A
hello LinuxPLC skeptics and supporters,
Note: I am not a LINUXPLC spokesman, and neither is this any official
declaration from LinuxPLC, but just some views that I have.
i have been on the Linux PLC list for some time now.
I have worked with AB PLC's (2/05, 2/17, 5/10, 6/40, 5/40E, 5/80E, SLC
5/01,2,3), modicon, Mitsubishi, Toshiba, Siemens, Crompton Greaves,
Honeywell (IP620-35 a long time ago) and others. A few DCS systems, A
TMR and other systems.
I recently uploaded the CSV files of the linux PLC project. I am not a C
programming expert. but have some knowledge and with some help from
friends, intend to understand the advantages.
Some basic advantages that I could figure out were:
* Modular approach. The program has a good modular approach and over
time, the PLC overhead can be reduced so that only the used
functions act as program overhead, this will in result translate
into a faster code.
* Multiple blocks. A lot of functionaluty will be added by
programmers over a period of time and you could have a number of
special function blocks, largely absent in many PLC's today.
* Embedding of linux and program could lead to a variety of devices.
* The project is working on the goodwill of a few people. We are
still talking of development. We could shift the development to
India and work can move faster at a very low cost but then someone
will have to finance it.
* And you have the flexibility of using a good programmer and
changing the routines as you require them Flexibility in other
words, is one big advantage.
Some things that need to be added:
* IEC-61131-3 compatible languages. PLC programmers are conversant
with one or some of the IEc61131-3 languages and so all of them
will have to be supported. This will take additional development
time.
* A simple rpm or apt file will have to be provided, so that PLC
programmers do not have to go through the hassles of compiling
etc. Fully automatic installation with the press of a setup key.
And program built and transferred in the background to the
processor when the download to PLC key is pressed on the panel.
* I/O variety and communication variety. Though some work has been
done on it, still some more will be done so that all users are
satisfied.
I believe with time, the other comercial vendors will get a lot more
goodies from the LinuxPLC leading to overall development of the I&C field.
Anand
Note: I am not a LINUXPLC spokesman, and neither is this any official
declaration from LinuxPLC, but just some views that I have.
i have been on the Linux PLC list for some time now.
I have worked with AB PLC's (2/05, 2/17, 5/10, 6/40, 5/40E, 5/80E, SLC
5/01,2,3), modicon, Mitsubishi, Toshiba, Siemens, Crompton Greaves,
Honeywell (IP620-35 a long time ago) and others. A few DCS systems, A
TMR and other systems.
I recently uploaded the CSV files of the linux PLC project. I am not a C
programming expert. but have some knowledge and with some help from
friends, intend to understand the advantages.
Some basic advantages that I could figure out were:
* Modular approach. The program has a good modular approach and over
time, the PLC overhead can be reduced so that only the used
functions act as program overhead, this will in result translate
into a faster code.
* Multiple blocks. A lot of functionaluty will be added by
programmers over a period of time and you could have a number of
special function blocks, largely absent in many PLC's today.
* Embedding of linux and program could lead to a variety of devices.
* The project is working on the goodwill of a few people. We are
still talking of development. We could shift the development to
India and work can move faster at a very low cost but then someone
will have to finance it.
* And you have the flexibility of using a good programmer and
changing the routines as you require them Flexibility in other
words, is one big advantage.
Some things that need to be added:
* IEC-61131-3 compatible languages. PLC programmers are conversant
with one or some of the IEc61131-3 languages and so all of them
will have to be supported. This will take additional development
time.
* A simple rpm or apt file will have to be provided, so that PLC
programmers do not have to go through the hassles of compiling
etc. Fully automatic installation with the press of a setup key.
And program built and transferred in the background to the
processor when the download to PLC key is pressed on the panel.
* I/O variety and communication variety. Though some work has been
done on it, still some more will be done so that all users are
satisfied.
I believe with time, the other comercial vendors will get a lot more
goodies from the LinuxPLC leading to overall development of the I&C field.
Anand