New Controller Family and Software from Rockwell Automation Simplifies Installation, Saves Acquisition Costs and Assembly Time for Machine Builders

Machine builders and end users who need a cost-effective control solution for their small applications will benefit from the new family of Allen-Bradley Micro800 component-class micro programmable controllers and Connected Components Workbench software from Rockwell Automation.

Together, the controllers and software are easy to configure, install and maintain. Designed to be used with other Allen-Bradley component class products, such as drives, motion control and operator interface products, the controllers are part of a solution bundle that offers machine builders easy selection, installation and commissioning of their low-cost, standalone machines.

“Machine builders need economical, convenient control solutions they can customize to suit their customers’ specific application needs,” said Paul Gieschen, market development director, Rockwell Automation. “With this new line, Rockwell Automation is delivering the functionality and flexibility of a micro programmable logic controller for the price of a smart relay. Yet, the greatest value of the new Micro800 family is the simplicity and convenience it offers users – namely, that it provides just enough control, so they’re only paying for what they need.”

Ideally suited for standalone machine applications with fewer than 48 I/O, the initial launch consists of two controllers – the Allen-Bradley Micro810 and Micro830 controllers – and Connected Components Workbench software. Leveraging the controller’s embedded USB and serial ports, machine builders can quickly program the controllers and link them to human-machine interfaces (HMI) and other serial devices – ultimately helping minimize selection and installation time for themselves, and the total cost of ownership for end users.

The Micro800 controllers offer a wide-range of plug-in modules for analog/digital I/O, communications and expanded memory. The plug-in modules enable machine builders to personalize the controllers to increase functionality without expanding the product footprint. The new controller family also offers removable terminal blocks (most models) and simplified communication via point-to-point data exchange.

Complementing the new line of controllers, the new Connected Components Workbench software follows established IEC-61131 standards. A single package that is easy to acquire, install and update, the software makes it convenient and cost-effective for machine builders and end users to leverage one platform for their programming and configuration needs. It allows machine builders to program Micro800 controllers and configure other devices in the system, including PowerFlex drives and PanelView Component HMI products.

Based on proven Rockwell Automation and Microsoft Visual Studio technology, the new software provides controller programming, device configuration and data sharing with the HMI editor for PanelView Component operator products. In addition, the software supports three standard IEC programming languages: ladder diagram, function block diagram and structured text. In addition, the programming software features run-time download, which enables live program adjustments.

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