ISaGRAF - The Foundation of Modern Automation

ICS Triplex ISaGRAF Inc. is proud to announce that it is the recipient of the Leonard Grand Prize in Innovation for its newest version of automation software, ISaGRAF 5.0. The award in the category of Software Solutionwas presented to a representative of ICS Triplex ISaGRAF at the Automation Optimation 2005 tradeshow in Paris.

Didier Noterman, a member of the jury stated:"The jury for Leonard appreciated many aspects of the ISaGRAF 5.0 solution from ICS Triplex ISaGRAF. This programming solution proposes a global vision from analysis to programming. The approach is structured and uses graphic objects to focus more on the visual aspect than the current programming trends. This solution provides more room for analysis. A library of function blocks drawn from and respecting the IEC 61499 standard is a very useful aspect. The jury believes that the market will sway much more towards this type of embedded control solution."

The IEC 61499 standard defines a distributed model for splitting different parts of an industrial automation process and complex machinery control into functional modules named function blocks. These can be distributed and interconnected over multiple controllers. These interconnected function blocks can be supplied by multiple vendors.

SIXNET’s latest RTU the VersaTRAK Micro-IPm features open-source Linux with ISaGRAF IEC 61131 for the ultimate in flexibility and convenience. The Micro-IPm (uIPm) is a rugged, compact unit with a built-in mix of 14 discrete & analog I/O (easily expandable to hundreds of I/O), 4 serial ports and a 10/100 Ethernet interface. Programming the µIPm can be done using any mix of the ISaGRAF IEC 61131 languages (ladder logic, sequential function chart, etc. – six languages to choose from!), high-level C/C++ and more. The µIPm is ideal for real-time inventory management such as RFID systems, HVAC & energy management, environmental monitoring and more.

"SIXNET has offered the powerful ISaGRAF IEC 61131 programming suite as an integral part of our RTUs and controllers for nearly 10 years," said Mike O'Connor, SIXNET Product Manager. " ISaGRAF, with six languagues to choose from, continues to provide the flexibility and performance that our customers need. Our latest products combine ISaGRAF with open-source Linux to take the openness of the SIXNET / ISaGRAF solution to the next level.”

For more information, please visit SIXNET's website:
www.sixnetio.com

OEM Technology Solutions recently announced the first release of its EMBEDDED PLC range of products. These products combine the functionality and power of the ISaGRAF PLC programming environment with the cost effective and flexible Rabbit-Semiconductors range of embedded core modules and Single Board Computers.

The first release of products includes the EMBEDDED PLC Application Kit, the EMBEDDED PLC kernel, the EMBEDDED PLC Field Utility and a variety of ISaGRAF Workbench options.

The ISaGRAF programming system combined with the Rabbit Semiconductor BL2500 Single Board Computer provides a low cost, fully functional PLC, complete with an extensive I/O count and communications capability.

The EMBEDDED PLC Application Kit offers all the necessary tools to program the BL2500 Single Board Computer via the ISaGRAF Soft Logic package. The kit includes a fully featured BL2500 SBC (P/N 101-0602), an ISaGRAF V3.50 32 I/O Workbench, an EMBEDDED PLC kernel, a BL2500 Demo board for testing, a programming cable, power supply, documentation and all necessary interconnecting cables.

The EMBEDDED PLC Application Kit provides you with an IEC-compliant PLC configured with 16 digital inputs, 8 digital outputs, 1 analogue input, 1 analogue output, an RS-232 port, an RS-485 port and 1 x ethernet (10/100 Mbps) interface.

The EMBEDDED PLC executes all five IEC61131-3 programming languages via the ISaGRAF V3.50 Workbench. These are Sequential Function Chart (SFC), Function Block diagram (FBD), Ladder Diagram (LD), Structured Text (ST) and Instruction List (IL).

For more information, including pricing and availability, please consult OEM's website and/or the below pdf:

www.oem.net.au

EMBEDDED PLC (.pdf)

Among some of the new features offered in ISaGRAF 5.0 are a newly designed interface, bringing a modern look and feel, as well as the very useful IEC 61499 Hardware view.

The Hardware View allows the engineer to visualize the way in which a particular application is distributed. This quick view of a distributed application is particularily helpful in the monitoring and debugging phase.

Each 61499 function block is made of 2 parts:

1. The top portion holds the ECC (Execution Control Chart). The IEC 61499 standard specifies that this part should be programmed using a state machine. Under ISaGRAF 5.0, it is conveniently programmed using SFC, which happens to be an ideal state machine.

2. The bottom portion defines the actual control function. It can be programmed using any of the IEC 61131 languages.

IEC 61499 function blocks can either be Basic or Composite. You can create a new Basic FB by programming its ECC and FB algorithms and by defining its inputs and outputs. Composites are created using basic FBs as well as a library of standardized IEC 61499 FBs. An IEC 61499 application is made of interconnected Basic and Composite FBs. Within an application, these FBs are distributed over resources and devices if need be. ISaGRAF acts to deploy the distributed application over resources and devices resulting in FBs that are automatically connected to one another.

OEM Technology Solutions applies technology, innovative engineering and design services to develop products & systems to deliver a competitive edge to our customers. OEM’s skills and services include systems engineering (SCADA, process, automation) electronics design, embedded software development, InduSoft and ISaGRAF software development, support and production services.

OEM is an ISaGRAF Preferred Partner and has signed license agreements for source code access to the ISaGRAF V3 and V4 toolkits. This allows OEM Technology Solutions to provide clients with customised ISaGRAF kernels – specifically for their application.

Contact OEM:
http://www.oem.net.au/

ICS Triplex ISaGRAF's recently launched Partner Directory includes over 35 worldwide partners who distribute ISaGRAF, develop solutions based on ISaGRAF or who use ISaGRAF to offer value-added services such as integration, training, technical services and support.

We encourage you to explore this convenient online partner directory for hundreds of third-party tools, products and services.

Explore the Partner Directory

ICS Triplex ISaGRAF enjoyed a successful showing at this year's Automation Optimation 2005 tradeshow in Paris. The show generated very positive interest and feedback for ISaGRAF 5.0, as well as for the Advantys pre-wiring system from Télémécanique, a flexible solution that incorporates the ISaGRAF technology. Representatives from Télémécanique were on hand at the ISaGRAF booth to provide insight into the various applications of the technology. The solution helps to reduce wiring tasks, saving the engineer both time and money.

For more information on Advantys, please consult the Télémécanique website:

ICS Triplex ISaGRAF recently moved its headquarters to a state-of-the-art software development facility in close proximity to downtown Montreal. Please take note of our new coordinates below.

We look forward to your next visit!

Head Office
ICS Triplex ISaGRAF Inc.
9975 Catania Avenue, Suite U
Brossard, Quebec
J4Z 3V6 Canada
Toll Free: 1 877 868 4746
Tel: +1 450 445-3353
Fax: +1 450 445-3426
sales@icstriplex.ca

Europe Sales & Support
ICS Triplex ISaGRAF Inc.
6bis Chemin des Prés
38240 Meylan
France
Tel: +33 (0) 476 048175
Fax: +33 (0) 4 76 41 35 61
sales@icstriplex.ca