Tightening capital budgets and the need to maximise revenue are driving the process industries towards unified controller platforms for automating plant operations. Not only does a unified platform ensure Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) support for increased network efficiency and reduced network engineering time, it also confines costs to one common, scalable hardware suite and software package. An added advantage is that it gives the control designer a consistent look and feel across the automation disciplines. The alternate option of using separate best-in-class controllers increases costs and makes coordination between processes a challenge.
The MasterLogic PLC from Honeywell is a unified PLC platform backed by a powerful and versatile CPU with complimentary software – the SoftMaster. The PLC is modular and scalable with online maintenance and troubleshooting. SoftMaster provides the engineer with an integrated PLC engineering environment – an all-in-one window for ladder programming, configuration/setup of CPU or other special/communication modules, debugging, monitoring, troubleshooting, documentation and maintenance. A vast library of standard function blocks allows the engineer to create new user-defined function blocks.
The MasterLogic PLC is an excellent choice for automation requirements where the primary mode of control will be through high-speed logic. Facilitated by a powerful processor, the MasterLogic CPU provides high-speed execution of program instructions at the rate of 42 nanosec/step. Backplane communication data transfer is facilitated by the 7 MB program memory, 2 MB data memory, and 16 MB built-in flash memory. In addition, dedicated intelligent communication modules (Ethernet, Serial, Profibus) offer co-processing assistance to the main controller CPU.
This advanced controller can be used anywhere efficient and comprehensive solutions are required. In southern Africa, the MasterLogic has been successfully applied in the mining, metals and minerals industry; food and beverage as well as in the sugar sector with standalone boilers.
Reinstatement opportunity for ECSA registration
News
In 2023 the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) announced a special opportunity for engineers in South Africa to reinstate their registration status if it had been cancelled. This exclusive offer is available until the end of August 2024.
Read more...From the editor's desk: A good servant and a bad master Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
News
In our new AI-generated world it was inevitable that the Nobel Committee would have noticed. And last November two pioneers of artificial intelligence, John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton, won the Nobel Prize ...
Read more...Festo 100th Anniversary: Celebrating a century-long legacy of innovation and commitment Festo South Africa
News
Festo has officially begun celebrating 100 years of groundbreaking technology, commitment and enduring partnerships. To kick off this historic milestone celebration, their Customer Innovation Day and ThankYou Party series brought together customers, partners and employees to reflect on their journey and look ahead to an exciting future.
Read more...German Chancellor visits Beckhoff at Hannover Messe Beckhoff Automation
News
As part of the traditional Hannover Messe opening tour, Federal Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz visited German company, Beckhoff Automation. Hans Beckhoff, managing director and owner of Beckhoff Automation, presented his company and its comprehensive expertise in the field of software and AI.
Read more...Iritron celebrates 25 years of excellence Iritron
News
When Iritron, a leading provider of engineering and industrial solutions was founded in 2000, it was on the principles of exceptional service and lasting part-nerships. Today, Iritron has grown from a small team of four into a company of over 120 employees, serving clients across South Africa and beyond.
Read more...A racing partnership SKF South Africa
News
In one of motorsport’s most demanding arenas, a partnership forged in engineering precision and high-performance ambition has proven its worth. SKF, a global leader in bearing technology and innovation, celebrated a remarkable milestone in partnership with SVR Toyota GAZOO Racing, taking second position overall at the 2025 Dakar Rally.
Read more...Schneider Electric at AATF Schneider Electric South Africa
News
Schneider Electric will be participating in the 13th edition of the Africa Automation and Technology Fair
printer friendly version