Digital Dynamics, Inc., an industry leader in the design and manufacture of input/output (I/O) controllers for large industrial applications, today announced their PLC-programmable SuperIOr Controller, which can run various IEC 61131-3 programming languages such as ladder diagram (LD) or structured text (ST). AltaStream, Inc., experts in the field of industrial automation control systems, are partners in the project.

SCOTTS VALLEY, CA, - Digital Dynamics, Inc., an industry leader in the design and manufacture of input/output (I/O) controllers for large industrial applications, today announced their PLC-programmable SuperIOr Controller, which can run various IEC 61131-3 programming languages such as ladder diagram (LD) or structured text (ST). AltaStream, Inc., experts in the field of industrial automation control systems, are partners in the project.

Visit Digital Dynamics and Altastream, Inc. in booth #4569 at ATX West (Automation Technology Expo West) February 9-11, 2016 in Anaheim, California. DDI will showcase their latest SuperIOr Controller systems, which can operate at a higher performance level and at lower cost using your existing PLC program. The SuperIOr Controllers can be integrated via Ethernet or EtherCAT and are suitable for SIL3 applications compliant with IEC61508.

"When your PLC rack grows big, it gets expensive. There is a cost tipping point when it really pays to look at other options," said Ray Gorski, Director of Sales and Marketing for Digital Dynamics. "The new SuperIOr Controller offers a lower-cost hardware alternative, while improving performance, reliability and ease of assembly."

The SuperIOr Controller system consists of a Master Controller module (MCM™) providing precise coordination of as many as 16 configurable Remote I/O Modules (RIM™) distributed throughout a tool. Any RIM can be located as far as 250 cable feet away from the MCM and can therefore be installed in close proximity to the components under control. Communication between the MCM and RIMs is via low cost CAT6 cable. The use of distributed RIMs drastically reduces the complexity of cables needed to connect to sensors and actuators compared to a centralized I/O control system. Moreover, since signals can be routed to any type of connector, standard cables and interconnects can be used, with significant cost savings in both materials and labor.

The SuperIOr Controller handles high-speed processing such as sequence automation and data monitoring with ease while ensuring system safety integrity through its redundant hardware interlocks. I/O assignment and safety interlocks are easy to specify using a simple configuration application. Interlocks are electronically configured in dual redundant PROMs. Up to 1000 mixed-signal inputs and outputs can be simultaneously monitored at up to an 8 kHz scan rate.

The RIMs can be tailored to machine requirements using a broad family of plug-in I/O cards, just like PLC modules only much smaller. Cards include digital I/O, analog I/O, thermocouples and bi-directional UART communications, adding to the overall versatility of the SuperIOr Controller.

Digital Dynamics, Inc. designs and manufactures I/O controllers and computer systems in Scotts Valley, California. Products are customized for industrial applications. DDI is an ISO 9001:2008 registered company with 40 years of design and manufacturing experience, and a worldwide installed base of more than 50,000 advanced electronic control systems.

AltaStream, Inc., provides total solutions for system software and services for industrial equipment. AltaStream's flagship product, ASWorx, is customized to provide a full suite of system software features for job control, graphical user interface, MES communication, data logging and monitoring, alarm management and more.