Group3

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Group3
Group3

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Group3 Technology

ARCH Computing Services can now offer proven fiber optic control and instrumentation systems with the addition of Group3 Technology to our list of products. Group3 is the manufacturer of High-Speed Fiber Optic Control Systems for Ion Implanters and Industrial Applications.

Group3's ControlNet Control System has been designed for scientific and industrial applications, particularly high voltage accelerator control. The system consists of a series of small modules that house the Input/Output boards, connected by fiber optic cables to a card that plugs into the control computer.

With fiber optic communications - Noise and Ground-Loops are a thing of the past. ControlNet can be configured for Device-to-Computer or Computer-to-Computer communications...

Key Benefits:

	Small size - easy mounting
	Modular design - easily expanded as needs grow
	High resolution - 16 bit Local Inputs and Outputs
	Fast Data Rates - up to 1.152 MBaud
	High update rates - up to 500 times per second
	Rugged reliable operation
	Hardware interfaces for IBM™, VME and STD Bus Computers
	Software interfaces for InTouch™, LabVIEW™, ControlView™ and many other software packages
	Long Distance - up to 3000 meters using glass fiber optic cable without a repeater

Group3 Technology

How does it work. A Loop Controller(LC) plugs into the control computer and handles all the fiber optic communications for up to 16 Device Interfaces(DI). The computer merely reads and writes to the LC and so is not slowed down by adding more channels. There can be several LC's in a computer, and computers can be networked together with LC's.

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Group3 Device Interfaces (DI)

Each DI can house any combination of up to three I/O boards.

A unique feature of the DI is it's Diagnostic Port allowing channel by channel configuration and inspection. They also DIN rail mount for ease of installation and field repair.

I/O Boards:

	8 Analog Inputs
	8 Analog Outputs
	4 DC Motor Drivers
	4 Stepper Motor Drivers
	2 Serial Communication Ports
	4 Quadrature Encoders
	GPIB Port
	24 Digital I/O's

Fiber Optic Interfaces and Accessories:

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Fiber Optic to RS-232 Converter

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Fiber Optic Repeater for Plastic Fiber

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Signal Conditioners

Utilizing Group3 Fiber optic converters allows RS-232C communications between Host Computers and PLC's or other external Instruments.

Fiber optic repeaters can be used to extend the length of nodes or convert from limited distance plastic fiber cable to long distance glass fiber cable.

A new range of Signal Conditioners has been developed providing increased transient protection. Optocouplers and relay boards are available for digital channels.

Operating Software:

ControlNet can be integrated into many of the "off-the-shelve" commercial software packages for easy programming by non-expert personnel. Device interfaces are available for:

	InTouch™ - WonderWare™
	LabVIEW™ - National Instruments
	ControlView™ - Allen Bradley
	Vista™ - Vista Control Systems Inc.

Alternatively, for people who want to write their own control programs, all the memory assignments and setup requirements are detailed in a comprehensive programmers manual. Ask one of our Applications Engineers for more information on the programming requirements for other languages. For more information or catalogs - go to our Feedback Link ....

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Copyright � 1998 ARCH Computing Services
Last modified: May 25, 1998