“People
have been predicting the death of traditional PLCs for a few years now, and I
think they are getting a little ahead of reality. That said, WinAC MP certainly
has its uses in automation and is capable of handling applications outside of
the paradigm of a traditional PLC,” says Siemens Automation Marketing Manager, Eric
Kaczor. “Embedded automation offers users the openness of PC based control while
keeping the robustness of a PLC.  Our
newest offering delivers the collocation of operator control, monitoring and
machine control in one pre-configured unit available in screen sizes from 6
inches all the way to 19 inches.”

Traditional automation and control systems
typically comprise of numerous hardware and software components, including hardware
PLCs, field bus coprocessor cards, I/O via field bus or Ethernet, motion
control via parallel cabling or field bus, an HMI for visualization, and Ethernet
connectivity to other processes or to the manufacturing execution system (MES).

 

“Some people are more comfortable with that kind of
approach. It’s what they know and there’s no need to fix what isn’t broken,”
says Kaczor. “On the other hand, embedded automation delivers a centralized
structure, reduced hardware costs, fewer interfaces, full integration and high
reliability, among other things. It’s typically a high-performance architecture
when compared to the traditional approach, limited only by processor
technology. These factors make it very attractive considering the current state
of the economy.”

 

The newest version of WinAC MP, while available as
software, is typically paired with one of Siemens’ many rugged multi-panels –
the compact MP 177, the mid range MP 277 and/or the
MP 377 at the high end (all of which are based on the Windows CE operating
system). These panels are available in an array of sizes including touch screen
or keypad functionality. With their built in Ethernet, Profibus, and USB interfaces
and absence of rotating components such as disk drives or cooling fans, they
are an ideal platform for demanding control and visualization tasks on, or
near, the production line.  

 

“Finally,”
concludes Kaczor, “WinAC MP is not only a PC-based controller but also the
integration platform for all parts of the automation solution running on the PC
and it may also provide the connection back to the front office through an
Ethernet connection. This device is a major step forward in terms of increasing
the power and reliability of soft controllers, while simplifying critical tasks
like installation, configuration and ongoing control through the HMI
interface.”

 

For more information on WinAC
MP, please click here.