Rockwell Automation has updated its Connected Components Workbench software with new simulation and trending features to expand the number of devices that the design-and-configuration software supports in order for machine designers to develop a wider range of standalone machines and save time in the process.
The Micro800 Simulator, built in both Standard and Developer Editions, is made to help designers program and refine their machine applications more quickly. Instead of having to connect to a physical controller, designers can create, test and debug their application code in a simulated environment without the hardware, according to the company. The simulator is designed to also be used for machine training and demonstrations.
Trending capabilities are available in the updated version of the software for Allen-Bradley PowerFlex drives and Micro800 controllers meant to improve setup and maintenance of PowerFlex drives by trending critical parameters and improve PID tuning and debugging for Micro800 controllers, by providing a graphical view of the control value versus process value.
Support has been added for the Allen-Bradley Micro870 controller with 120V AC inputs to offer enhanced support for building automation and large standalone machine applications.
Support has also been added for the microSD card plug-in module from Spectrum Controls, an Encompass Partner in the Rockwell Automation PartnerNetwork program. The microSD cards update is designed to allow data logging, recipe configurations, and memory back-up and restore in machines that use any Allen-Bradley Micro820, Micro830, Micro850, or Micro870 controller.
The updated Connected Components Workbench software includes the Feature Pack additions that were released in 2018 for all-in-one downloading. Among these additions is a Logix theme option for designers who use the RSLogix 500 and Studio 5000 Logix Designer software.
