Programmable Automation Controllers (PACs)
A Programmable Automation Controller (PAC) is a rugged industrial embedded device with the software flexibility and programmability of a PC. Think of a PAC as a very, very smart PLC.
Use PACs for applications that are too computationally demanding for a PLC, in environments that are too harsh for a PC. Think PAC if your industrial application includes any combination of these requirements:
- Complex I/O, including verbose device communications, and mixes of high- and low-speed signals;
- Deep on-board memory for high capacity data logging;
- High-precision and/or traceable analog measurements;
- Custom algorithms for analysis and control;
- Remote data access or control, over Enterprise networks or the Internet.
A PAC, since it combines the functions of both a PC and a PLC in a single device, would also be a more robust and reliable substitute for the complete PC/PLC network in many traditional SCADA applications.
National Instruments' PAC Platforms
National Instruments is a leading supplier of PAC hardware and software, and ICON Technologies has particular expertise with all National Instruments' PAC product lines:
Compact RIO
The ultimate PAC platform! Combines a real-time embedded controller, reconfigurable FPGA hardware, and ultra rugged modular I/O in a single device. Supports analog acquisition up to 250 KSa/s, with control loop rates to 10s of kHz. More about CompactRIO...
Compact FieldPoint
Best suited to applications with low bandwidth I/O, and analog acquisition rates less than 100 Sa/s. Supports control loop rates to around 50 Hz. More about Compact FieldPoint...
Compact Vision System (CVS)
Optimised for Machine Vision, Inspection, and Imaging applications. Combines a real-time embedded controller, reconfigurable FPGA hardware, and inputs for up to three industrial Firewire cameras. Use CVS for stand-alone imaging applications, or to add imaging capability to a CompactRIO or Compact FieldPoint installation. More about CVS...
PXI RT
For applications in less extreme industrial environments, real-time PXI offers more I/O variety and capability than any other PAC platform. It can handle analog acquisition rates to > 100 MSa/s, and control loop rates to 100s of kHz. More about PXI RT (Real-Time)...
Real-World Applications
To see details of relevant projects go to the Projects Page, and select "Programmable Automation Controllers (PACs)" from the "Project Type" popup menu.
