Bedrock Adds Field Technician Interface and More to IEC-Compliant Automation Platform

These features include expanded browser visualization, a field technician interface (FTI), 64-bit multi-core processing support, and enhanced user security tools.

 

Bedrock’s Integrated Development Environment (IDE) Platform

Bedrock’s IDE is a software-based platform created to support companies in engineering and commissioning automation applications. The solution is free to download and is designed to allow development from the ground up. 

Bedrock’s IDE comes with a fully-fledged programmable logic controller (PLC) feature and can control Ethernet IP devices directly from your desktop or laptop machine. The integrated development environment also supports various testing features to help engineers prep their applications before deployment to the plant.

In addition, the IDE includes an OPC UA (Unified Architecture) Server to allow the development of HMIs directly on your device and a built-in DSO (Digital Storage Oscilloscope) that can capture data at scan speed.

The solution supports online changes and is compliant with the IEC 61131-3 standard, which supports several different programming languages. These include two textual languages: instruction list (IL) and structured text (ST), and two graphical languages: ladder diagram (LD) and function block diagram (FBD).

The IEC 61131-3 standard also defines an additional set of graphical and equivalent textual elements dubbed sequential function chart (SFC) and defined for structuring the internal organization of programmable controller programs and function blocks. 

 

The 1.12 Update 

Following the 1.12 update, Bedrock OSA (Open Secure Automation) View has been integrated into the company’s IDE, offering developers new visualization functionalities.

 

The Bedrock OSA controller, featured in the upper right, provides cyber-secure control that synchronizes pump operation. Image used courtesy of Bedrock Automation Platforms Inc

 

 

For example, engineers can now intuitively build and integrate process displays with application and diagnostic variables using the secure web server within every Bedrock controller.

 

Expanded browser visualization and FTI capabilities. Image used courtesy of Bedrock Automation Platforms Inc

 

They can also build secure local HMI and dashboard displays in the same application as the control code without leaving the Bedrock IDE. They can do this by installing Bedrock Client Authentication certificates on select browsers.

“With our new certification capability, a developer can build a secure communications channel connecting devices, OPC UA servers, and an Android tablet,” explained Albert Rooyakkers, Bedrock Founder, CEO, and CTO. 

 

The Standalone Field Technician Interface (FTI)

The 1.12 update also introduces a new standalone FTI to allow configuration and upgrading of Bedrock OSA hardware without requiring the full Bedrock IDE install. The overall performance of the IDE has been improved, with the platform now working on 64-bit environments and embedded OSA multicore processors.

Bedrock’s IDE 1.12 offers updated user security features so engineers to configure username/password requirements for various critical system functions, including firmware updates, time setting, rebooting, and network interface configurations.  

“We see Bedrock IDE version 1.12 as our continued evolution in high-performance, open and secure automation,” Rooyakkers added. 

The Bedrock IDE 1.12 platform is already available for users on the company’s website.

What do you think about Bedrock’s IDE 1.12 version? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section down below.