SIXNET has announced the latest member of its SixTRAK IPm Open Controller family: the SixTRAK IPm Open DCS Controller, a small device used for process control, 'supervisory control and data acquisition' (SCADA), and 'distributed control system' (DCS) applications. The device is said to offer powerful communications and advanced programming capabilities, thanks to its built-in PowerPC processor and… embedded Linux operating system.

SIXNET describes its IPm products as “modular and scalable Linux-based automation solutions that combine installation-ready industrial hardware with a wealth of software solutions that are ready to use right out of the box.” User programs may be created using industry standard ISaGRAF IEC 61131-3 programming tools, or by means of a free Linux compiler. A built-in Linux webserver (“Boa”) can run web pages created using any standard HTML development tool.

Features of the Linux-based SixTRAK IPm DCS controller include . . .

• 32-bit PowerPC processor
• 16+ MB DRAM
• 8+ MB Flash memory
• 512KB or 2MB battery backed data logging SRAM
• 5 Ethernet and 3 serial ports
• Ethernet, Internet, telephone, and wireless telemetry ready
• Internet-enabled
• Two unique IP addresses for redundant networking
• Limitless multi-user connectivity
• Scalable from 1 to 16,000+ stations
• Unlimited I/O expansion (50,000+)
• IEC 61131 PLC open and high-level C++ programming
• UL, CSA, CE, DNV, & Zone 2 rated

SIXNET's Linux IPm embedded single-board computer (shown in the above photo) is also offered as a “preintegrated subsystem” for OEM embedded applications.

 
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