SOFTPAC
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SOFTPAC

$399.00 (USA and Canada only)

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SoftPAC Software-based Programmable Automation Controller

Production Specification

SoftPAC™ is a software-based programmable automation controller (PAC) designed for PC-based control. It can be used with groov EPIC, groov RIO, SNAP PAC R-series, SNAP PAC EB-series, and G4EB2 I/O units.

Programmed just like an Opto 22 hardware PAC, SoftPAC runs your PAC Control strategy independently on an embedded or standalone PC. Also see PAC Project R10 Release Notes

SoftPAC has the following advantages when compared to a hardware PAC:
  • You can run your PAC Control control program (strategy) in a Microsoft Windows environment rather than on a standalone or rack-mounted PAC.
  • If you are a machine builder or an OEM with a PC already in your product, your cost for a controller is reduced.
  • SoftPAC takes advantage of a PC’s ability to quickly read and write to files as well as its greater space for data storage. This makes it especially useful for applications requiring extended file storage, frequent access to files, or math-intensive processes.
For a detailed comparison with hardware PACs, see the SoftPAC Data Sheet (form 2020).

To find out if you can upgrade to this version for free, see the Opto 22 Software Upgrade Policy

All PAC Project software, both Basic and Professional, is in one single download. You can install the Basic version right away to get started. To install SoftPAC, first purchase the software, and then contact Opto 22 to confirm your purchase and receive your password. More about purchasing software and getting a password.

When you have your password, download and run the installer file. Choose PAC Project Professional and enter your password for SoftPAC.

The following applications are installed by default. If you don't want them all, when prompted during the installation process, uncheck the ones you don't want.
  • SoftPAC
  • PAC Control Basic
  • PAC Display Basic
  • PAC Manager 
  • Tools (PAC Utilities)
  • EtherNet/IP Configurator
Note: In any version of SoftPAC R9.4c or lower, if you try to use the Update Firmware link in SoftPAC Monitor to upgrade to version R9.5a or higher, you will not find the correct firmware file. To update SoftPAC from version R9.4c or lower to the latest version, download and run the SoftPAC software installer
System Requirements
  • PAC Project 9.3 or higher
  • Microsoft® Windows® 10 Professional (32-bit or 64-bit) or Windows 11 Professional
  • Available hard disk space required: 10 MB
Performance
SoftPAC can run up to 64 flowcharts simultaneously; many more can be included in the strategy. SoftPAC allows access to 64 MB RAM and 8 MB non-volatile RAM for your PAC Control strategy (flowcharts, variables, tables, subroutines, and so on). File operations are limited only by the size of your hard drive and the volumes available on your network.

I/O Compatibility
SoftPAC can be used with groov EPIC, groov RIO, and SNAP Ethernet-based I/O units:
GRV-EPIC-PR1
GRV-EPIC-PR2
GRV-R7-MM1001-10
GRV-R7-MM2001-10
SNAP-PAC-R1
SNAP-PAC-R1-B
SNAP-PAC-R1-FM
SNAP-PAC-R2
SNAP-PAC-EB1*
SNAP-PAC-EB1-FM*
SNAP-PAC-EB1-W*
SNAP-PAC-EB2*
SNAP-PAC-EB2-FM*
SNAP-PAC-EB2-W*
SNAP-PAC-R1-W*
SNAP-PAC-R2-FM*
SNAP-PAC-R2-W*

All groov I/O and SNAP I/O modules can be used on these I/O units, including analog, digital, and serial modules. SoftPAC can also be used with legacy SNAP Ethernet-based I/O units. It cannot be used with serial brains.

*Obsolete part numbers; still supported.

SNAP PAC System Compatibility
SoftPAC includes Scratch Pad areas of the OptoMMP memory map and can communicate peer-to-peer with any groov EPIC processor or SNAP PAC S-series or R-series controller on the network.

PC-Based I/O Overview

This document shows examples of system architecture for PC-based I/O control systems and lists Opto 22 products that work together for PC-based control. System examples include:

  • Ethernet systems using SoftPAC, a software-based programmable automation controller programmed with PAC Control
  • Ethernet systems using the OptoMMP protocol
  • Direct control of I/O using no I/O processor (no brain)
  • High-speed control using the Pamux protocol
NOTE: Before choosing to use a PC for control, consider groov EPIC.  A groov EPIC processor offers many features similar to a PC, such as a Linux OS with optional secure shell access; cybersecurity features; Ethernet, USB, and HDMI ports; and the ability to run the control program and HMI on the same hardware. In addition, a groov EPIC system offers real-time control using traditional programming languages; guaranteed-for-life I/O on the same chassis; industrial toughness for hazardous locations; and easier integration with company computer networks, manufacturing, business, and facility systems, and cloud-based services & software.

SNAP PAC Controller Comparison Chart

This chart compares details for all SNAP PAC programmable automation controllers: SoftPAC software controller, SNAP PAC S-series standalone controllers, and SNAP PAC R-series rack-mounted controllers.

For additional details on SNAP PAC R-series controllers (including specific I/O processing features), see Form 1677,  SNAP PAC Controller and Brain Comparison Chart.

SoftPAC Software-based Controller for PC-based Control

SoftPAC™ is a software-based programmable automation controller (PAC) designed for PC-based control. SoftPAC gives you the choice of running your control program in a Microsoft Windows environment rather than on a hardware controller.

PAC Project Basic and Professional Comparison Chart

This chart compares the features included in PAC Project Basic and Professional. These software suites provide automation software for the groov EPIC system and the SNAP PAC System

SNAP PAC Controller and Brain Comparison Chart

This document compares features of SNAP PAC hardware controllers (SNAP PAC S-series and R-series) and SNAP PAC brains, all part of the SNAP PAC System.

NOTE: Due to the unavailability of essential parts, all SNAP PAC brains are obsolete and no longer available. Use rack-mounted controllers instead of Ethernet-based brains. For serial brain options, contact Opto 22 Product Support.

SNAP PAC Controllers and Brains Firmware README

This README file lists revision changes made to the firmware used in SNAP PAC S-series, R-series, and SoftPAC controllers; SNAP PAC EB-series and SB-series brains; and G4EB2 and G4D32EB2 brains.

PAC Project R10.2 Release Notes

Release Notes for PAC Project Software Suite, version 10.2.

PAC Project Basic provides control programming, HMI development and runtime, and configuration and utility programs.

PAC Project Professional adds a robust OPC server, database connectivity, multiple PAC Display seats, controller redundancy, legacy hardware support, and a software-based controller for PC-based control.

These release notes include new features and enhancements for PAC Control, PAC Display, and PAC Manager, as well as important notes on installation and use. For information about bug fixes in this release, see the PAC Project Readme Notes.

PAC Project R10.0 Release Notes

Release Notes for PAC Project Software Suite, version 10.0.

PAC Project Basic provides control programming, HMI development and runtime, and configuration and utility programs.

PAC Project Professional adds a robust OPC server, database connectivity, multiple PAC Display seats, controller redundancy, legacy hardware support, and a software-based controller for PC-based control.

These release notes include new features and enhancements for PAC Control, PAC Display, and PAC Manager, as well as important notes on installation and use. For information about bug fixes in this release, see the PAC Project Readme Notes.

SoftPAC Quick Start Guide

SoftPAC is a software-based programmable automation controller (PAC) designed for PC-based control. This short document shows you how to configure and run SoftPAC.

SoftPAC is programmed with PAC Control, just like a hardware PAC. For information on programming SoftPAC, see Form 1700, PAC Control User's Guide.

New SoftPAC Controller from Opto 22 Expands SNAP PAC Choices to Include PC-based Control

Press release: New SoftPAC Controller, a software-based programmable automation controller, from Opto 22 Expands SNAP PAC Choices to Include PC-based Control. 

SoftPAC Controller Firmware

This download contains the current firmware for the SOFTPAC software-based controller. For information on changes and fixes in the current version, see the README document .

NOTE: This file is saved as a zip file to prevent newer browsers from automatically unzipping the file during the download process.

To upgrade your SoftPAC firmware, download and unzip this file, and then (in SoftPAC Monitor > Update Firmware) find and select the file with the .bin extension (SoftPAC-version number.bin).

PAC Project Software - MSI for Command Line Installation

Use this .msi (Microsoft® Installer) installation file to install PAC Project software from the command line in Microsoft Windows®.

A command line installation of PAC Project in silent mode requires no user input once installation has begun. This is useful if you are an OEM machine builder who makes many copies of the same machine, or if you are an integrator or someone at a large company who wants to use an installation script. An .msi installation file is designed for a network-wide installation, and it works with Microsoft network features such as Active Directory.

SoftPAC Software-based Programmable Automation Controller

SoftPAC™ is a software-based programmable automation controller (PAC) designed for PC-based control.

Programmed just like an Opto 22 hardware PAC, SoftPAC runs your PAC Control strategy independently on an embedded or standalone PC.

One SoftPAC is included in the PAC Project Professional Software Suite, or you can purchase SoftPAC separately and use the free PAC Project Basic Software Suite to program it.

SoftPAC has the following advantages when compared to a hardware PAC:

  • You can run your PAC Control control program (strategy) in a Microsoft Windows environment rather than on a standalone or rack-mounted PAC.
  • If you are a machine builder or an OEM with a PC already in your product, or if you want to use a PC for a new design, your cost for a controller is reduced.
  • SoftPAC takes advantage of a PC’s ability to quickly read and write to files as well as its greater space for data storage. This makes it especially useful for applications requiring extended file storage, frequent access to files, math-intensive processes, or a large number of control flowcharts running at the same time.

For a detailed comparison with hardware PACs, see the SoftPAC Data Sheet (form 2020).

This product includes software and documentation in Adobe Acrobat PDF format as a download. The download file includes other PAC Project software in addition to SoftPAC. 

Video: SNAP PAC System Overview

This overview describes the four integrated components of the SNAP PAC system: software, controllers, brains and I/O. This hardware and software system is designed for industrial control, remote monitoring and data acquisition.

Video: PAC Project Software Suite

A quick overview of the PAC Project Software Suite.

Video: Opto 22 SoftPAC

A quick overview of Opto 22 SoftPAC, a software-based programmable automation controller..

Video: Webinar: Introduction to SoftPAC

This webinar includes an overview of SoftPAC and three demonstrations of using SoftPAC.