Emerson has announced the release of PAC Machine Edition (PME) 10.6, an integrated development environment software used to configure and manage control system devices, including PACSystems programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and QuickPanel human-machine interfaces (HMIs). This version improves simulation, data monitoring, connectivity, and programming to advance usability and system integration.
PACSystems Simulator
PACSystems Simulator is a new feature that allows users to write, test, and troubleshoot control logic on a PLC emulator before purchasing new hardware. Integrated into PME, it has a simple setup with one button activation. Users can test code throughout development to reduce errors and speed up implementation.
Enhanced Data Monitor
A new data monitor feature helps developers diagnose and fix logic issues using plotted data from a physical PLC or the simulator. It includes configuration options for visualizing and analyzing data in an updated display, with the ability to save and retrieve monitor settings. Users can analyze system behavior, identify anomalies, and track trends.
Optimized Connectivity
A new OPC-UA PAC Server improves PLC communication performance by increasing tag count capacity, enabling faster startup, and enhancing processing. PROFINET updates improve configuration, operation, and diagnostics for field devices, such as I/O, sensors, and variable frequency drives (VFDs).
Programming Efficiency
PME 10.6 enhances User-Defined Types (UDTs) by propagating data element descriptions across all application instances, reducing configuration effort and improving consistency.
Transformative Automation
End users, systems integrators (SIs), and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) can upgrade to PME 10.6 to use the PACSystems Simulator, enhanced data monitoring, and optimized connectivity. These updates help automation system designers streamline development, monitor data more effectively, and maintain system consistency.
Edited by Puja Mitra, WTWH Media, for Control Engineering, from an Emerson news release.
