Open Architecture System

SoftPLC in Tealware is an embedded, I/O rack based, open architecture system that includes the controller CPU and a full line of I/O modules for applications ranging from small machine control to complex, multi-vendor distributed systems. The CPU's have the SoftPLC kernel embedded. Available for these systems is a complete line of I/O modules, which can be installed in both local and remote configurations.

In addition, an alternative CPU base with five PC-104 slots makes this system truly open architecture. Users can easily add other vendor's I/O interface cards, motion cards, additional serial ports, and much more to the system. A typical controller system consists of a CPU base and/or expansion I/O bases, CPU module, power supply module, and various I/O modules. CPU bases can accommodate the power supply module, CPU module and 4, 6, or 8 I/O modules. The PC-104 CPU base can accommodate the power supply module, CPU module, 4 I/O modules and up to 5 PC-104 cards.

In a remote configuration, users can connect up to 15 remote drops, each consisting of a remote drop base (with Remote I/O Adapter) and up to three expansion I/O bases. The maximum distance from the CPU and the last remote drop is 20,000 ft. Remote configurations can support up to 16,384 I/O points. CPU modules are inserted into a single CPU slot on a CPU base. There are two styles of CPU hardware, one each for local and remote I/O configurations. Each style CPU can then be selected based on a maximum number of digital I/O points supported (unlimited analog I/O capacity is always included, in addition to the published digital maximum).

For open architecture configurations, other vendor I/O products (such as DeviceNet, Profibus, motion control cards, and more) can be supported via PC-104 interface cards with the PC-104 CPU base. All CPU's include control kernel software. Users can add the SoftPLC Web Server option, if desired.

SoftPLC Corporation, 25603 Red Brangus Drive, Spicewood, TX 78669. Tel: 512-264-8390; Fax: 512-264-8399.