The Wago PFC300, a multi-protocol controller with cloud integration and advanced cybersecurity, has an advanced dual-core, 64-bit processor and has 2GB of RAM memory, making it an optimal choice for complex applications, the company says.
Mark T. Hoske, Control Engineering
New multi-protocol 64-bit controller insights
- The Wago PFC300 is a multi-protocol 64-bit controller with cloud integration and advanced cybersecurity, as explained in a new product news conference at the Wago North American headquarters in Germantown, Wisconsin, Feb. 25.
- Wago PFC300 controller advantages include advanced cybersecurity capabilities: TLS encryption, VPN capabilities and a built-in firewall.
- Wago said the first 64-bit PLC for Wago, the PFC300, has dual cores, and programming can be assigned to each core as needed with CoDeSys 3.5 programming software.
The Wago PFC300 is a multi-protocol controller with cloud integration and advanced cybersecurity, as explained in a new product news conference at the Wago North American headquarters in Germantown, Wisconsin, Feb. 25.
The PFC300 Controller supports multiple fieldbus protocols including EtherNet/IP Adapter and Scanner, EtherCAT master, Profinet, Modbus TCP and Modbus RTU. Industrial internet of things (IIoT) protocols OPC UA and MQTT can be enabled for connection to cloud servers. By using the controller’s web-based management system and programmed with CoDeSyS 3.5 software, system configuration is easy. The USB-C service port provides direct access for programming, configuration and firmware updates. It also comes TLS encryption, VPN capabilities and a built-in firewall to enhance cybersecurity.
The compact Wago PFC300 Controller works with the modular Wago I/O System. The PLC supports digital, analog and specialty modules in the 750/753 Series.
Wago PFC300 controller applications, advantages
Two ethernet interfaces and an integrated switch enable line topology wiring. The integrated webserver provides user configuration options, while displaying PFC300 status information. PFC300 applications include the processing industry, building automation, standard machinery and equipment control (packaging, bottling and manufacturing systems, as well as textile, metal and wood processing machines). Wago outlined PFC300 advantages, including:
- Programmable per IEC 61131-3
- Programmable via CoDeSys V3.5
- Direct connection of Wago I/O Modules
- Two ethernet ports (configurable), RS-485
- Linux operating system with RT‐preempt patch
- Configuration via CoDeSys or web-based management user interface
- Maintenance-free.
First 64-bit PLC for Wago, the PFC300; easy to use CoDeSys programming
Charlie Norz, Wago director of product management for automation, said the Wago PFC300 has user-configurable multicolored LEDs, when using CoDeSys 3.5. In addition, the Wago PFC300 has a:
- USB C connection
- 10x more power, dual core Cortex-A53 1400MHz 64-bit
- 4 built-in ethernet protocols
- Higher-level communications: MQTT and OPC UA
- The two ethernet ports can use separate IP numbers.
The CoDeSys 3.5 software (for all Wago PLC and HMIs), can be used to optimize multi-core and multi-tasking code into programmable organizational units (POU), so the user can select which core what parts of the code should.
Ring topology supported with Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP), offering redundancy in controller.
The built-in web server and HMI programming inside provide dynamic web visualizations (good for troubleshooting and maintenance), Norz said.
Cybersecurity capabilities include storm control, multi-cast and broadcast, providing network support and diagnostics to prevent overloads. Redundant controllers can be provided in two ways with application controller redundancy or via CoDeSys.
Mark T. Hoske, editor-in-chief, Control Engineering, WTWH Media, [email protected], including new product release information from Wago.
See two more Wago Feb. 25 new automation product introductions below
