Motion Control 2.0 released for comments

PLCopen OPC specification released

Part 6 - Fluid Power

This is a new initiative in the Motion Control working group started in June 2009, to extend the specifications to fluid power.

Initial Goal:

Optimizing programming and integration of fluid power devices and systems by defining function blocks employing PLCopen standardization and modular methodology.  

For the basic function blocks a 5 steps process will be used:  

1. Review of current PLCopen Motion Function Blocks as specified in Part 1 & 2

2. Identify those Fuction Blocks usable by fluid power in current form

3. Define fluid power extensions to current format needed to make remainding Function Blocks applicable

4. Identify additional BASE functionality unique to fluid power

5. Define Function Blocks unique to fluid power  

For algorithmic and application levels there can be guidelines and best practice descriptions that will facilitate implementation of more elemental components.  

The primary goal is to level restrictions to market response and provide integrators with the option to apply the best technology to a given problem without regard to specific technology constructs. Standardized interfaces will allow cross pollination from electrical and fluid power resource pools and drive best of breed solution configuration.  

As a rough timetable the initial idea is the following:

• Evaluate current Function Blocks – 2 months

• Proposals for extensions – 6 months

• 1^st proposal of set of Function Blocks for Fluid Power within 1 year