May 6, 2009 — PLCopen is launching a new initiative in the Motion Control working group to extend the specifications to fluid power.
Initial Goal:
Optimizing programming and integration of fluid power devices and systems by defining function blocks employing PLCopen standardization and modular methodology.
For the basic function blocks a 5 step process will be used:
1. Review current V1.0 Motion Function Blocks
2. Identify those usable by fluid power in current form
3. Define fluid power extensions to current format needed to make remainder usable
4. Identify additional base functionality unique to fluid power
5. Define Function Blocks unique to fluid power
For algorithmic and application levels there can be guidelines and best practice descriptions that will facilitate implementation of more elemental components.
The primary goal is to level restrictions to market response and provide integrators with the option to apply the best technology to a given problem without regard to specific technology constructs. Standardized interfaces will allow cross pollination from electrical and fluid power resource pools and drive best of breed solution configuration.
As a rough timetable the initial idea is the following:
evaluate current Function Blocks – 2 months
Proposals for extensions – 6 months
1st proposal of set of Function Blocks for Fluid Power within 1year
The kick-off meeting will be held on June 23 in Frankfurt, Germany.
about PLCopen
PLCopen was founded in 1992 as an independent worldwide association for industrial suppliers and users. It is the leading association resolving topics related to industrial control programming. PLCopen creates concepts to reduce the costs of industrial automation. These cost savings are realized in areas such as engineering, training, operation and maintenance. Together with its members, PLCopen creates specifications to materialize these concepts.
