Aerotech: Programmable controller cuts development time in half

A screenshot of the A3200 MotionPAC software-based programmable logic controller system from Aerotech.

Aerotech Inc.’s A3200 MotionPAC, a software-based programmable logic controller (PLC) integrated with the company’s A3200 motion controller, reportedly decreases development time by as much as 50 percent.

The MotionPAC, which can be used independently for full machine control or in conjunction with AeroBasic™ programs, complies with IEC 61131-3 and PLCopen, according to an Aerotech news release issued Dec. 9.

"The MotionPAC's Integrated Automation will reduce programming and commissioning time by 30 percent to 50 percent," Aerotech reported, "and is ideal for machine control program development. The MotionPAC's tight integration with the A3200 motion controller allows users to command asynchronous, coordinated, blended, geared or cammed motion directly from Ladder Diagrams, Function Block Diagrams, Structured Text or directly start or stop AeroBasic programs."

Both .NET and PLC programmers can seamlessly collaborate through MotionPAC to deploy machine control applications because the .NET programs can be packaged as an LD, FBD or ST that run in the real-time CLR.

Click here for a MotionPAC series data sheet from Aerotech.