PC Cards

PC cards, in the context of industrial automation, refer to interface cards used to connect a PC-based industrial component to various types of fieldbuses or Real-Time Ethernet networks such as Modbus, Profibus, Ethernet/IP, and DeviceNet. They are standards that allow for real-time control and monitoring within industrial settings. In industrial environments, PC-based automation systems utilize software to manage real-time applications for functions like motion control and machine vision. Automation computers connected to sensors and machinery enable monitoring and control, streamlining operations on the factory floor. 

Equipping an industrial PC with such a card enables it to communicate with, monitor, and control industrial devices and machinery. This is a crucial capability in modern industrial settings, where PCs are often used to run complex automation software that can benefit from direct integration with plant-floor equipment. Industrial PCs, designed to withstand harsh conditions, often utilize these cards to facilitate communication between machines and control systems, thereby optimizing operations and improving efficiency. 

PC cards are often used in tandem with SoftPLCs and visualization software. SoftPLCs are software-based programmable logic controllers that typically run on a standard PC and perform the same functions as their hardware counterparts. The combined use of PC cards and SoftPLCs can create a powerful and flexible automation system capable of performing a wide range of tasks effectively and efficiently. This setup allows for quick adaptation to changes in the automation process and can be custom-stretched to fit specific industrial applications by integrating off-the-shelf or custom-developed applications. 

In the field of industrial communication, there are many different form factors that are suitable for different automation tasks and use in different components depending on the application.  

1. PCI

The PCI bus is an established standard in automation and is used across the board in many areas. For this technology there are PC cards with the form factors PCI, Compact PCI, Mini PCI and PCI 104 on the automation market. 

2. PCI Express (PCIe)

PCIe is a further development of the original PCI standard. It offers higher data transfer rates and improved performance compared to traditional PCI standards. PCIe is designed for use in high-speed applications such as graphics cards, storage devices, and networking interfaces. PCIe is also used in various industrial devices, and it has its own form factors like PCI Express, Low Profile PCI Express, Mini PCI Express, Mini PCI Express halfsize or M.2. 

3. PC/104

PC cards of type PC/104 are based on the ISA standard. The stackable PC/104 format is mainly used in complex systems that do not have any special size requirements. 

With PC cards, all the peripheral electronics are integrated directly on them. Automation components are therefore much faster deployed in the market with the help of PC cards. 

Simplified Development Process

Integrating all peripheral electronics onto the card streamlines the product development process. This reduces development time and complexity. 

Reduced development effort

Component manufacturers do not have to spend time developing customized peripheral circuits or PCBs. This reduces the overall development effort and allows teams to focus on other aspects of product development, such as software integration or user interface design. 

Faster Prototyping

PC cards are ready-to-use components that can be easily inserted into compatible slots on computer systems for testing and prototyping. This enables manufacturers to quickly prototype their products using off-the-shelf hardware components, accelerating the development process and allowing for rapid iteration and refinement of product designs. 

Plug-and-Play Compatibility

PC cards are designed for plug-and-play compatibility, meaning they can be easily installed and used with minimal configuration. This makes it easier for manufacturers to integrate the PC card into their products and ensures compatibility with a wide range of computer systems, reducing compatibility testing time and effort. 

Streamlined Manufacturing

Since all peripheral electronics are integrated onto the PC card, manufacturing processes are simplified. Manufacturers don't need to source and assemble individual components, reducing the number of suppliers and assembly steps involved. This streamlines the manufacturing process, reduces lead times, and lowers production costs. 

Hilscher is leveraging PC card technology to facilitate the integration of PC-based devices into automated environments. Their cifX PC card family serves as a unified standard that supports all relevant Real-Time Ethernet and Fieldbus systems for PC-based automation. This technology is particularly beneficial in industrial settings where reliable and efficient communication protocols are essential. 

The company's multiprotocol-capable netX technology ensures that all required protocols can be realized with a single piece of hardware, which simplifies the process for customers looking to adapt their systems to different communication standards. 

Moreover, Hilscher has adopted a uniform platform strategy across their product range. This means that regardless of the protocol or card format, all PC cards use the same drivers, tools, and Application Programming Interface (API). This uniformity provides a significant advantage to customers, as it reduces complexity and allows for easier maintenance and upgrades. 

In conclusion, Hilscher's range of PC cards provides comprehensive solutions for industrial communication and automation, offering a variety of interfaces, protocols, and form factors to meet the diverse needs of industrial applications. These cards enable seamless integration of industrial devices into networked systems, facilitating efficient and reliable communication in industrial environments.