New, Versatile Controller Saves Customers Valuable Time and Money
ST. LOUIS, MO (March 7, 2001) - The PPC-2000 from Watlow is a new class of high performance controller that utilizes multi-loop PID control integrated with programmable logic in a modular, extensible package. The PPC-2000 is a uniquely powerful and cost-effective approach for processors dealing with many temperature and process control applications where existing controllers are awkward, time-consuming, or do not adequately solve the problem. It offers a very user-friendly alternative to the use of individual controllers and PLC units from different vendors. Being a rack-based controller, the PPC-2000 is easily fitted into existing control boxes on DIN rails.

With the PPC-2000, plastics processors can size the controller to fit their application and they can precisely control up to 48 temperature zones and process loops with a single controller. Because the PPC-2000 is modularised it allows various analog and digital I/O modules plus control loops to be centralized into one compact unit and programmed as an integrated system. Watlow has expanded the PPC-2000 digital I/O capacity from 46 to 302. These additional I/O modules allow users to select from a wider variety of field I/O devices to match specific application needs. Optional touch screen displays and LCD interfaces are available for easy viewing or editing of parameters in the field.  

Customers can achieve greater productivity levels and reduce process downtime because the PPC-2000 has an easy to use PID setup with "fill-in-the-blank" and pull down menus. The PPC-2000 includes firmware-based auto-tuning to assist the plastics processor in quickly optimising PID settings on any combination of loops. A recipe management feature helps the processor ensure repeatability and ease of changeover. The PPC-2000 also uses custom screens that present information to the operator in a language that makes sense to them, minimizing errors.

The PPC-2000 can add custom functions by using its LogicPro logic programming software utility. LogicPro is a state of the art graphical programming environment used to develop and download logic programs that run alongside and interact with the closed-loop, PID control program in the PPC-2000. With its use the processor can easily create, test and install a program in the PPC-2000 using drag and drop programming. Customers can debug their programs more quickly using the LogicPro logic simulation feature in advance of completing the integration of the PPC-2000 with the rest of the system.

The use of the ANAWIN^® Human Machine Interface (HMI) software eases channel parameter setup and monitoring as it is a simple, menu-driven, full-featured and customisable package that allows all the control loops to be viewed and edited from scrollable tables. Because no programming is necessary, productivity is immediate.

ANAWIN has data logging and graphing capability, auto-tuning, recipe management and built-in alarm handling features that make the PPC-2000 Programmable Process Controller very versatile and user-friendly. Through its use, the customer can link all their equipment to a central point. This enables the processor to control the process from the shop floor or from within a central office area.

There are many economic advantages to the use of Watlow's PPC-2000. Because it combines closed-loop and programmable control, the need for two separate controllers is eliminated. The PPC-2000's pre-configured, closed-loop control eliminates labor-intensive ladder logic PID programming as well. The PPC-2000 also lowers costs by measuring up to 32 different types of thermocouple and analog signals with one module. Additionally, the high-density, flexible I/O efficiently utilizes panel space. The customer can change a digital output to an input and vice versa without adding hardware or rewiring the system. The modular design allows the controller to grow with the application without the need to replace it. With the PPC-2000's auto-tuning software built in, the need to purchase special auto-tuning software is eliminated. And finally, a reduction in maintenance costs can be achieved by prolonging the heater life with the DZC (burst-fire) heater control outputs.

About Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company
Since the company's founding in 1922, Watlow has consistently applied proven technological solutions from one industry to provide fresh, innovative ideas in others. From its first products, electric heating elements for the shoe manufacturing industry, Watlow has brought its thermal expertise to numerous applications, including semiconductor, plastics processing, food service, life sciences, aerospace, and others.

Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, Watlow is the largest custom designer and manufacturer of industrial heaters, sensors, and controllers with offices and manufacturing facilities around the world.

For more information on Watlow's products, visit our web site at www.watlow.co.uk.

For additional information:
Watlow Ltd
Robey Close
Linby Ind Est, Linby Notts, NG158AA, UK
Phone: +44 (115) 964 0777
Fax:      +44 (115) 964 0071
Internet: www.watlow.co.uk
E-mail: info@watlow.co.uk