The S-MAX machine controller from Phoenix Contact is a high-performance combination of PC platform, soft PLC and fieldbus master that includes operating and monitoring functions. When it comes to equipping controllers for additional specialised functions such as visualisation, PC-based solutions lend themselves well to the task.
This machine controller provides a high-end system for control, regulation, operation and monitoring as well as communication. The user selects the operating system and the fieldbus master, and Phoenix Contact delivers a pre-tested and installed solution with harmonised hardware and software components. This saves costs and time on ordering, set-up and servicing.
A high-performance panel PC serves as the basic unit of the controller. It is fitted in a compact aluminium housing with a solid front plate and low installation height. A 6,4" (165 mm) colour TFT display with touch screen and a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels and two Ethernet interfaces are part of the standard equipment. The control system includes a visualisation function that is distinguished by its intuitive operation and powerful capacity to make use of dynamic objects. Object instances that can be used several times improve work efficiency. The OPC interface allows objects to be integrated simply and quickly into existing projects. The integrated soft PLC loads the control programs, processes them and prepares debug functions for programming, set-up and maintenance of PLC-controlled machines and systems. A fieldbus master with a configuration tool for the standard Interbus, Profibus, CANopen and DeviceNet fieldbus systems makes S-MAX a complete, highly communicative machine control system.
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