From PLCs to PACs - what's in a name?

摘要

The ARC Advisory Group identified a trend that PLCs are moving towards the capabilities of small DCS and SCADA systems, and that an emerging technology, the Programmable Automation Controller (PAC) is set to change the PLC market. Suzanne Gill asks PLC vendors for their views. The ARC Advisory Group has identified a trend that sees higher end PLCs moving closer to the capabilities of small DCS and SCADA systems and notes that an emerging technology, the Programmable Automation Controller (PAC) is set to change the PLC market with the addition of communication capabilities, larger memories and fast CPUs turning the PLC into a universal automation component. Glenn Bates, Rockwell Automation UK's commercial marketing manager for control and information, agrees with the findings of the ARC report which states that multi-function controllers are the future.