In the world of industrial automation, few names carry as much weight as Allen-Bradley. Their Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and Programmable Automation Controllers (PACs) have revolutionized manufacturing processes. Let’s take a deep dive into the evolution of Allen-Bradley PLCs and the rise of Rockwell Automation PACs.
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A Brief Background
Over the past 50 years, PLCs have undergone remarkable advancements in both hardware and programming functionality. This paved the way for the emergence of PACs, which took the capabilities of PLCs to a whole new level. Today, Allen-Bradley, now owned by Rockwell Automation, stands as a leader in factory automation equipment, offering a wide range of products such as PLCs, human machine interfaces, sensors, safety components, software, and more.
The Early Days
The story of Allen-Bradley traces back to its founding in 1903 by Lynde Bradley, with the support of investor Dr. Stanton Allen. Originally known as the Allen-Bradley Company, it quickly established itself as a prominent player in the automation industry. The company’s first patented product, a carbon disc compression motor controller, was showcased at the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904, gaining recognition for its innovation and quality.
The Birth of PLCs
Allen-Bradley’s journey into the world of PLCs was heavily influenced by Odo Josef Struger, often referred to as the “father of the programmable logic controller.” Struger’s ideas and contributions from 1958 to 1960 led to the invention of Allen-Bradley PLCs, and he is even credited with coining the term “PLC.” These groundbreaking devices transformed industrial automation by providing flexibility and programmability to control complex processes.
Rising to Prominence
Under Struger’s guidance, Allen-Bradley became a major PLC manufacturer in the United States. The company also played a significant role in the development of the “IEC 61131-3” PLC programming language standards, further cementing their expertise in the field. The introduction of the PLC-5 product family marked a turning point, with subsequent advancements like the SLC500 line, MicroLogix family, ControlLogix family, and CompactLogix family revolutionizing automation and control systems.
Embracing Advancements
Throughout the years, Allen-Bradley PLCs and PACs have continued to evolve, adapting to changing technological landscapes. With faster scan times, increased memory, and support for various communication protocols like Ethernet, DeviceNet, DH485, and ControlNet, these systems have enabled seamless integration and enhanced efficiency in industrial environments. Additionally, Allen-Bradley’s servo motor control cards, utilizing SERCOS fiber optics, have ensured their competitiveness in the market.
Rockwell Automation PACs
As Allen-Bradley PLCs evolved, Rockwell Automation emerged as the parent company, ensuring the continued innovation and development of these powerful automation solutions. The introduction of PACs expanded the capabilities of PLCs, allowing for more complex control and advanced functionalities. Today, Rockwell Automation’s extensive product lineup, including PLCs, PACs, human machine interfaces, sensors, and software solutions, empowers industries worldwide.
Learn More with Techal
Interested in delving deeper into the world of Allen-Bradley and Rockwell Automation? Visit Techal for comprehensive information, valuable insights, and expert resources on industrial automation. Their platform offers a wealth of knowledge on PLC programming, industrial automation techniques, and much more. Embrace the possibilities of automation with Techal’s exclusive library of courses and stay up to date with their weekly content.
As we conclude our exploration of Allen-Bradley PLCs and the evolution of Rockwell Automation PACs, we hope you’ve enjoyed discovering the fascinating journey of these remarkable automation solutions. Stay tuned for more exciting lessons and insights from Techal as we continue to unravel the world of industrial automation.
