Control & Regulation in Automation – Efficient Solutions for Every Process
Controlling and regulating industrial processes is a key aspect of modern automation. With innovative technologies such as the C100-4.0® process controller from S&P, even complex requirements can be implemented more easily and efficiently. But what is the difference between control and regulation, and how can companies benefit from it?
The Difference Between Control and Regulation
Understanding the difference between control and regulation is essential for optimizing automation concepts:
- Control refers to a system reacting to predefined inputs without feedback from the environment. An example is activating pneumatic pressure when a switch is pressed.
- Regulation, on the other hand, involves feedback: measured variables are continuously recorded, evaluated, and used to adjust control variables. A motor that moves to an absolute position is a classic example.
Both approaches play a vital role in industrial automation and are often combined to achieve precise results.
The C100-4.0® Process Controller – The Perfect Combination of Control and Regulation
The C100-4.0® from S&P is specifically designed for industrial applications in production, development, and research.
Key Features:
- Control, Measurement, and Regulation: The controller processes setpoints, monitors parameters, and controls external actuators.
- Flexibility: A wide range of interfaces (I/O ports, serial interfaces, TCP/IP, pneumatic elements) allows adaptation to complex requirements.
- Integrated Computing Unit: Enables processing of extensive and complex data for optimal process design without requiring additional control cabinet construction. The necessary hardware and software are integrated into the device and meet industry standards.
By seamlessly integrating control and regulation, the C100-4.0® enhances efficiency in engineering and mechanical engineering while ensuring easy scalability.
Expansion Modules for the C100-4.0® – More Flexibility and Precision
In addition to the base system, S&P offers several expansion modules that extend the functionality of the C100-4.0®.
Open Dynamic Control (ODC) – Precision Motion Control
The Open Dynamic Control (ODC) extension allows motor-driven movements to be seamlessly integrated into the program flow. This includes linear axes, rotary axes, and volumetric mechanisms, where the desired motion can be directly defined in the target unit.
Examples of Supported Movements:
- Volumetric dispensing with a fixed conversion ratio between motor rotation and volume
- Linear axes for translational movements
- Rotary axes for rotational applications
Supported motors include brushed DC motors and stepper motors, which are driven using an efficient microstepping method. This enables extremely high precision for both microscopic (µm range) and large-scale movements, ensuring powerful, backlash-free motion with stable mechanics.
Notably, there is no upper limit to movement distance, meaning long-range movements can be performed without losing accuracy.
Standard drive configurations are available for common applications, but custom drive configurations can also be created. Contact H. Sigrist & Partner AG to discuss your specific application.
Further Applications:
- Stirring and mixing using motor-driven agitators
- Linear axis movement for precise translational motions
- Dispensing of media in volumetric units
- Sequential process execution, combining multiple movement types simultaneously or in sequence
- Monitoring inputs and reacting accordingly within the program flow
This solution enables efficient regulation of complex motion tasks while ensuring maximum precision and repeatability. The ODC software allows flexible customization to specific requirements by precisely controlling and monitoring pneumatic and motor movements. Integrated parameterization ensures that programs can be individually tailored to process conditions, enabling seamless integration into existing workflows while reducing electrical complexity by eliminating the need for additional control cabinets. This increases overall production efficiency and streamlines the process.
Flow&Go® – Real-Time Volume Measurement
The Flow&Go® module provides groundbreaking capabilities for measuring, controlling, and regulating processes in real time:
- Measurement Range: From less than 1 µL to over 1 liter
- Applicable for: Low- to high-viscosity media
- Intelligent Analysis: Detects gas bubbles and logically links them with control and regulation variables
With Flow&Go®, precise process design based on state-of-the-art measurement technology becomes a reality.
Program Link – Efficient Program Integration
This add-on enables the sequential linking of programs:
- Branching into specific target programs
- Selection of controlled outputs based on program stops
Program Link – Efficient Program Integration
This add-on enables the sequential linking of programs:
- Branching into specific target programs
- Selection of controlled outputs based on program stops
Connectivity – Communication Across All Channels
Thanks to integrated interfaces, the controller communicates via:
- TCP/IP (server/client)
- Serial RS232
The behavior of the C100-4.0® is fully customizable. Incoming messages can be interpreted using REGEX commands, and outgoing messages can be triggered by various events. Internal process values are continuously accessible via the network.
Seamless connectivity simplifies integration into existing systems and expands automation possibilities.
Flexible and Future-Proof – Base Version with Upgrade Options
With the C100-4.0® and its expansion modules, S&P offers a versatile system for modern automation. The intelligent combination of measurement, control, and regulation enables precise and flexible process management. Whether motion control, real-time volume monitoring, or system integration, the C100-4.0® adapts to evolving requirements and remains the ideal solution for future challenges.
Learn More and Optimize Your Processes Today!
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