What is Foxboro PAC System?

T2750: Difference between PAC Hardware and PLC/DCS

PAC - PLC Comparison Generally, PACs and PLCs serve the same purpose. Both are primarily used to perform: automation, process control, data acquisition functions such as digital and analogue control, serial string handling, PID, motion control, and machine vision. Unlike PLCs, PACs offer open, modular architectures The rationale being that because most industrial applications are customized, the control hardware used for them needs to allow engineers to pick and choose the other components in the control system architecture without having to worry whether or not they will be compatible with the controller. PACs and PLCs are also programmed differently. PLCs are often programmed in ladder logic, a graphical programming language resembling the rails and rungs of ladders that is designed to emulate old electrical relay wiring diagrams. PAC control programs are usually developed with more generic software tools that permit the designed program to be shared across several different machines, processors, HMI terminals or other components in the control system architecture. PAC processing and I/O scanning is also very different. Unlike PLCs, which constantly scan all the I/O inputs in the control system at very high rates of speed, PACs utilize a single tag name database and a logical address system to identify and map I/O points as needed.

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PCs

SCADA PLCs RTUs X X X x x x x x x x

Foxboro I/A Foxboro DCSs PAC System x x x x x x x x

Industrially hardened hardware Discrete control/sequential control Process control (batch and continuous) x Remote monitoring & control, SCADA Motion control x Multi-domain capabilities (One controller performs logic, process control, discrete control, x motion control, monitoring, and data acquisition.) Distributed control functions to reduce load on central controller (examples: PID loop control, pulse generation, latching, events and alarms) Critical local operations continue in the event of a communication failure. Multifunction (Meet complex requirements without add-ons or middleware.) Multitasking x Efficient processing and I/O scanning (PACs scan only when logic requires it, thus reducing data x polling and network traffic.) Data-intensive applications such as recipe or x batch processes; recipe switching Floating-point math x Compact, high-density system Flexible, modular architecture (Use same hardware in small or large system; easily expand system with additional modules.) Extensive communication options x Open languages and standard protocols x Open, standard network interfaces x Easy support for multiple vendors' hardware & x software Integrated hardware and software Integrated development environment for all applications (Discrete, analog, serial, motion, etc. Reduces programming effort/time.) Common tag name database (No retyping or cross-reference lists.) Long, plain-language tag names

x X X X X X X x x x x x x x x x x x X X X X x x x x x x x x x X x x

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