Software uses high-speed, multithread I/O scanning engine.
Press Release Summary:
Graphics-based ioDisplay v5.1 develops operator interfaces for Microsoft Windows-based clients communicating with SNAP Ethernet controllers. On-screen object can accommodate up to 4 numeric tables from ioControl strategy. Security features enable assignment of individual or group-level access to operator-driven dynamic attributes. AlarmPoint Persistence feature lets users specify how long condition must be present before alarm is triggered.
Original Press Release:
Opto 22 Announces ioProject
Software Suite Includes ioControl 5.1 and ioDisplay 5.1- New Automation and Data Acquisition Software with PID Control, Enhanced Security, Faster I/O Scanning, Improved Alarming
Temecula, CA - January 20, 2004 - Opto 22, a manufacturer and developer of hardware and software for industrial automation, remote monitoring, enterprise data acquisition, and machine-to-machine applications, has introduced ioControl 5.1, the latest version of its popular control programming software, and ioDisplay 5.1, an updated graphics-based human machine interface (HMI) software package. The two new offerings form the core of Opto 22's new ioProject software suite for use with Opto 22's SNAP Ethernet systems.
ioControl 5.1 is a flowchart-based control programming application that lets users design control and data acquisition applications quickly and easily, then download, run, and debug them in real time directly on Opto 22's SNAP Ethernet systems. Control engineers can program using an extensive, self-documenting, plain-English command set or use a powerful, built-in scripting language offering commands for math, conditional branching, string handling, and other complex functions.
The major enhancement to this new version of ioControl is the addition of PID control. PID control uses complex math algorithms for applications in temperature, pressure, speed, and flow regulation; process control; and industrial automation. ioControl 5.1 supports four major algorithms for PID control-velocity, parallel, ISA, and interacting-and allows up to 16 algorithms to run simultaneously. Additionally, when tuning the PID loop, control programmers can capture their existing parameters and write them directly to the configurator.
Other enhancements to this new version of ioControl include significant improvements when working in debugger mode, such as more detailed information in the error queue and added commands to aid in troubleshooting. Also, users can now access an archived strategy, upload it to a PC, and open it for debugging, without having to first download the strategy to the SNAP controller.
Additionally, when configuring I/O points in the ioControl strategy tree, users have the ability to define upper and lower limits on outputs, thus avoiding potential problems should output values fall out of anticipated range.
ioControl 5.1's other features include compatibility with the Microsoft Windows XP operating system and new file handling capabilities. The latter lets users upload and download large amounts of data and perform common file operations to and from any FTP server, including recently announced FTP servers built into SNAP Ultimate I/O brains. For example, SNAP Ultimate I/O systems can collect data from connected sensors and devices (floating-point, integer, state, and string), convert the data to common file formats (such as ASCII text files), and upload it to an FTP server.
ioDisplay 5.1 is an HMI application for developing operator interfaces for Microsoft Windows-based clients communicating with the SNAP Ethernet controllers. Users can create their own graphical user interface using original or pre-existing commands, symbols, and bitmaps.
ioDisplay 5.1 uses a new high-speed, multithread I/O scanning engine, making ioDisplay 5.1 run significantly faster than previous versions of the software. Additionally, a new on-screen object has been added that can accommodate up to four numeric tables from an ioControl strategy. This provides significant timesavings in interface development as previous versions of ioDisplay required users to import each table value individually from the ioControl strategy.
ioDisplay 5.1 also provides a new level of configurability, particularly when establishing alarms. For example, the AlarmPoint Persistence feature lets users specify how long a condition must be present before an alarm is triggered. Similarly, the Automatic Re-alarming after Acknowledge feature reinitiates the alarm if the trigger conditions remain for a set period of time, even if the initial alarm has already been acknowledged.
ioDisplay 5.1 also provides security features that enable assignment of individual or group-level access to operator-driven dynamic attributes. Encryption of the resulting runtime operator action log file is also now possible, helping users comply with recent regulatory requirements found in the US Food and Drug Administration's 21 CFR, Part 11 specification. ioDisplay 5.1 also boasts additions to the customized library of pre-designed industrial graphics and offers support for the JPEG file format.
ioControl and ioDisplay are part of Opto 22's new ioProject software suite, an integrated set of software applications and utilities for developing control programs and operator interfaces for SNAP Ethernet systems. ioProject is largely based on Opto 22's widely deployed FactoryFloor® software suite and provides a flowchart-based, highly programmable interface for users to design, configure and troubleshoot their control environments. The complete set of ioProject tools includes the ioControl and ioDisplay softwares, along with the ioManager utility, used for configuring and managing SNAP Ethernet systems, and OptoOPCServer, which provides standard integration for data exchange between SNAP Ultimate I/O systems and any OPC-aware software client.
ioControl is free for download from the Opto 22 Web site and is also included free with purchase of SNAP Ethernet controllers.
ioDisplay is available for download at a cost of $99 USD. ioDisplay, with accompanying documentation, is available on CD-ROM at a cost of $129 USD.
ioManager is available free for download from the Opto 22 Web site and is also included with the purchase of SNAP Ethernet systems.
OptoOPCServer Server is available for download at a cost of $399 USD. OptoOPCServer and accompanying documentation is available on CD-ROM at a cost of $429 USD.
All products come with ioProject and are available as a single download from the Opto 22 Web site at a cost of $499 USD, or on CD-ROM with documentation for $549 USD.
About Opto 22
Opto 22 manufactures and develops hardware and software products for applications in industrial automation, remote monitoring, and enterprise data acquisition. Using standard, commercially available Internet, networking, and computer technologies, Opto 22's input/output and control systems allow customers to monitor, control, and acquire data from all of the mechanical, electrical, and electronic assets that are key to their business operations. Opto 22's products and services support automation end users, OEMs, and information technology and operations personnel. Founded in 1974 and with over 80 million Opto 22-connected devices deployed worldwide, the company has an established reputation for quality and reliability.
Opto 22 products are sold through a worldwide network of distributors, partners, and system integrators. For more information, contact Opto 22 headquarters at 800-321-OPTO or visit our Web site at www.opto22.com.
