(PRWEB) February 15, 2006 -- Combining control and I/O technology into an expandable base plate or chassis could be a winning formula for Eurotherm’s new T2550 Programmable Automation Controller (PAC), which, like a PLC, can be deployed independently, or as part of a centrally controlled network.

“The new T2550 controller allows low-cost, multi-loop process control capability to be deployed right at a process unit and can be easily configured using Eurotherm’s LIN tools,” said Karen Rigby, Marketing Manager of Eurotherm, which is part of Invensys. “While the T2550 can be easily integrated into a control or plant network, it will continue to control the process even if a network link is lost. Combined with optional controller redundancy, this provides a high degree of fault-tolerance at a very low cost.”

The T2550 controller is the first Eurotherm product to bundle full, configurable, process control and I/O functionality in a compact, field-mountable base plate and termination assembly. Each unit can have up to two process controllers, which can operate in a simplex mode or in an optional redundant mode. No additional engineering is required to make the system redundant. The standard T2550 control and I/O base plate can also house up to 16 I/O cards. These can be “hot swapped” without disturbing field wiring or other I/O, which maximizes process uptime.

The T2550 controller supports high-density packaging of a broad range of analog and digital I/O types. System controllers can be mixed and matched as needed to meet specific control and price requirements using the highly flexible licensing strategy. Users pay only for currently needed functionality and can upgrade at any time without cost penalty. Redundant processors with automatic, bumpless switchover, redundant power supplies, and redundant network connections can be specified on a controller-by-controller basis.

LIN tools is used to graphically configure the T2550 including function block, sequential function charts, structured text, PID and advanced regulatory control. Once configuration is complete, the code is uploaded to the controller/s, however, configuration changes can still be made online later if necessary. Customers also have the optional of using additional tools within EurothermSuite to configure the plant as a whole in addition to individual instruments.

About Eurotherm

Eurotherm is a leading global supplier of control, measurement and data recording solutions and services to industrial and process customers. The company’s international reputation as a provider of innovative solutions across a broad spectrum of vertical markets is supported by engineering services designed to realise greater benefits to customers’ plant-wide assets. Eurotherm's product range includes distributed process automation systems and machine control incorporating single and multi loop control, operator displays, data management and graphic recorders, power control and signal conditioning. It is an ISO9000 approved Company, and operates TickIT protocols for software management.

Eurotherm is a key business within Invensys, the global automation, controls and process solutions Group. Invensys products, service expertise and ongoing support enable intelligent systems to monitor and control processes in many different environments. Leading companies in a wide range of industries rely on Invensys to help them perform with greater efficiency, safety and cost-effectiveness.

Headquartered in London and listed on the London Stock Exchange, the Invensys Group is made up of five businesses: Process Systems, APV, Eurotherm, Rail Systems and Controls. Overall The Group has over 30,000 employees working in 60 countries.

Press information: www.ballard.co.uk