Opto 22 Introduces SNAP IO4AB Learning Center

System Provides Self-Paced, Hands-On Training for Expanding Allen-Bradley® Systems with Opto 22 Intelligent Distributed I/O

Temecula, CA - May 5, 2009 - Opto 22, developer and manufacturer of the award-winning SNAP PAC System(tm) family of programmable automation controllers, I/O, and accessories, has announced the release of the SNAP IO4AB Learning Center, a comprehensive system that provides all the hardware, software, and instrumentation required to learn how Opto 22's intelligent distributed I/O can quickly and easily connect to and communicate with Allen-Bradley Logix® systems, with no programming required.

Opto 22's IO4AB Learning Center was developed as a complement to the company's SNAP I/O(tm) for Allen-Bradley Logix-based systems, winner of Control Engineering magazine's Engineers' Choice Award for 2008. The Learning Center includes a SNAP I/O communications processor-called a "brain"-assorted analog and digital modules, an I/O mounting rack, and Opto 22's EtherNet/IP(tm) Configurator software, which is used for configuring I/O points and establishing and defining communication with an Allen-Bradley ControlLogix® or CompactLogix® PLC. Also included are a load panel for simulating real-world industrial control, monitoring, and data acquisition applications, and a self-paced, four-lesson tutorial.

Using this comprehensive set of tools, users can configure SNAP I/O to work with their RSLogix® systems, including establishing a communications link between Opto 22 intelligent distributed I/O and RSLogix software, and discover first-hand how quickly and easily this is accomplished. Learning Center users can then perform both basic and advanced I/O functions, such as counting and pulsing via digital input and output modules, reading scaled analog inputs and writing clamp values via analog outputs, and even configuring and running a distributed PID loop. Significantly, these and many other functions are executed independently, at the I/O level-hence the term "intelligent distributed I/O"-all without any programming. This approach effectively frees the Logix controller from these time-critical, processor-intensive tasks and improves control system performance for applications involving process control, data acquisition, and machine control. More information about the positive impact that distributed, intelligent capabilities can have on these types of applications can be found in the two new white papers, "Expanding Allen-Bradley PLC Systems with Intelligent Remote I/O" and "Adding Process Control to a PLC-Based System," available for free download from Opto 22's IO4AB-specific URL, http://www.io4ab.com.

The SNAP IO4AB Learning Center represents the same tools used in Opto 22's Intelligent Remote I/O for Allen-Bradley Logix Systems Seminars http://www.opto22.com/ad/io4ab_seminar.aspx held throughout the U.S. beginning last Fall and continuing into 2009.

The SNAP IO4AB Learning Center is available now, at a cost of $1295 USD, and can be purchased directly through the Opto 22 website (www.opto22.com) or through a global network of authorized Opto 22 distributors.

About Opto 22
Opto 22 develops and manufactures hardware and software for applications involving industrial automation and control, remote monitoring, and data acquisition. Opto 22 products use standard, commercially available networking and computer technologies, and have an established reputation worldwide for ease-of-use, innovation, quality, and reliability. Opto 22 products are used by automation end-users, OEMs, and information technology and operations personnel. The company was founded in 1974 and is privately held in Temecula, California, USA. Opto 22 products are available through a worldwide network of distributors and system integrators. For more information, contact Opto 22 headquarters at +1-951-695-3000 or visit www.opto22.com .

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