GE FANUC'S OFF-THE-SHELF 'OPEN' SOFTWARE USED FOR CONTROL OF MEDIUM/LARGE SATELLITE STATION APPLICATIONS
29 September 2004 - GE Fanuc Automation CNC Europe SA

GE Fanuc off-the-shelf, 'open' software has been chosen by COLEM Communications Limited as the standard software to provide full monitoring and control for some of today's major Satellite Ground Stations. CCL's core business, for major broadcasting clients, ranges from transmission and antenna control to site infrastructure, including power generation and distribution, air conditioning and inter-site links.

Control and monitoring is provided by GE Fanuc's Proficy HMI/SCADA iFIX software. CCL and GE Fanuc have developed a library of Drivers, specific to the Communications Industry, based on the GE Fanuc OPC Tool-Kit. The driver base has been recently upgraded to OPC 2.0 to ensure full compatibility with all OPC derived systems.

Martin Coleman, Director and Senior Engineer at CCL explained: 'iFIX is a transparent solution. It is an off-the-shelf control software which is both expandable and 'forwards-compatible'. Now, with the value add of OPC 2.0 driver packs and improved user interfaces, it provides our customers with a powerful, 'across the board' economic solution.'

The Proficy HMI/SCADA iFIX control and monitoring software resides either on dedicated PCs or rack mounted servers for extra reliability. Customer-specific operator graphical user interfaces and embedded application control and scheduling then provide the user with simple but effective control and supervision of their site. With the continued supply of drivers, development packages and licensing, a customer is free to continue their own production and full editing of their system. This is something which is particularly unique in the communications industry. iFIX is flexible enough to be used in non-traditional automation applications and requires no bespoke development.

To help provide an even more personal service to customers, CCL has teamed up with Spice Design Consultants who provide professional control rooms for the Satellite and Broadcast industry with solutions built to customer specification. CCL/Spice Design's total package includes the integration of cable system infrastructure into ergonomic and expandable environments. This uses optimised design analysis of the power and cooling requirements, the mechanical and electrical services, as well as the security systems. Spice Design claims to be the only company to provide GRP colour console solutions, with clean looks, while offering high capacity in a small footprint.

http://gefanuc-europe.com

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