PLC System Development
A programmable logic controller (PLC) is at the heart of most automation control systems. AIC has developed and implemented thousands of PLC applications in many industries using a host of different PLC vendors. These include Siemens, ABB, AB, GE/Fanuc, Mitsubishi, Automation Direct, Omron, and Modicon to name a few.
Our engineers, technicians and field service engineers are highly trained in PLC design, programming, and troubleshooting. We have the bandwidth to handle everything from individual PLC machine control to large distributed control systems with substantial numbers of inputs/outputs (I/O). We strive to provide PLC programming logic that is efficient and easy to troubleshoot. We also design the system to be flexible and expandable to handle future requirements without requiring large additional investments.
PLC Upgrades
AIC is an expert in legacy PLC migrations. There are many old AB PLC-2, PLC-3, PLC-5, Siemens 405, 505, S5, GE/Fanuc Series one/three/five/six PLCs still in operation. These older PLC platforms often can’t meet the needs of today’s production control systems. Many older controls systems are no longer supported by the manufacturer and replacement parts are hard to find leading to increased downtime.
AIC can bring many of these legacy systems up to date to gain better control through faster communication, improved diagnostics, increased power and memory, and easier integration into plant-wide systems. In addition, you will realize reduced downtime, reduced replacement cost, increased productivity, and improved product quality.
PC Based System Development
The lines between PLC control and Industrial PC (IPC)-based control are beginning to blur. Most existing factory floor automation has a PLC at the heart of the system. PLCs have dominated this control segment since the early 1970s.
There is a growing movement away from traditional PLC-based system and towards PC-based systems. This has been driven by the ever increasing power of industrial PCs, reduction in PC costs, new safety and security functions, increased PC robustness, increased levels of PC hardware integration and expandability, improved serviceability and more powerful but simplified programming environments like IEC1131-3 and C/C++/.NET.
The ultimate decision of which platform to use is complicated and requires a full understanding of the final automation requirements, operator and maintenance capability and an assessment of the critical criteria mentioned above.