F3 is a Programmable Automation Controller (PAC). It combines the features and capabilities of a PC based control system with that of a typical PLC and motion control.

 

„High Performance – Low Power – Low Cost“ are the maxim of the F3 device family with Intel®-Atom™-CPU.  The low power consumption of the CPU enables operation with passive cooling at extrem compact dimensions and low system cost.

In spite of the compact enclosure the F3 base unit offers all interfaces known from the PC technology like Ethernet and USB. Operator panels are connected over DVI/VGA or via the Automata Panel Interface, a solution to transmit video, touchscreen, USB and power over a single cable.

 

The integrated IO bus allows the local or remote connection of F3 IO modules. For high sophisticated applications a SERCOS III master interface is available. 512 KB NVRAM and a CAN interface complement the list of important features for the application of the F3 as a automation controller. The F3 base unit is programmed with CoDeSys in IEC-61131, as operating system Windows® CE is used. Other operating systems are available on demand.