ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE COVER STORY A new philosophy for scalability
Scalability+ from B&R is opening up entirely new dimensions for machine builders, making it possible to perfectly tailor an automation solution directly to the needs of a specific machine
S
calability+ allows you to select a hardware and software solution that
best fits your automation needs - all without being forced to enter into any kind of commitment. If it becomes obvious during development that the components or solutions need to be scaled up or down, this can be done at any time without losing a single bit of the work that has already been done. All of this makes it possible for machine manufacturers to perfectly adapt automation systems directly to the needs of the machine without having to make compromises along the way. Many European machine builders face
the problem of being squeezed into a middle ground of production batch sizes, which offer the lowest level of productivity returns. Their customers demand a tailor made solution to boost their own competitiveness, but require either a single, or a low quantity of machines. In order to meet the end user needs, the machine builder needs to re-engineer his ‘standard machine’ in the shortest time, and with the minimum investment. With Scalability+ B&R can offer the machine builder the returns of a high volume producer, with the individualisation of a special purpose machine builder. Scalable hardware solutions have been discussed for many years, and by many automation companies. What makes B&R Scalability+ more interesting is the perfectly engineered combination of hardware ranges with a single advanced software tool, Automation Studio 4.
HARDWARE Starting with hardware, B&R’s range of controllers is now expanded with new ranges of Compact CPUs with onboard I/O. As with all X20 CPUs, additional I/O modules can be connected either locally or remotely using cables. These new compact controllers are being offered in a range of variants with different levels of performance and features. Each of these systems comes equipped with 32 built-in digital and analogue I/O channels, and an x 86 processor as standard features. Integrated POWERLINK, standard Ethernet, CAN, RS232 and USB interfaces are also available. The new CPU product range is perfectly
complemented by two variants with ultrafast reACTION technology. With this
8 JUNE 2014 | DESIGN SOLUTIONS
technology, the integrated I/O channels can be controlled with response times down to 1μs using a function block library. Programming using the standard FBD editor in the B&R Automation Studio development environment is completely compliant with IEC 61131.
VISUALISATION With regard to visualisation, B&R has further extended its range with a major launch of two new additions to its Power Panel HMI family - Power Panel T-Series terminals and Power Panel C-Series controllers - both featuring touch screens. Equipped with an embedded browser, the Power Panel T30 terminal is fully web compatible and can even be used as a VNC client. The terminal series is being offered with four TFT display sizes ranging from 4.3” to 10.1” and comes with two Ethernet interfaces, two USB ports and an array of configuration options.
Below: integrated POWERLINK, standard Ethernet, CAN, RS232 and USB interfaces are available with B&R’s large range of controllers
possibilities. B&R has elevated software design efficiency to an unparalleled new level, allowing engineering processes to be implemented efficiently and effectively. Automation Studio 4 stands for ‘Smart Engineering’. The B&R Scalability+ approach provides
The Power Panel C70 controller is
equipped with a 333MHz Intel Atom CPU, 256MB DDRAM, 16kB FRAM and 2GB onboard flash EEPROM memory. This controller provides a built-in touchscreen and is being offered in three display sizes ranging from 5.7” to 10.1”.
SUMMARY Both of these product ranges add to an already vast range of controllers and visualisation products which would more than meet the needs of the most advanced machine builder. These, in conjunction with scalable ranges of motion control and safety solutions would be impressive enough, however, with a single software tool for all products (Automation Studio 4), the Scalability+ concept really opens up new
/ DESIGNSOLUTIONS Top & below:
With Scalability+ B&R is establishing a new philosophy for scalability
optimal support for creating modular machines with all of their variants and options. Machine builders can develop reusable function modules that can be simply pulled in and out of machines at the design stage. Depending upon the performance demands of the end customer - hardware can be selected from the widest ranges of components to produce cost effective and perfectly matched systems. This is enhanced by using open standards for real time communication between modules to produce perfectly matched control systems to minimise development time and maximise machine builder’s profitability.
B&R T: 01733 371320
www.br-automation.com
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