Weidmuller releases two new PACs in the u-Control series, capable of running widely used automation software and communicating to enterprise-level servers.
A PAC is a computer used for advanced motion control, process automation, and data processing, also referred to as computer-controlled automation. The PAC acts as a gateway between IT and OT, two worlds that typically do not agree with each other. Weidmuller recently released two new PACs designed specifically for IT/OT convergence.
U-Control M3000/M4000
The u-Controllers from Weidmuller are packed with features that allow you to build a stable and secure IT/OT gateway or an automated cell driven by a computer instead of a PLC. All the electrical connections feature Weidmuller’s push-in connection technology, reducing wiring time and troubleshooting. Additional interfaces, such as Wifi or LTE communications, can be added to the provided expansion slot. Under the hood, the u-Control series PACs use Multicore technology, with the M4000 utilizing a quad-core processor, allowing multiple runtime applications to execute simultaneously. Like a PC, PACs have an operating system; however, only the u-Control series of PACs use the u-OS, an open-source operating system capable of running Codesys.
u-Control Software
With the M3000 and M4000 using a non-standard OS, the type of software capable of being installed is limited. The automation industry typically uses software such as Codesys, an open-source programming software. Node-Red is a graphical flow chart editor that creates runtime applications. Each node can be a hardware device, an API, or an online service. These nodes are then wired together in a visual flow chart design. Ignition is another software supported on the new u-Control PACs. The software creates HMI applications used to interact with PLCs and other controllers. Ignition is also used as a communication interface between PLCs and databases.
Edge Computing
An edge computer is a PC that acts as a gateway between two devices, such as a PLC and a server. PLCs typically cannot communicate directly with data collection servers until the software that allows direct or cyclic messaging over an industrial protocol is installed. An edge computer is a small PC that has this software or drivers installed to allow data from a PLC to be extracted and stored in a database. The edge computer might have a database for short-term data storage, with the expectation to push all data out to an IT server. This topology allows machine builders to provide their customers with standard database access to their data without interfering with the automation controllers.
PC Automation
The concept of using a PC to control automation devices is not new. Many companies have tried to convert machine builders to using a PAC or PC automation. By using a PC for automation you gain file management and advanced logging within your controller–things that a PLC cannot do. The downside is troubleshooting and stability; PCs are notorious for rushed updates, crashes, and computer viruses. These disadvantages could cost factories millions of dollars, resulting in physical or personal damage. PC automation has grown in popularity but has not yet become a standard in industrial automation.
