Programmable Automation Controllers (PACs)

NI has been in the measurement industry for over 30 years and that experience is designed into each PAC I/O module. Analog modules are available from 12- to 24-bits and have sample rates of DC to 1 MS/s/ch. NI PACs excel at analog intensive control systems.

• Download LabVIEW tutorials and code for waveform measurement with CompactRIO

• Read the case study: Controlling the Movement of 20 Tons of Concrete With Precise Accuracy Using CompactRIO

LabVIEW, the graphical development environment for NI PACS, natively handles more advanced programming techniques that are multicore and multithread based. This helps you program control systems that would not be possible in more restrictive syntax such as 61131.

• Download NI PAC advanced control tutorials, white papers, and example code

• Read the case study: Pilot Plant Control of Heating Systems Using NI LabVIEW and CompactRIO

CompactRIO components are manufactured using aluminum, not plastic, and the chassis is a solid cast component as opposed to expansion style systems that have multiple joints. The result is a solid control system that can be securely mounted in your machine, panel, or enclosure.

• Read the case study: Using CompactRIO for a Control and Monitoring System for an Automated Pipe Welder

• Read the case study: Oil Well Fracture Pump Monitoring and Analysis Using LabVIEW and NI CompactRIO

NI hardware is designed to integrate with existing PLC systems so you can use CompactRIO for your more complex control or measurement needs and continue using standard PLCs currently deployed.

• Read the case study: CompactRIO Used to Optimize PLC Automation in Steel Rolling Mills

• Learn more about NI OPC options and LabVIEW

Installing systems that work with existing equipment is important to prevent massive plant upgrades. This resource kit contains example code and tutorials that explain how to connect an NI PAC running LabVIEW to any PLC using OPC, why OPC UA matters, and more.

• Download the OPC UA Resource Kit

NI PACs are high-performance controllers that are ideal for difficult, custom control problems in rugged environments. This four-minute webcast introduces CompactRIO including the I/O modules, the real-time controller, and how it is programmed using LabVIEW.

• Watch the webcast

Integrating motion is an important part of advanced machine design. This six-minute webcast shows how to use NI LabVIEW NI SoftMotion, drive interface modules for CompactRIO, configure a motion axis, and create a custom motion application.

• Watch the webcast

The trend of big data and the digital factory mean control engineers need information from a variety of assets. This paper examines the benefits and fundamentals of building distributed monitoring and control systems with LabVIEW.

• Learn more

The advantages of CompactRIO help reduce development costs and shorten time to market in industries such as oil and gas, electrical power, industrial machinery, transportation, and heavy equipment. These resources can help you learn more about the specific applications CompactRIO is helping to develop, as well as best practices for system design.

• See the applications