Redundant Control Platform ensures maximum uptime.
Press Release Summary:
PACSystems(TM) High Availability solutions provide scaleable, synchronized, redundant control platform with transparent process switchover. Solution consists of 2 physically independent controllers connected to I/O. Programming environment and Redundancy Wizard let users set-up shared data and I/O for both systems in redundant configuration. If any part of controller fails, its backup counterpart automatically assumes control.
Original Press Release:
GE Fanuc Announces New PACSystems(TM) High Availability to Ensure Uptime and Seamless Operation in Essential Applications
Transparent Process Switchover, Easy Configuration and Scalability for Improved Productivity
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. - May 27, 2004 - The new PACSystems(TM) High Availability solutions from GE Fanuc Automation Americas, Inc., a unit of GE Infrastructure, provide a scaleable synchronized hot-standby redundant control platform, with transparent process switchover and easy configuration to ensure uptime in essential applications. These new High Availability solutions meet the demands of applications requiring seamless operation and zero downtime - where mere moments of interruption can significantly delay operational flow, create excessive operational costs, or pose a threat to product quality.
Developed with GE Fanuc's patented, leading-edge technology, PACSystems High Availability assures not only maximum uptime but also transparent process switchover. This fast switchover has measured up to five times faster than other systems with large data transfers in time critical applications, helping users to realize up to 20 percent more production capacity.
PACSystems High Availability solutions provide synchronized redundancy for any module in a control chain capable of bringing operations to a halt. Should any part of a controller fail, its backup counterpart automatically assumes control. PACSystems High Availability is suitable for a variety of applications in the areas of:
· Offshore, Ships, Buoys, Windmills, Pipeline, Oil-Well Auxiliary Control, Remote Pumping Stations, Field Access Control and Sub-Sea Applications - where repair costs are very high due to the application's remote access.
· Crane Controls, Transport Systems, Fence Control, Bridge Controls, Airway Lighting, Turbine Auxiliary, HVAC or Water Treatment Systems - where downtime causes delay in the operational flow.
· Metals Mills, Cement Mixing, Oven Control or Semiconductor Manufacturing - where downtime causes increased material waste and/or damaged equipment.
Transparent Process Switchover, Easy Configuration and Scalability
GE Fanuc combines the most advanced technologies to offer an industry-leading seamless redundant control switchover. With PACSystems High Availability, there is virtually no overhead added to the control application, making switchover fast and transparent. The control process and HMI/SCADA applications never see a "bump" during a process switchover operation. This functionality maximizes data capture, minimizes system restarts and protects equipment, assuring maximum process productivity.
Additionally, PACSystems High Availability delivers easier configuration through GE Fanuc's universal programming environment, CIMPLICITY® Machine Edition, and its Redundancy Wizard. Users can set up shared data and I/O for both systems in the redundant configuration in a matter of minutes. Application scalability and modifications are made easy, and the programmer modifies only the application code. The redundancy and data synchronization are automatically ensured. With multiple and scaleable ways to provide redundancy, a simple implementation can save up to 50 percent in control hardware cost versus traditional installations. PACSystems High Availability offers faster synchronization, easy configuration and user-definable scalability - which drive the highest commissioning-to-production productivity possible.
PACSystems High Availability Leading-Edge Technology
A PACSystems High Availability solution consists of two physically independent controllers connected to a variety of I/O, utilizing a proven industrial network that provides deterministic data and automatic switchover. The controllers incorporate dedicated and redundant links to one another and operate synchronously, transferring all of the application's variables, status, and I/O data with each data sweep. The redundant link uses GE Fanuc's new PACSystems Control Memory Xchange for the fastest synchronization, with little or no impact on the application program.
PACSystems High Availability is a new offering in GE Fanuc's family of Critical Control and Simple Hot Standby Redundancy Systems. PACSystems High Availability will be available in second quarter 2004.
About GE Fanuc Automation
GE Fanuc Automation, a joint venture between GE and FANUC LTD of Japan, delivers automation hardware and software designed to help users reduce costs, increase efficiency and enhance profitability. With solutions and services catering to virtually every industrial segment, GE Fanuc Automation provides a diverse array of capabilities and products, including controllers, embedded systems, advanced software, motion control, CNCs, operator interfaces, industrial computers, and lasers. Headquartered in Charlottesville, VA, GE Fanuc Automation is a part of GE Infrastructure and combines the diverse global strengths of the GE family with the local presence customers need to design, develop and maintain their automation investments.
For more information, visit www.gefanuc.com or contact: GE Fanuc Information Center, P.O. Box 8106, Charlottesville, VA 22906, Phone: (800) GE FANUC, Fax: 434-978-5205, e-mail: gefanuc@gefanuc.com.
PACSystems is a trademark and CIMPLICITY is a registered trademark of GE Fanuc Automation Americas, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
