Programmable automation controller
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A programmable automation controller (PAC) is a compact controller that combines the features and capabilities of a PC-based control system with that of a typical programmable logic controller (PLC). A PAC thus provides not only the reliability of a PLC, but also the task flexibility and computing power of a PC. PACs are most often used in industrial settings for process control, data acquisition, remote equipment monitoring, machine vision, and motion control. Additionally, because they function and communicate over popular network interface protocols like TCP/IP, OLE for process control (OPC) and SMTP, PACs are able to transfer data from the machines they control to other machines and components in a networked control system or to application software and databases. A PAC at the core of an automation system can integrate multiple fieldbus networks like RS-485, RS-232, RS-422, CAN, Ethernet, EtherNet/IP, and others.
[edit] PAC Origins
The ARC Advisory Group, an analyst firm focused on the manufacturing industry, is generally credited with popularizing the acronym "PAC". It was first coined in 2002 as a way to help users of control hardware better define their needs, and to give the leading control hardware vendors a term to more clearly communicate the capabilities of their products. A PAC is defined as having a wider range of control capabilities which include both logic control and motion control. Furthermore the configuration of PACs is performed by more highly developed software which supports both these control applications in an integrated fashion.
