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Mini-PC records PLC signals

01 October, 2003

Mini-PC records PLC signals

A German company has developed a mini-PC dedicated to gathering long-term information on the performance of PLCs. Emden-based Autem says that the data gathered by its Blackbox PC can help to pinpoint faults and to plan preventive maintenance programmes.

The mini-PC, designed to be used with the company`s PLC-Analyser software, measures just 177mm by 228mm by 51mm, allowing it to be housed in a control cabinet. Its hard disk can store more than three years worth of data.

Autem suggests that the Blackbox is particularly useful for pinpointing intermittent faults. It can also help to resolve disputes with equipment suppliers.

The recorder is connected to the PLC via a PU interface or a network such as Profibus or Industrial Ethernet. It can acquire data from several different PLCs simultaneously.

An optional USB connection box allows external signals to be monitored simultaneously. Data can be collected from up to eight analogue and 20 digital sources.

The Blackbox operates from a 24V DC or 100-240V AC power supply. If there is a recording fault, it reboots automatically.




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