PCC (Process Control Computer) MICROPROCESSOR BOARD

Wizardry designed 3 generations of customer-purposed industrial control boards for one important customer.
The last version, the PCC (Process Control Computer, based on the Zilog Z280), was introduced in 1986.

The PCC is so usable that new systems incorporating it shipped as recently as 2010.

The product has been continuously enhanced through software upgrades.

About 1125 units have been fabricated thus far.
About half the units ever made are running faithfully 24 hours/day.
Much of the balance is still installed, in factories waiting to be reactivated when business conditions to improve.

About $1 billion product/year is manufactured by machines controlled by this board at this time (2010).

Input/Output features:: 7 isolated RS-485/RS-422 full-duplex serial-ports, each providing its own isolated power.; 32 logic-inputs.; 32 logic-outputs.; 2 pulse-counting/tachometer (frequency-measuring) inputs.; 7 special-purpose logic-outputs.; 8 communications-ID-number inputs.; All I/O is unpluggable.

Programming/software features:: User-programmable using real-time multi-tasking BASIC language.; Compiler provides enhancements to BASIC language.; Multi-drop CRT-display communications; Multi-drop LAN communications; Multi-drop Remote-I/O (RIO) communications.; Multi-drop AC-drive (motor control) communications.; On-board RAM-memory battery backup (5+-year battery life).; Operating system firmware written in assembly-language.

Power-supply features:: Power using unregulated 24VDC.; Undervoltage detection & overvoltage crowbar on all power-supplies.; Multi-layer power-supply distribution, for reliable noise-free operation.

Maintenance features:: Easy field-maintenance is achieved through extensive use of socketed parts.; Through-hole construction means simple soldering repairs (no specialty surface-mount tools required).; Demonstrated field-lifetime exceeding 20 years.