Programmable controllers have come to be rated quite high with regard to hardware such as functions, performance, available types, and reliability. Recently, however, machines have generally been linked together as in CIM and other systems, so demands for compatible or standardized instruction words and tools have come up. There are also demands for improvement in software in a broad sense such as manuals, after-sale service, and easy handling. Fuji Electric started to take positive measures to prepare JIS for PCs and to develop networks conforming to IEC.

Fuji Electric developed general-purpose programmable controller (PC FLEX-PC N series that satisfies needs for current machine control that has a tendency to equip with an exclusive imcrocomputer. The series, under the concept of a flexible PC fit for each machine specification, have the following functions: (1) top-level I/O response and repeatability, (2) free I/O location/selection to meet required specification with individual I/O points, (3) User-macro function with which users can set their own instructions needed for machine control in their factories.

Machine control, one of main programmable controller application fields, demands high-speed processing, small size, and carefully thought out measures for I/O specifications and the number of I/O points.
FLEX-PC NB series was developed as the lowest-level type of N series to meet the above needs as widely as possible, and it has a free I/O location/selection function as well as fast processing and compact design.
This paper gives an outline of the features and specifications of the NB series.

Among the fields where the programmable controller (PC) is used, machine control particularly requires fast program processing, fast I/O processing, and easy steps for fault analysis. To meet these needs, Fuji Electric developed high-speed, large-capacity NS series and its compact type NJ series. This paper gives an outline of the methods for fast processing and flexible system expandability and the man-machine interface.
It also describes how the series can provide a system configuration with the optimum scale and functions to meet requirements of machine control.

FLEX-PC N series is a programmable controller (PC) with software and hardware flexibility. This paper introduces the flexible functions of software: Multilanguage and User-macro.The function of Maltilanguage is to provide a PC and programming tool a user is accustomed to use to be run with the same hardware.The function of User-macro is to facilitate the standardization and reuse of programs and to shorten the time required for developing programs greatly.

The sequential function chart (SFC) is a new language element for programmable controllers that can describe the contents of complicated control in a simple and easy to understand manner; now its standardization is going on.
When we developed SFC, we pursued operating environment that can make the most of SFC's merits, that is, easy construction of programs and visible contents of control, and we loaded various functions to improve debugging efficiency.
This paper describes the features, specifications, and functions of the SFC for FLEX-PC.

The programmable controller (PC) has widely spread as the core of FA and FMS; however, PC companies provide different operating environments for program languages and tools. Users are forced to use PCs of limited types and to make common specifications for tools to keep program developing efficiency and maintainability.
The FLEX-PC uses Multilanguage and can provide a tool suitable for each operating environment. This paper introduces the specifications and performances of three loaders developed in line with this concept.

Recent tendency of the programmable controller (PC) shows that networks to build information-oriented and flexible systems have been playing an important part. The N series is a PC for machine control, and its target is the lower level of network hierarchy; however, the flow of the whole manufacturing industry presses this level also to apply CIM. Fuji Electric is completing the full range of system components for N-series networks with the concept of providing network systems fit for machine control.

Most of precision position-control systems with a servomotor or stepping motor formerly used two control units: an exclusive unit for position control such as a numerical controller (NC) and a programmable controller (PC) as peripheral equipment. The factories of the general industry, however, do not require such a high function as NCs but want low-cost position-control equipment for PCs. This paper describes prospects for these position-control equipment for PCs, an example of the systems, and trends of servomotors.

The use of stepping motors and servomotors has been increasing in power drives for precisely position-controlled machines. To meet the market needs, Fuji Electric has developed a series of 7 kinds of position-control equipment for FLEX-PC. This paper introduces their specifications, functions, and uses. These 7 kinds are classified into the following 3 types by uses: (1) Type SVA: Outputs analog speed commands for 2-servo control, (2) Type SVP: Outputs high-speed pulse trains for servo and stepping motors, (3) Type SM: Outputs pulse trains for stepping motors.

Programmable controllers (PC) have been playing an important part in production lines recently. Fuji Electric replied to the requirements of operating panels for monitoring and maintenance with general-purpose operating panels and programmable operation displays (POD).
For the purpose of pushing reduction in size and saving in wiring that is an important subject of control systems, the company has developed a POD with a built-in PC function which alone can cover machine control, monitoring, and also operation setting. This paper gives an outline of the POD.

In the designing of automated systems with a programmable controller as a core, program development and drawing work occupy the most part of time required for designing. The rationalization and labor saving of drawing work is essential to improve design efficiency.
Fuji Electric developed technology to support CAD systems for automated systems in cooperation with a CAD manufacturer. With the new CAD system, one can finish a series of work from the initial process to preparation of drawings for approval efficiently.

With the increase of the processing capacity of the programmable controller (PC), PCs other than conventional custom controllers have come into use in recent years in the field of machine control that requires high-speed, complicated control.
This paper describes how PC was applied to the field of machine control with an example of FLEX-PC NJ series application to a continuous heat-insulator-pasting system for rolled sheet steel.