Previously, assemblies such as sections of conveyors and simple machines were built with specialized or custom control equipment. Smart components have the ability to be programmed using a variety of different function blocks outside of the embedded inputs, outputs and diagnostic. Bi-stable latches such as RS and SR are also available. These functions can be assembled in the appropriate sequences to mimic the functionality of specialized products. Since smart components are programmable, their function can easily be changed over the network when the needs of the device change.
Smart components can increase the reliability of a system.
These components are able to report input status and diagnostic data in the same way as previous devices. Additionally, smart devices are able to report the current state of their physical outputs, logical outputs or any internal function blocks. This allows notification to be sent to the master controller anytime a locally controlled output changes state or when timers or counters reach their preset values. Because the internal operations of smart components are available to a master controller, system level PLC programmers have the ability to write programs within the PLC to monitor the status of smart components while the smart components perform their autonomous, localized control functions. Benefits of device-level control From a user's perspective, smart components provide customers with a number of benefits.