OPTO 22 is an established manufacturer of robust I/O units and distributed control systems for industrial automation. Known for its robustness, reliability and decentralized approach, the company has gained recognition in various industries worldwide. Its hallmark is integrated, Ethernet-based process control solutions.
Groov EPIC Edge
Groov EPIC represents a new generation of control systems from Opto 22. It combines the features of a modular controller, display panel and communication device with secure connectivity to IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) networks.
The Groov EPIC control system is based on a powerful quad-core processor with two independent Ethernet interfaces and two USB interfaces for serial communication. It includes a high-resolution touchscreen that serves as both a display panel and a tool for configuration and diagnostics. An additional HDMI output allows for the direct connection of an external display.
A complete set of I/O modules is available for the controller, offering up to 24 signal points with hot-swappable capability during operation. Its robust design allows operation in a temperature range from -20°C to 70°C.
SNAP- PAC S
The standalone industrial controller SNAP PAC S, with its processing, memory and communication capabilities, is suitable for managing the most demanding processes. This controller allows data exchange with all Ethernet-programmable input/output units (PAC R1/R2 and PAC EB1/EB) on the network.
The controller has two fully separate Ethernet interfaces, enabling physical separation of segments (domains) in the control and monitoring systems. If needed, redundant configurations of controllers and programmable input/output units are also possible. Additionally, the controller is equipped with serial RS232/RS485 interfaces, which allow connection to older SNAP and G4 Mistic I/O units.
The controller contains 32 MB of RAM, 16 MB of Flash EEPROM and 8 MB of battery-backed RAM. It is highly capable, as it can simultaneously execute up to 32 flowcharts.
SNAP- PAC R1
The programmable input/output processor SNAP PAC R1 combines the features of an I/O unit and a control processor in a single device. The latest version, SNAP PAC R1 (GEN2 Edition), features a powerful processor, 256 MB of RAM, 16 MB of Flash EEPROM and 2 MB of battery-backed RAM, enabling control of even more demanding processes. It can simultaneously execute up to 32 flowcharts.
The PAC R can exchange data with other Ethernet I/O units (PAC R1/R2 and PAC EB1/EB) and standalone SNAP PAC S controllers on the network. It also includes two fully separate Ethernet interfaces, allowing for redundant control system configurations. Besides supporting all standard SNAP I/O modules, the SNAP PAC R also allows for the connection of up to eight serial communication modules in its base, providing a unique solution that simplifies the implementation of non-standard protocols. The SNAP PAC R1 is also a direct replacement for older SNAP PAC EB I/O units.
Input-output modules
OPTO 22 offers a wide range of analog and digital I/O modules in the SNAP family, including modules with stand-alone PID control loops and serial communication modules with two RS232 or RS485 interfaces. The digital modules are optically isolated up to 4000 V and support up to four signals.
The analog modules are available in two, four or eight channels, with galvanic and optical isolation (4000 V). Two-channel input modules with galvanic isolation of the channels are also available. The broad range of I/O modules supports a variety of voltage, current and frequency signals, as well as Pt100 probes and thermocouples.
OPTO 22 input/output modules come with a lifetime warranty due to their high manufacturing quality.
PAC Project™ software package
Programming PAC R, PAC S and Groov EPIC Edge controllers is facilitated by the PAC Control software with flowcharts, while for more complex applications, OptoScript (a scripting language based on the C programming language) is also embedded. The PAC Control BASIC software is provided to the user free of charge with the purchase of a controller.
With the purchase of the PAC Project Professional software package, users receive additional tools, including the OPTO OPC Server. The package enables redundant and segmented Ethernet interface configurations, support for SNAP and G4 Mistic I/O units, and the migration of programs written with the older Opto Control software tool.
Program Manager Emerson and Opto 22
Jaroslav Tolčič, M.Sc.