WizPLC 2.0 Brings New Soft-logic Functionality to Windows NT
WizPLC is currently used in hundreds of applications world wide for discrete control of machines, transportation, building automation, refrigeration, and manufacturing.
"As a core component of our WizFactory suite, WizPLC users can easily move data from the plant floor control level to remote monitoring through any standard web browser," says Dale Calder, president and CEO of PC Soft.
WizPLC 2.0 utilizes a new logic engine that executes compiled code over 20 times faster than the previous version. This improvement makes WizPLC suitable for even the fastest machine control applications. Response in milliseconds is possible even on a standard Windows NT system. WizPLC users also have the option of using the hard real-time extensions available from VenturCom Inc. (Cambridge, MA).
"We focused on the most important issues requested by our customers – faster execution speed, reduced programming time and improved reliability," says Jossi Pugatsch, program manager for PC Soft's WizPLC development.
The WizPLC programming studio and logic engine are closely integrated so that program changes can be made online, without having to shut down the running program. This prevents downtime during troubleshooting and debugging.
WizPLC fully supports all five languages of the IEC-61131 specification and provides users with the ability to create their own custom control functions using C and all of the Windows APIs. PC Soft supplies a library of over 40 control and system functions with the package including fast file access and advanced PID.
WizPLC 2.0 has been enhanced with two new features that help insure proper system operation in the event of a failure. Retained data handling allows a list of program variables to be saved to disk at a user defined time interval. If the program is stopped for any reason, it will use the last saved variables on restart. This enables a machine to know where it is in a control sequence even if power to the PC is switched off. The second feature allows the user to specify the state of the controlled field bus outputs in the event the WizPLC program is stopped. Both features mimic functions that are common on hardware PLC systems but are not usually found in soft-logic solutions.
WizPLC is a fully integrated component of PC Soft's WizFactory suite. WizFactory combines SCADA, Internet, soft-logic, and soft process control through a common tag system and networking protocol. The WizFactory network enables users to easily build a distributed system of controllers and HMI stations.