Although many industrial automation companies have released excellent components for machine automation applications in the past, rarely has one company launched such a complete hardware and software package at one time as Advantech.
Consisting of a Master Module, Motion Slave Modules, DAQ Slave Modules, and an embedded software package (Windows CE, KW Multiprog and PLCopen motion control function blocks) the company has truly launched a comprehensive machine automation solution.
This unique ready-to-use platform features a unified form-factor with a rugged casing, customisable function block, vertical DIN-rail mounted design, front-access I/Os, and detachable terminal blocks.
The master modules
Designed for streamlined embedded automation applications, Advantech's AMAX-2050KW is a Pentium III grade platform with an onboard AMONet controller. With its AMONet master port it can control up to 2048 I/O points and 64 axes. Also, it offers one LAN and dual USB interfaces to for various communication needs. It also offers two x RS232 and one x RS422/485 communication port with automatic flow control. Thanks to its openness, expansion capabilities and reliable design (fanless and diskless); the AMAX-2050KW is an ideal programmable automation platform with high-level function block features for diversified applications.
Motion slave modules
The AMAX-2210 Series of slave modules is used to increase the number of axes for an AMONet RS485 distributed motion control network. AMONet RS485 has driver-specific motion slave modules to support a range of common motor vendors. AMONet RS485 also supports a general-purpose motion slave module for general motor drivers, including step motor drivers. This general purpose motion slave module is designed with friendly front access all-in-one wiring solution to save space and also enable easy wiring.
Isolated digital I/O slave modules
The AMAX-27XX Series consists of digital slave modules for AMONet RS485 that expands digital I/O capacity. High speed, scalability and cost-effectiveness ensure a solid solution for machine builders. There are four main types of DI/O slave modules, 32 In, 32 Out, 16 In/16 Out and eight In/8 Out. With these slave modules, actuators/sensors can be connected directly. I/O points can be accessed nearby or 100 metres away using simple and low-cost wiring and the high speed of AMONet RS485 makes it possible to scan 2048 I/O channels in 1,04 ms.
Total software package
Industrial applications require highly stable operating systems to satisfy certain conditions such as realtime functions, system crashes and unpredictable system resets. Aside from embedded Windows CE support for realtime application requirement both KW Multiprog and PLCopen motion control function blocks are provided for programming control networks with standard languages. KW supports all IEC-61131-3 programmable languages, and engineers need only a one-time design, and then they can easily leverage their programming into different control platforms to meet versatile automation needs. PLCopen is the only global standard for industrial control programming, providing custom function blocks and allowing users to develop with proprietary complex controls.
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| www: | www.cme.co.za |
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