Systems designers, who prefer the flexibility of PC based control, have previously had to choose between industrial PCs or embedded microcontrollers for their bespoke automation control systems now have a third option: Mitsubishi Electric’s C-language controller.

Mounting on standard Q series hardware and thus integrating seamlessly with other Q series CPUs (PLC, Motion, Robot, CNC), proven Q series I/O, networking modules and motion control cards, the C Controller CPU provides a flexible, reliable, readily expandable, rack-based PC-less solution as part of a multi-disciplinary automation platform.

There are many control tasks that are inherently better suited to a PC-based approach, such as process tasks or complex maths-based applications. In addition, many systems designers are far more comfortable developing programs in C or C++ than in PLC languages. But PCs, IPCs and embedded microcontrollers have a number of disadvantages, including a short product lifecycle with often limited ongoing support, the need to develop specialised drivers, and higher management and maintenance costs. Then there are the many failure-prone elements of traditional PC systems such as fans and hard drives. The MELSEC C Controller addresses all of these issues, opening up the world of automation to engineers who program in C and C++, with standard Q series industrial quality hardware that assures high system reliability, stable long-term supply and lower maintenance and management costs.

The Q12DCCPU C Controller is available as an iQ Platform CPU module. It includes two Ethernet ports, an RS232 port, a USB port, a CompactFlash card slot and a 7-segment display for debugging and diagnostics. The CPU comes with the Wind River VXWorks real time operating system pre-installed. Program development environment options include Mitsubishi Electric’s own CW Workbench and Wind River’s Work Bench for the Q12DCCPU.

CW Workbench is a new engineering tool from Mitsubishi Electric designed specifically for the C Controller, enabling full-scale embedded systems to be developed quickly, easily and at low cost. CW Workbench offers all the essential functionality required for system development, including an editor, complier and debugger. Mitsubishi also offers a full suite of setting and monitoring tools for the C controller CPUs, providing program-free parameter settings and program-free diagnostics, and providing a simple means to monitor the status of connected modules and easily perform simple debugging.

The C Controller offers an open platform for users to develop their own C based solutions or to take advantage of some of the dedicated solutions created by Mitsubishi Electric’s e-F@ctory partners. Solutions such as C-Batch (developed with partner INEA), C Connector (developed with partner ubigrate) and C NetDB (developed with partner Raima) are just a few examples where this flexible platform brings PC-less batch control to the shop floor, integration into high level systems such as SAP and embedded database control directly in the controller. But the solutions do not stop there as an increasing number of partners offer communication protocols, processing and control solutions as well.

Highly reliable and offering the high speed performance required for today’s demanding automation applications; the C Controller opens up the world of automation by delivering advanced PC-style control but with reduced total cost of ownership and increased stability of operation, added system security and with the added advantage of seamless integration with the PLC and wider automation environment.

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