1.	This software is compatible with the off-the-shelf PLC ladder language system.
2.	Real-time processing is ensured since it runs under the real-time OS [INtime] in an Intel CPU. (Control cycle: 1ms)
3.	Since the PC_PLC application works as one of the applications under the real-time OS [INtime], it can run with real-time applications developed in the C language simultaneously on one PC platform. Therefore, file handling and communication control are easy to program.
4.	As the real-time OS [INtime] works with any of MS-Windows NT / 2000 / XP in parallel, the PC_PLC can coexist with the applications under any of Windows. It results in that real time processing and such powerful GUI interface as of Windows work on the same PC.
5.	Conventional expansion boards for digital I/O obtainable in market are applicable to PC_PLC as much as remote I/O devices capable to interface with PCs are applicable.
6.	Customers may enjoy economical application of off-the-shelf peripheral devices such as external storages, image input devices, vocal response devices and LAN devices.

Multi-task Operation of Ladder Program & C-language Application

PC_PLC runs as one of the application jobs under the real-time OS INtime for PCs. The real-time OS for PCs is normally used to control the real-time applications such as factory automation (FA), etc. developed in the C or other PC languages. A sequential control application developed in ladder language runs as one of the multi-task jobs as much as that developed in C-language runs under the real-time OS.

Coexistence of Ladder Program & C-language Application

Data exchanges and timing control between a ladder program and a multi-task application developed in the C-language are available by using mailbox and semaphore capability of INtime. Therefore, in development of application, you may choose more convenient tool either the ladder language for sequential control (such as AND, OR, NOT operations) or C-language for handling of interface such as communication control or peripheral device interface. By using Windows environment, you can use a powerful man-machine interface such as GUI or dictionary processor with this ease. Furthermore, you can also make the best use of Windows package software in market, such as MS-Excel etc. During on-line operation, it is also possible to develop a ladder sequence or to monitor the actual status of ladder sequence through Windows GUI.