be programmed using the high-level language C for special assignments, such as process data processing (PDP).
Bosch says that the ideal basis for open, future-oriented communications can be achieved by networking the PCL software via the standard protocol TCP/IP and the integrated OPC. This means that remote diagnosis using the global Internet becomes possible as well as interconnection of a number of PCs to form a control alliance. (Depending upon the version concerned.) The Bosch plug-in PC cards with their integrated fieldbus interface, permit connection into the leading bus systems Profibus-DP, CANopen, Inter-Bus-S and DeviceNet.
PCL is designed for application with high-performance PCs. Bosch says that reliable functioning and a design aligned to industrial requirements are guaranteed by the BT150 and BT200 operator terminals which are specifically tailored for application with PCL and MMI-MADAP.
Bosch boasts the following features:
* PLC control using VxWorks parallel to the customer's application using Windows NT or Windows 95.
* Realtime system with guaranteed short response times.
* PLC safety functions such as watchdog and periphery monitoring.
* Simple programming and convenient commissioning.
* Programming with high-level language C using modular principles.
* OPC interface (OPC = open process control) to internal data and to the fieldbus.
* Plug-and-play solution with simple operation.
* Reasonably priced and cost-effective as standard components can be used.
* Control, operator and programming devices, as well as the MMI-MADAP package are all combined in a single PC.
* Communication between the PC and the PLC world through TCP/IP.
Flexible Electronic Systems
(011) 975 7000
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