www.advantech.com/products Online Download Control IPC Overview Real-time I/O Control Suitable for Multiple Domain Applications Currently most PC-based controllers face one major challenge, especially Control IPCs systems, and that is real-time I/O control. Performance is severely hampered when I/O points increase because the access time also increases, which impacts control precision as well. Food and beverage companies face shorter production runs on a wide range of products for different vendors, while automotive companies are dealing with changes in customer preference, aggressive competition and rising fuel costs. These industries require a mix of discrete, batch, process and motion control solutions. In the past, these applications forced engineers to use multiple controllers: a PLC for discrete control, a motion controller for multi-axis control, and a distributed control system or loop controller for process applications, which has proven time consuming and costly. Advantech Control IPCs feature the ability to handle all these tasks with a single control system. The result is shortened development time through reusable programming tools, lower maintenance costs through reduced parts, better information sharing among applications, and fewer support personnel throughout the plant. Information Processing and Networking Capabilities Advantech Control IPCs not only provide excellent real-time I/O control, but also another key benefit for automation applications, information processing. With the ability to perform field operations, data exchanges and valuable information collection, this series is able to execute efficient decision-making. Information processing includes data logging and analysis with storage devices like SD or CF cards, recipe management for batch control, and database exchanges through SQL and OPC. Furthermore, implementing HMI software enables local operation. This improves control system networking tremendously, allowing the network to share a common protocol at the device level, control level, and information level. It provides the ability to move information from the device level to executives at the enterprise resource planning (ERP) level without new protocols or drivers. Advantech Control IPCs feature a PC-based architecture, delivering significant networking benefitsformanufacturersbyUSB,RS-232,RS-422/485andEthernetinterfaces.Userscan connect to field devices through serial or USB interface to satisfy any kind of application. The Ethernet interface allows users to effectively manage I/O control and information flow throughout the manufacturing and IT enterprise. Leveraging the high computing power of Advantech Control IPCs also allows networks to communicate seamlessly on the factory floor with other common sets of IT capabilities like video, data and telephones. Easy access to such information is critical to making decisions about the capacity of an enterprise. Scalability In the past, many PLCs required users to learn different programming software and specify networks depending on the size and complexity of the application. Advantech Control IPCs allow users to more closely match the controller to application needs without compromising functionality or learning a new control system. Such scalability reduces the headaches and high costs associated with system redesign, lack of program re-use, and re-training. Software Advantech Control IPCs support software to satisfy both PC-based and PLC-based programmers. Leveraging IEC 61131-3 SoftLogic programming environment, PLC programmers can take PLC operations to the next level in many areas, such as communication, information processing, enterprise level database integration, and user interface development. For PC-based programmers, Advantech offers an open platform solution, with C/C++ and .NET libraries for I/O control and communication functionality. They can satisfy programmers familiar with high level programming languages like Microsoft Visual Studio .NET. In addition, several convenient utilities are offered to save development time. Power & Energy Automation 8 5 4 4 10 Panel PCs 9 iDoor Technology Modules 8 Industrial monitors 7 Industrial IoT Gateways 6 Control Cabinet PCs High-Performance Control Panels Industrial Operator Panels 3 2 IntelligentMotionControl andMachineVision 1 11 Control IPCs 12 Remote DA&C Systems 13 Wireless IoT Sensing Devices 14 15 RS-485 I/O Modules 16 Thin-Client Terminals Industrial Ethernet Solutions 17 IP Gateway and Serial Device Servers iNetworking 18 19 WebAccess+ Solution Ethernet I/O Modules Chapter 12 Table of Contents Table of Contents