10/12/2014

580976 Choosing a Programmable Automation Controller (PAC)

Rockwell Automation Support Center

580976 - Choosing a Programmable Automation Controller (PAC)
Access Level: Everyone
Date Created: 01/23/2014 02:08 PM
Last Updated: 07/08/2014 03:52 PM

Question
Where is the best resource to choose a Programmable Automation Controller (PAC)?

Answer
Although other controller products are available, here are the links to two product Selection Guides and to other resources:
Publication Number 1756-SG001R-EN-P Selection Guide for ControlLogix (large controllers)
Publication Number 1768-SG001P-EN-P Selection Guide for CompactLogix (small controllers)
Other resources for selecting controller products can be found at Allen-Bradley Product Selection web page.
Guidelines for selecting and sizing controllers may require all of some of the following items:
familiarity with the applicaiton,
the number of I/O and analog points,
use of specialty products such as counters, RTD and Thermocouple input modules
communication networks required such as DeviceNet or Ethernet/IP
the amount of controller memory to support the application programming.
Both the ControlLogix and CompactLogix controller lines use the same programming software which is RSLogix 5000 (V20 and earlier), or the newest - Studio 5000 Logix
Designer (V21 or later). In addition both require RSLinx communication software.
For remote chassis or distributed I/O (i.e. 1794 Flex I/O or 1734 Point I/O) we recommend using Ethernet communications but ControlNet, DeviceNet and Remote I/O
(ControlLogix only) networks are alternatively available.
Also, our web-site provides some system configuration tools at Integrated Architecture Tools web page. There are also many videos and tools to help
understand/build/evaluate a system at this web site.
Your local Rockwell Sales Office Solution Architect is another valued resource.
Contact your local RA Distributor for part numbers, prices and availability for these products.

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