Programming Software can reduce design cycle times by 25%.

Press Release Summary:



RSLogix 5000(TM) offers design editors such as Sequential Function Chart (SFC) and Structured Text (ST). SFC graphical language organizes flow and control of complex, multi-tiered operations, while ST text-based editor offers built-in instruction blocks and permits modeling of multi-pass loop operations. Design cycle includes symbolic data modeling with automatic self-documenting and memory management.



Original Press Release:



With New Editors, RSLogix 5000(TM) Programming Software Can Reduce Design Cycle Times by 25 Percent



MAYFIELD HEIGHTS, Ohio, Aug. 5, 2002-Consuming around 80 percent of the time needed to implement an automated system, programming is a major burden for industrial OEMs and end users. To decrease the engineering resources tied to this task, complete automation leader Rockwell Automation has added new design editors- Sequential Function Chart (SFC) and Structured Text (ST)-to Rockwell Software® RSLogix 5000(TM) programming software. Combined with two existing editors and other industry-leading features, RSLogix 5000 can help reduce design cycle times by 25 percent and cut programming costs by as much as 40 percent.

"Using RSLogix 5000, we can sidestep tedious software development and wheel reinventing, and add value in other areas of the design process," said Daniel Parrish, director of engineering at Tegron, a systems integrator based in Longview, Texas. "We're now able to deliver far more complex and complete automation solutions, while keeping costs steady. That's been a major benefit for us and our customers."

One of the new editors, SFC is a graphical language used to organize the flow and control of complex, multi-tiered operations. SFC graphically depicts the individual steps in a given process, and provides a diagnostic check to determine when each has been completed. SFC is ideal for applications like sequencing a machine's states (for equipment with repetitive operations), managing programs and routines for batch processes, and executing motion or robotic control.

ST, in contrast, is a high-level, text-based editor with constructs typically found in modern programming languages like BASIC. Augmented by built-in instruction blocks, ST permits easy modeling of multi-pass loop operations to perform repetitive processing and conditional branching. This is useful for protocol manipulation such as parsing the weight value out of a string of characters received from a weigh scale. In addition, programmers use ST for complex mathematical calculations, embedded motion control functions and algorithms requiring the inclusion of process/drive functions, among other applications.

Joined by Ladder Diagram and Function Block Diagram, the existing RSLogix 5000 programming languages, SFC and ST form a complete palette of editors-allowing users to choose the capabilities and services that best fit each application. This helps simplify the design process and, consequently, decreases the time it takes to program a system. Other RSLogix 5000 features that impact the design cycle include:

o Symbolic data modeling-To create memory in most controllers, users have to construct data tables, assign names to these tables and reference their addresses during program development. With RSLogix 5000 there are no predetermined tables or physical memory addresses. The memory is created by name, defined by the user and stored directly in the controller. As a result, the code is self-documenting and memory management is automatic.

o Comprehensive instruction set-Most vendors provide basic instruction sets with their programming software (and high-level sets cost extra). RSLogix 5000, however, comes standard with the most comprehensive instruction set on the market.

o Common control environment-RSLogix 5000 provides a flexible, concurrent design environment that spans all control applications - discrete, process, motion and sequential. Traditionally, each discipline has required a separate processor and software package, creating a steep learning curve.

RSLogix 5000 is the programming and development software for the Logix family of controllers, which includes the Allen-Bradley ControlLogix(TM), CompactLogix(TM), FlexLogix(TM) SoftLogix(TM) and DriveLogix(TM) platforms. RSLogix 5000 version 11.0, with SFC and ST editors, will be available in the third quarter of 2002.

Rockwell Automation (NYSE: ROK) is a world-leading provider of industrial automation power, control and information solutions that help customers meet their manufacturing productivity objectives. The company brings together leading brands in industrial automation for Complete Automation solutions, including Allen-Bradley® controls and engineered services and Rockwell Software® factory management software, Dodge® mechanical power transmission products, and Reliance Electric® motors and drives. The company also is a leading provider of contact management technologies and applications that help companies more efficiently manage interaction with their own customers. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., USA, the company employs approximately 23,000 people at more than 450 locations serving customers in more than 80 countries.

For more information on RSLogix 5000, please contact the Rockwell Automation Response Center, 10701 Hampshire Avenue South, Bloomington, Minn., 55438, 800.223.5354, Ext. 1541.

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