Wireless communication for PLC control is supported by pocketPC OPC server software. Recompiled from an earlier Windows CE version, the server software runs on Pocket PCs using Intel’s high-performance X-Scale processor for untethered IEEE 802.11x Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) communication with PLCs made by Allen-Bradley, Modicon and GE Fanuc.
“Using handheld PCs and WLAN technology will empower system operators, technicians and engineers with unheralded mobility, especially considering that you can now purchase mobile devices and HMI (human machine interface) software for under $550,” says Charles Karwoski, president at the software vendor.
