Programmable Automation Controller (PAC)
From SCADApedia
A number of Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) vendors and trade press have created the Programmable Automation Controller (PAC) product category to describe their newer and more capable controllers. The primary differences are a PAC is a PLC built on a PC architecture and supports IT protocols. The first PAC, as defined today, was introduced in either 1985, but the term PAC was not used until the ARC Advisory Group created it in 2001.
The PC architecture provides more computing resources, such as CPU and memory, than a traditional PLC architecture. The increased computing power allows the vendors to put more capabilities in a smaller hardware and software platform. Many of the functions that took place in the control center can be pushed out to the PAC on the factory floor or in the field.
The wide variety of programming tools and applications available in the PC environment can now be easily integrated and used for communication, programming, and management of a PAC. Benefits include:
- Support for IT communication standards such as Ethernet and TCP/IP
- Support for IT standard applications such as databases with SQL queries and SNMP
- Hardware interoperability makes integration multi-vendor integration easier, although software integration is still largely proprietary.
Popular PAC Product Families
- Rockwell Automation Logix platform including ControlLogix
