Rockwell Automation 57C620 AutoMax Programming Executive Version 3.8 - Manual (Page 23)

2Ć1 Introduction to the AutoMax Distributed Control System
2.0 INTRODUCTION TO THE
AutoMax DISTRIBUTED
CONTROL SYSTEM
AutoMax is a programmable, microprocessorĆbased control system
capable of performing realĆtime control with millisecond response
time. Because AutoMax is modular, you can customĆconfigure the
system to meet the specific requirements of your application. In
addition, the Processor module operating system is included in the
AutoMax Executive software and can be loaded from the same
device used for writing application programs.
The available hardware modules include the following: computing,
communications, digital input, digital output, analog input, analog
output, motion control, and motor and drive control. In addition, the
system can be configured to include many other commercially
available MultibusĆcompatible modules.
Typically, an AutoMax system consists of a number of chassis, or
racks, containing various modules. Up to 43 racks, each containing
at least one Processor module, can be connected together as part of
a control network using Network Communication modules. For drive
control applications, each AutoMax rack can control up to 20 drives
(10 UDC modules maximum) by using Universal Drive Controller
(UDC) modules in a rack that also contains at least one AutoMax
Processor module. Using Remote Communication modules, any rack
containing at least one Processor module can control up to 7 remote
I/O subsystems, which do not require Processor modules.
The system is designed to support the sharing of data among
Processors in a single rack (up to four), as well as among Processors
on different racks in a network. Applications can be distributed
among multiple Processors and racks. Common data, such as I/O
values, is accessible to all Processors simply by referencing the
appropriate variable name in a task.
Application programs are created in an MSĆDOSt or MSĆWindows
environment using an 80386Ćcompatible personal computer.
AutoMax supports three different programming languages: Ladder
Logic Language, Control Block Language, and Enhanced BASIC
Language. Each of these languages is suited to a different type of
task commonly found in the industrial and process control
environment. AutoMax Control Block, BASIC, and PC tasks can be
executed on an AutoMax Processor. Only UDC Control Block tasks
can be executed on a Universal Drive Controller (UDC) module.
Ladder Logic Language, also known as PC (programmable control)
Language, is used for sequential logic operations. Ladder Logic
programming is very much like programming for a conventional
programmable controller, incorporating standard ladder diagrams to
establish the sequence and types of operations performed. Ladder
Logic language is described in instruction manual JĆ3677.
Control Block language is used for programming control loops. The
Control Block language consists of BASIC statements that contain
special function calls, including amplifiers, integrators, function
generators, PID controllers, etc. Control Block language is described
in JĆ3676.