OMAC Releases PackSoft Application Library (PackAL)
May 13, 2005
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The Open Modular Architecture Controls Users' Group (OMAC) released and distributed the PackSoft Application Library (PackAL), designed to offer users more transparency in
machine programming, debugging and maintenance.
Additionally, the standard will let users "... move toward standardized ways of exchanging information in between machine module controls," said Gerd Hoppe, CTO North America of Beckhoff Automation.
The document, ready for implementation and testing, is distributed as a technical paper and includes:
- Graphical timing diagrams describing the performance of function blocks.
- Function block control inputs and naming conventions for easier programming and handling.
- The addition of the PackML State Machine Function Block as an interface standard to state machine implementations.
Additional topics covered include best practices on implementation of applications, generic function blocks for machine-to-machine communications, a compliance declaration and the new PackAL logo.
The work of PackSoft will continue to further develop the document, said OMAC, and the group intends to issue a future version with improvements, user feedback and alignments with future PLCopen standards currently in draft status.
OMAC is an affiliate organization of the Instrumentation, Systems and Automation Society (ISA) and works on the development, implementation and commercialization of open, modular architecture control (OMAC) technologies, and facilitates the accelerated development and convergence of industry- and government-developed OMAC technology guidelines.
OMAC operates three work groups focused on packaging machinery, manufacturing infrastructure and machine tool.
Source: Open Modular Architecture Controls Users' Group (OMAC).