Industrial programmable controller to IEC 61131-3.

Opto 22 has added international standard IEC 61131-3 programming options in its groov EPIC® edge programmable industrial controller.

Adding these new programming options to the existing flowchart and custom user-written options in groov EPIC gives control engineers the ability to program using a variety of languages they already know, while taking advantage of the EPIC’s extended capabilities for automation and industrial internet of things (IIoT) applications. All IEC 61131-3 standard languages are supported by groov EPIC, including Function Block Diagram (FBD), Structured Text (ST), Sequential Function Charts (SFC), and Ladder Diagram (LD).

Adding the IEC 61131-3 option gives engineers several key advantages. First, they can pick the best software tool for their specific application. Second, they can mix and match several software tools to build control and IIoT solutions on one unified platform. And last, companies can continue to leverage existing employee knowledge in IEC 61131-3 programming methods, including decades-old ladder logic.

The PC-based CODESYS® Development System V3 is used to create and compile IEC 61131-3 programs for download to a pre-installed CODESYS Runtime running on groov EPIC. The CODESYS Development System is available at no charge from the CODESYS Store at https://store.codesys.com. The CODESYS Runtime on groov EPIC is enabled by a free software license available from Opto 22.

“As the world’s leading manufacturer of independent IEC 61131-3 software,” stated Markus Bachmann, President of the U.S. subsidiary of the CODESYS Group, “we are excited that CODESYS has been chosen to boost Opto 22’s groov EPIC to the next level in industrial automation products, integrating state-of-the-art industrial control with new IIoT and Industry 4.0 applications.”

In addition to IEC 61131-3, groov EPIC can also be programmed using Opto 22’s native PAC Control™. Field-proven, flowchart-based PAC Control with optional scripting offers 400+ plain English commands for analog process and digital sequential control, complex math, conditional branching, string handling, and other complex functions.

Other programming options include using software languages supported on the Linux® operating system through secure shell. This access—along with toolchains and interpreters for Java, C/C++, Python, JavaScript/Node.js and more—allows developers to create custom applications. In addition, groov EPIC includes Node-RED as another programming option. Node-RED uses a flow-based development environment optimized for edge data processing and communications.

@opto22 #PAuto 

Cybersecurity certified programmable controllers.

A new range of DIN rail mounting Eurotherm™ Programmable Controllers, placing precision at the heart of a process has been launched by Schneider.

Cameron Large, Global OEM Business Development Manager at Eurotherm commented,  “The EPC2000 DIN rail controller enables an OEM to easily integrate high precision control and setpoint programming into a PLC system by using native Ethernet communication."

EPC2000 Programmable Controllers are easy to install, commission and replace. Enhanced Eurotherm control performance and exceptional measurement thermal stability aids repeatability and yield; many specialist processes have limited tolerance to temperature fluctuations and the enhanced Eurotherm PID algorithm is particularly well suited to critical process steps with rapid mitigation of disturbances. Single loop controllers continue to maintain zone conditions, independently of a supervisory system or PLC(s). Designed especially for high reliability in demanding environments, the controller helps reduce unplanned downtime.

Compact EPC2000 devices can be distributed close to the point of use reducing cabling runs and wiring costs. Ethernet connectivity enhances the convergence of information and operations technology, giving plant managers access to data needed to make informed decisions. This connectivity exploits the industrial internet of things across a multitude of applications and manufacturing processes. Certification to international standards allows the EPC2000 range to be applied to a wide spectrum of markets and applications.

The controllers are easy to integrate and set up, with a robust battery-free design which helps reduce equipment and maintenance costs. Adaptable to changing needs, with flexible software, user function block wiring and instant upgrades available online plus easy-to-integrate Ethernet communications minimizes cost of ownership.

Christopher Ashworth, VP & Managing Director, Eurotherm by Schneider-Electric said “The EPC2000 controller, certified to the highly demanding Achilles® CRT Level 1 qualification, continues the Eurotherm strategic focus on products designed around best practices for cybersecurity. The Schneider ‘Innovation at Every Level’ approach is helping our customers to save time, energy and money every day.”

 @EurothermbySE #PAuto @SchneiderUK #Cybersecurity

Navigating the Maze of Customer Connections!

We have just received the advance programme and keynote presenter for the 8^th ISA Marketing and Sales Summit, to be held 11-13 September 2013 in the unbelievable Crescent City of New Orleans (LA USA).

The conference program, “Innovation In Automation: Navigating the Maze of Customer Connections,” centers on proven, practical strategies and techniques that marketing and sales professionals serving the automation community can harness to connect directly with qualified prospects, strengthen customer relationships, and achieve their professional goals.

A content-rich agenda features a highly informative range of expert-led sessions, panel discussions, workshops, and dynamic presentations. Attendees will:

• Discover how to leverage social networks to their advantage
• Learn to influence prospects’ and customers’ perceptions of cost, value, and benefits in complex sales
• Recognize the most effective marketing tools and processes in a rapidly evolving environment
• Master how to generate reliable ROI data
• Participate in a variety of expert-led workshops, panel discussions, and tutorials
• Come away with solutions and ideas they can immediately put to work

Key topic areas include:

• best practices in social media
• guerilla marketing
• brand marketing
• market-driven product development
• winning complex accounts
• business development
• advertising in the digital age

The keynote presentation at the event, “Privacy and Power in the Automation Industry,” will be delivered by Glen Bounds, a global modernization consultant at Invensys, on the morning of Thursday, 12 September.

The presentation will explore growing security and privacy concerns in the Internet age, particularly given the wide assortment of technologies, platforms and systems accessing, storing and interpreting critical data. Bounds draws upon his many years of experience in the power and energy industry to examine the implications on product design and development, and customer interaction.

Other highlights of the event, sponsored by the ISA Management Division, include:

• An evening plenary on Wednesday, 11 September titled, “Social Media Marketing during a Crisis: Boston Marathon Bombing Revisited.” The plenary will be moderated by Jim Cahill, who directs social media at Emerson Process Management.
• "A Fireside Chat with Dick Morley," the keynote lunch presentation on Friday, 13 September. Morley is a leading visionary in advanced technology development as well as an inventor, entrepreneur, author, consultant and engineer.
• A pre-conference workshop and marketing communications class, on Wednesday, 11 September, led by Walt Boyes—an automation legend with more than 25 years of experience in sales, sales management, marketing, and product development. The workshop will provide valuable insights that will help marketing and sales professionals negotiate their way through today’s fast-changing automation environment, and meet their career goals.

New Orlean's incomparable French Quarter

The summit will take place at the W New Orleans hotel, one of the city’s most stylish and luxurious hotels. Located just steps from the famous French Quarter, but in a quiet location for peaceful nights’ rest, the W New Orleans is close to many fine restaurants, shopping, Harrah’s Casino, the Warehouse District and other exciting destinations.