Graphical development environment helps integrate automation solutions into PLCs
20 April 2005
Design Automation
Automation manufacturers such as Abco Automation are using programmable automation controllers (PACs) from National Instruments to seamlessly integrate testing and automation solutions into existing PLCs. Using the NI LabVIEW graphical development environment running on an embedded PXI controller, Abco created a PAC solution for its automotive wheel speed sensor assemblies and integrated the solution with existing Allen-Bradley PLCs via an RSLinx OPC server for increased throughput of one part every six seconds.
In the current competitive business climate, engineers and manufacturers face productivity demands that drive the need for more automation throughout the manufacturing process. As a result, many companies are augmenting traditional PLC-based assembly lines with more cost-effective, PC-based technologies. The speed, accuracy and industrial communication capabilities made the NI PAC platform the ideal solution for ABCO to meet rigorous application requirements, including interoperability with existing factory control systems.
"National Instruments OPC capabilities and interoperability with PLCs were key factors in the success of this project. The ease with which NI PAC hardware can speak to the Allen-Bradley hardware saved me valuable programming and integration time," said Arif Bustani, Abco electrical engineer for the project.
Abco used an NI PXI-1042 chassis and an NI PXI-8186 controller along with several NI PXI-6070E data acquisition (DAQ) devices to develop a high-speed assembly line that acquires and analyses waveform data and then communicates with the existing PLC-based control system. Using NI LabVIEW DataSocket technology and RSLinx from Allen-Bradley, ABCO integrated the NI PAC hardware with traditional PLCs for seamless control and data monitoring. The PAC system acquires waveforms from an encoder connected to a tone wheel operating at a specific RPM and analyses the data to determine pass and fail grades. Acceptable parts are sent to packaging while rejected parts are isolated.
"The automotive sensor test solution from ABCO is an example of how traditional PLC-based automation can be combined with powerful, cost-effective PC-based automation using PACs and the open, single development environment of NI LabVIEW," said Robert Jackson, NI PXI product manager. "The NI PAC industrial platform combines the best features of the PC - such as flexibility, processing power and customisable software - with the reliability and ruggedness of the PLC."
For more information contact NI South Africa, 0800 203 199.
Further reading:
Enhanced graphics on STM32U3
Design Automation
ST has introduced a new program designed specifically for users working with its mainstream STM32 MCUs, including STM32C0, U0, WBA, and U3 series.
Read more...
Semicon Summit 2025 - Dubai: Direct access to global chipmakers, built for Africa’s engineering needs
Design Automation
[Sponsored] The future of South Africa’s technology ecosystem depends on deeper integration with global supply chains and tighter alignment with semiconductor manufacturers. That alignment takes presence, interaction, and shared focus on real systems.
Read more...
Siemens unveils groundbreaking Tessent AnalogTest software
ASIC Design Services
Design Automation
Siemens Digital Industries Software recently introduced Tessent AnalogTest software - an innovative solution that reduces pattern generation time for analogue circuit tests from months to days.
Read more...
STM32Cube MCU package for STM32WBA
Design Automation
The STM32CubeWBA utility gathers in one single package all generic embedded software components required to develop an application on STM32WBA series microcontrollers.
Read more...
Why LabVIEW is critical to South Africa’s automation future
Design Automation
[Sponsored] In a world increasingly defined by connected systems, edge intelligence, and accelerating automation, the ability to build scalable, responsive, and maintainable engineering applications has never been more essential, and at the heart of this evolution lies LabVIEW.
Read more...
Take analogue designs from idea to reality
Design Automation
Bringing your analogue design ideas to life is simple with Microchip’s Analog Development Tool Ecosystem, part of its extensive range of solutions for both analogue and digital engineers.
Read more...
Accurate power estimation
Design Automation
AMD Power Design Manager 2025.1 is now available – with support for AMD Versal AI Edge and Prime Series Gen 2 SoCs and production support for AMD Spartan UltraScale+ devices.
Read more...
AMD Vivado Design Suite 2025.1
Design Automation
AMD Vivado Design Suite 2025.1 is here, and now with support for AMD Spartan UltraScale+ and next-generation Versal devices.
Read more...
Siemens streamlines design of integrated 3D ICs
Design Automation
Siemens Digital Industries Software recently introduced two new solutions to its EDA portfolio.
Read more...
Webinar: Designing in a connected environment
Design Automation
With Altium Designer and its data management platform, the team will always be up to date with the latest design documents and be able to comment on schematic, PCB, BOM and assembly drawings.
Read more...
printer friendly version