Temperature control software package
Function block-based platform can provide closed-loop control of multiple zones.
Temperature control loops are an important component for machine manufacturing and are used in many machine applications. B&R has introduced a new software-based closed-loop temperature control package, that the company says can make those loops easier to implement and more effective. The closed-loop control parameters are set automatically, and additional programming is not necessary.
Selected library function blocks in B&R’s Automation Studio handle closed-loop temperature control, and an intuitive user interface allows the user to select the temperature range and the temperature sensors used, as well as to define the number of temperature zones required.
The package was designed for multi-channel temperature systems with up to 32 independent control loops, and can provide many auto-tuning possibilities for automatically setting control parameters. B&R says that the system includes special algorithms to ensure that optimized control loop parameters are available for the machine at the push of a button. The compact interface of the controller function blocks also guarantees easy and flexible implementation in the respective automation project. An integrated Visual Components visualization system with trend functionality, data recording, and user level administration optimally rounds off the B&R software package. The control package can be expanded as needed and adapted to the user's individual requirements.
--Edited by Peter Welander, pwelander@cfemedia.com
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