Likewise, software compatibility could become a significant issue when a new PLC platform is no longer compatible with the existing devices, triggering hardware obsolescence. PLC software life cycles are based on the same cycles as hardware therefore, users can implement the same type of analysis and strategies. We need to approach software obsolescence issues the way we approach hardware ones. Tools are often available to ease the migration process. A single unified application to do virtually anything, from PLC coding to full plant simulations, is a common theme among OEMs.įigure 1.PLC software life cycles lead to major changes between generations of equipment.
As a result, a race to provide the most advanced and integrated automation ecosystems is happening. The driving factor behind OEMs launching new platforms in recent years is Industry 4.0. Traditionally, PLC programming platforms become obsolete once every new hardware generation.
However, recent trends in control systems, including the increasing popularity of industrial PCs (IPCs), are bringing them closer to modern software upgrade practices. In industrial automation, software obsolescence is not considered an issue as significant as hardware obsolescence.
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