Schneider Electric, a global specialist in energy management and automation, has introduced its new high-end Modicon M580 Ethernet programmable automation controller (ePAC) to the Gulf region.
As the first PAC built for the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), it is the recommended controller of PlantStruxure™, the company’s automation architecture for industrial and infrastructure customers.
The flagship product of the Modicon range of controllers features hot standby functionality (HSBY), native Ethernet, and cybersecurity embedded in its core. Modicon M580 provides total flexibility for operational efficiency for medium or large process applications in water and wastewater plants, mining, hydropower, oil and gas and transportation.
Deniz Akkaya, partner project and industry vice president – Gulf Countries, Pakistan and East Mediterranean, Schneider Electric, said, “We are excited to introduce the new high-end Modicon M580 ePAC, which has been designed based on our expertise in open architectures and Ethernet technology. Addressing the latest automation trends and stringent requirements for the region’s industrial users, Modicon M580 ePAC has been designed to fill the void between a universal Ethernet backbone, a DCS, and a PAC. Cutting-edge functionality allows us to drive true customer benefit, thanks to a future-proof solution designed to meet the most pressing industry challenges.”
According to findings in the 2015 ABI Research report, the number of connected industrial controllers will triple over the period between 2014 and 2020. Given this growth rate of around 20% and the region’s need for interoperable and smart manufacturing solutions across various sectors, Modicon M580 will be a valuable addition to the market.
The Modicon M580 ePAC provides the market with enhancements in cybersecurity through the Achilles™ Level 2 and ISA Certifications. For users who need traceability in their processes and programmes, Modicon M580 is now equipped with larger memory and processing capabilities – allowing new integrated functions to improve cybersecurity capabilities and time stamping of values for all variables in process applications.
Migration to the new Modicon M580 ePAC does not require a complete change of system thanks to the seamless, affordable step-by-step modernisation plans for existing Modicon Quantum and Modicon Premium platforms.
The new Modicon M580 ePAC offers an affordable high-availability solution for mid-range to high-end process applications, providing hot standby CPUs and redundant power supplies. In addition to the redundancy features, the Modicon M580 ePAC maximises uptime with the capability for online configuration changes without stopping the process. Furthermore, CANopen fieldbus is now natively integrated through a new embedded CANopen module.
