With its hard-hat versions of the original Personal Computer, and latterly of the PS/2, IBM has given manufacturing companies the idea that desk-top micros are a cheap source of computing power right down there among the swarf and the mains spikes from the heavy machines. Cambridge-based Arcom Control Systems Ltd has launched a series of boards to adapt IBM compatible personal computers for the industrial environment. Arcom’s fortunes are founded on an industrial computing system where its STEbus is slotted in to a dedicated control system machine. The company still insists that this is the best way to computerise the factory floor, but has recognised that increasing numbers of users think that a cheap personal computer-based system is a good idea. So Arcom has overcome its disapproval and agreed to design a range of products for personal computers used for industrial applications – effectively enabling it to cover the whole market. The input-output expansion boards offer similar facilities to those on Arcom’s STEbus. But Arcom reckons that there is room for both its personal computer and STE products the choice is down to the customer. The personal computer boards attack the two main sticking points in using personal computers for industrial applications, signal processing and input-output space. Using a light signal, the board converts high voltage from factory machines into an acceptable voltage for a personal computer. It can convert, for example, 500V down to 5V. A typical application for a personal computer in a factory might be continuous real-time data collection from various different monitoring devices, calculating any changes that need to be made and then sending signals to switch different devices on or off. By rearranging the board, more inputoutput space is created, enabling machines to cope with the huge amounts of data and control functions generated. Other enhancements include hex dial switches for easy address setting and an activity indicator, which lights whenever the board is addressed. The boards are standardised, so they can be be plugged in and out to different machines as required. They range in price from UKP125 to UKP350, depending on functionality.
