The latest groov EPIC firmware adds support for multi-signal, multifunction Ethernet-based groov RIO edge I/O and updates many embedded applications.
Opto 22 has announced the second major version of its firmware for groov EPIC, the edge programmable industrial controller for automation applications and the industrial internet of things (IIoT). The groov EPIC 2.0 firmware includes updates to both of groov EPIC’s real-time control engines and provides an under-the-hood refresh to many ecosystem components. This update also increases the reach of the control platform with support for groov RIO, Opto 22’s new industrial edge I/O module, which supports 61,260 unique I/O combinations in a standalone unit.
With groov EPIC 2.0, Opto 22’s PAC Control, a flowchart-based, multi-tasking control engine, is updated to version R10.3a; and 3S Software’s CODESYS Runtime, an IEC 61131-3 compliant runtime engine, is updated to version 3.5.15.10. Both control options are capable of executing user-configured, high-speed, closed-loop control programs for process control, manufacturing, and OEM machines.
In combination with the jointly updated design software — PAC Project Suite 10.3 and Opto 22’s CODESYS Library Package 2.0.0.0, which is compatible with the CODESYS Development System v3.5 SP15—these updates allow the number of groov EPIC I/O points to be expanded with an unlimited number of groov RIO remote I/O modules. Each groov RIO module is an independent edge I/O unit that can sense and control a wide variety of traditional wired I/O signals or devices from anywhere on a connected Ethernet network.
groov RIO modules accept a software-configurable mix of analog inputs (volt, millivolt, milliamp), temperature inputs (ICTD, TC), discrete and powered switch inputs, analog outputs (volt, milliamp), discrete outputs, and normally-open or -closed relay outputs. Each module is also capable of executing up to four PID loops independently of the EPIC controller.
Direct interoperability between the groov EPIC system and the new groov RIO modules gives engineers, technicians, and developers more options for distributed and direct-to-cloud I/O processing. In addition to communicating I/O signals to the EPIC, each groov RIO module provides basic and advanced I/O signal processing, database transaction capability, and communications with other control systems, web services, and cloud IoT platforms, independently of groov EPIC. Both groov RIO and Opto 22’s field-proven SNAP I/O system are compatible remote I/O with the groov EPIC 2.0 firmware.
With groov EPIC 2.0 and groov RIO, applications like remote condition monitoring, building management systems (BMS), and data center infrastructure monitoring (DCIM)—applications that need to move many real-world signals into on-premises or cloud-based software—become easier than ever before, simplifying the complex technology stack and cross-functional skillset previously required for these applications.
The update rounds out this significant platform expansion with upgrades and improvements to many basic system components, providing better user management controls, more flexible serial device detection, and more stable VPN and MQTT performance. Third-party applications are also updated, including Ignition (7.9.13) and Node-RED (1.0.3). As a final note with this release, Opto 22 has added the popular, open-source Mosquitto™ to its cryptographically signed repository, providing users a proven, no-cost option for adding an MQTT broker to groov EPIC.
Availability
groov EPIC firmware 2.0 is available now for all current users through manage.groov.com. Complete upgrade instructions are available in the groov EPIC User’s Guide. For new customers, all groov EPICs now ship with this latest firmware version. PAC Project Basic 10.3 and the Opto 22 Library Package for CODESYS 2.0.0.0 are also available as free downloads.
About groov EPIC
groov EPIC is an edge programmable industrial controller (EPIC). More than a PLC, PAC, or PC, it is a Linux-based processor in a compact industrial enclosure, with local and remote I/O and wide-ranging programming and communications options. In addition to real-time control, groov EPIC provides the connectivity many of today’s projects require: it connects to field sensors and devices, legacy PLC systems, software applications, remote equipment, and cloud services for anything from weather conditions to big data analytics and predictive maintenance.
Opto 22
www.opto22.com
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