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What's New in Automation Studio™ P8.0

Once more, Automation Studio™ P8.0 - Professional Edition pushes the ‘Trade-Oriented’ concept implemented in the software a step further, always with the same objective: achieve higher productivity with less effort. Designers, test and reliability specialists, trainers and maintenance technicians and engineers will all appreciate the new features and functions and add them to their box of essential tools.

Contact us for a Live Online Demonstration of the new features.

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*The availability of some of the new features is subject to the configuration of the purchased license.


SIMULATIONarrow down

Step by Step Mode

The increment used by Step by Step mode can now be modified. The simulation will advance by a step which can be set by the user.

Step by Step Mode

MANIFOLD BLOCK arrow down

Dynamic Measurements

Dynamic Measurements are automatically displayed on the 3D Layout as soon as a component or a drilling is selected and/or moved. This makes it possible to quickly position and adjust any 3D objects on the block. The displayed measurements are the position relative to the 4 edges of the block, the depth of a counterbore and the datum for a buried component. For the drillings, the depth and the angles are also displayed.

The user can directly edit the displayed values by clicking on them and modifying them.

Dynamic Measurements

GD&T Font (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing)

The GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) font is now available in technical drawings and can be used to draw special characters for the dimensioning information.

GD&T Font

Representative Machining Callouts

This new feature is integrated in the automatic Production Drawing creation. Special configuration options have been added.

Representative Machining Callouts

SYSTEM ANALYSIS arrow down

System Specifications

Using functional groups, you will be able to group components that are part of a specific function and sub-function of your machine (such as: primary system, secondary system, auxiliary system, cooling function, etc.).

For each of the functional groups identified, you will be able to define different operational modes with activation and termination conditions to measure performances.

You will be able to quickly obtain the current performances and validate that all design criteria of your system have been met through simulation. 

System Specifications

HYDRAULIC arrow down

Multiple Directional Valve Flow Curves

The flow through an internal channel can now be set as a function of the value of several differential pressures measured at its ends. This improvement of the model makes it possible to perfectly simulate the performance of manufacturers' distribution valves whose specifications cover a wide spectrum of working conditions.

Multiple Directional Valve Flow Curves

Pressurized reservoir

In the hydraulic reservoir builder, it is possible to define ports on the upper surface of the reservoir as pneumatic ports. The simulation of enclosed air will cause a variation in pressure based on the volume of oil. A pneumatic system can also be connected to regulate this pressure.

Pressurized reservoir

Line jump with reservoir symbol

This component helps with representation and simulation of multiple returns to case drain within a pump or motor assembly, among other things.

Line jump with reservoir symbol

ELECTROTECHNICALarrow down

True RMS

The measurement of true RMS values and frequencies of electrical signals have been improved and can handle all types of signals.

True RMS

PNEUMATIC arrow down

Pneumatic pilot

Directional valve pneumatic pilots take negative pressure (vacuum) into account in the calculation of the force applied to the spool.

Pneumatic pilot

USER FRIENDLINESS arrow down

Diagnostics

New diagnostics have been developed to help understand circuit design. The first diagnostic identifies any components that have been created using the custom components module. The second diagnostic identifies black box components or components that have a modified symbol.

Diagnostics

INTERFACE arrow down

Project Overview

In the project creation dialogue, a preview zone gives a quick look of the project content. The documents of the project can be scrolled through.

Project Overview

INTERFACE AND USER-FRIENDLINESS arrow down

Hyperlinks

The hyperlink creation dialogue has been made more user friendly by providing a list of the available protocols, the required syntax and a brief explanation of the required fields.

Hyperlinks

Catalogues

When searching for a catalogue component equivalent to a component on the schematic, it is now possible to search either the online or local catalogues. This makes the online catalogues even more useful.

Catalogues

ILLUSTRATED LIBRARIES arrow down

New Electrical Illustrated Component Library

A new illustrated component library has been created to extend the capabilities to build digital twins. One-Line electrical components have been added in order to be able to draw electrical transmission network circuits explicitly and visually.

Additionally, the following illustrated libraries are also available: pneumatic, PLC, DC electrical, renewable energy, residential electricity, hydraulic cross-section, and more.

New Electrical Illustrated Component Library

NEW SYMBOLIC STANDARDarrow down

New Electrical Symbols for Aeronautics

A new electrical symbol library has been added. It allows electrical circuits to be represented in compliance with the standards used in the aeronautical field. In the Automation StudioTM electrical schematic editor, these symbols are compatible with documents using the NEMA standard.

New Electrical Symbols for Aeronautics

EDITIONarrow down

Component Frame

Each component or assembly of components can be framed without adding drawing elements.

The frame is manually adjustable and customizable; width, height, thickness, color and line type can all be modified.

Component Frame

 

ONLINE CATALOGUESarrow down

New search in online catalogues

The new version of Automation Studio™ online catalogues now allows advanced searches based both on keywords and on technical properties present in the catalogues. The technical data to be searched can be quickly defined and filtered based on manufacturers and catalogues, thanks to a new user-friendly interface.

New search in online catalogues

NEW MANUFACTURERS’ CATALOGUESarrow down

New and updated manufacturers’ catalogues

Many Manufacturers' Catalogues have been added and updated. The new technical data allows compatible manufacturer components to be used within the Hydraulic Manifold Block workshop, and enables direct integration of the pre-configured and documented manufacturer components into your Manifold Block in Automation Studio™. Manifold compatible components are identified in the Catalogue Manager.

  • Argo-Hytos NEW
  • AVENTICS UPDATED
  • BUCHER Hydraulics SOON
  • Cy.Pag UPDATED
  • Dana Brevini Pumps & Motors UPDATED
  • Danfoss MVB Valves NEW
  • Danfoss Pumps and Motors UPDATED
  • Hengli Cartridge Valves NEW
  • Hengli Mobile Valve NEW
  • HydraForce UPDATED
  • Koganei UPDATED
  • Parker Industrial Proportional Directional Control Valves UPDATED
  • Parker Motors UPDATED
  • Related Fluid Power SOON
  • Sun Hydraulics UPDATED
  • Weber-Hydraulik NEW
  • Yuken Pumps UPDATED
  • Yuken Valves UPDATED

Additional Manufacturers' Catalogue components are added and updated on a weekly basis.

Manufacturers' Catalogue

HYDRAULIC MANIFOLD MODULEarrow down

New machining parameters list and export

The list of all machining operations can be generated once the 3D manifold design is completed. The types of machining operations are described according to industry standards. Each parameter can be directly modified from the list, with the values being automatically updated on the 3D layout and in the technical drawings.

New machining parameters list and export

Interface Automation Studio™ with Mastercam®

This list of machining operations is exported as an XML file. This allows direct transfer of machining information from Automation Studio™ to CAM software to help streamline production.

Interface Automation Studio™ with Mastercam®

Generic orifice plug

An orifice plug component with various configurable sizes has been added to the generic manifold catalogue.

Generic orifice plug

Cavity thread visualization

Cavity threads are now represented visually in the Cavity Manager and in the 3D Manifold Layout.

Cavity thread visualization

Spotface / counterbore merge

It is possible to remove a spotface from a cavity if the cavity already contains a counterbore.

Spotface / counterbore merge

Own hole closure catalogue

Default hole closure plugs are available in the application. It is now possible for a user to have their own hole closure catalogue.

Own hole closure catalogue

Manifold auto-create feature

Sorting parameters for “Auto-Create” routing solutions can now be customized.

Manifold auto-create feature

Technical documents

Improvements have been made to the technical and production drawings, including the ability to add arrows at the end of a line, add machining information and group callouts. The machining parameters can be displayed as tables on the production drawing document. The new version allows them to also be displayed as callouts around the views.

Technical documents

Block cost calculation system

A new cost calculation system was added. All the data relating to the manifold block are exported to an Excel file (part list, machining parameters, diagrams, etc.). The user can then create their own block cost calculation formulas based on the actual block data.

Block cost calculation system

New manufacturer cavities

Additional manufacturer cavities have been made available for use in the manifold workshop.

  • ARGO-HYTOS
  • Bosch Rexroth
  • Bucher Hydraulics
  • Dana Brevini
  • Danfoss
  • Delta-Power
  • Eaton
  • FEMA
  • HAWE Hydraulik
  • Hengli Hydraulics
  • HYDAC
  • HydraForce
  • Oilgear
  • Parker
  • Related Fluid Power
  • Sun Hydraulics
  • Wandfluh
  • Weber-Hydraulik
  • Yuken
New manufacturer cavities

GRAFCET MODULEarrow down

New GRAFCET module

The new GRAFCET module fully complies with the IEC 60848 standard and allows programs to be edited and simulated. Our GRAFCET module allows the usage of different input event types, output modes (continuous and stored modes), structuring (partition, forcing, enclosing, macro-steps).

New GRAFCET module

SFC MODULEarrow down

New SFC module

The new SFC module fully complies with the IEC 61131 standard and allows programs to be edited, simulated and, later on, exported. Conditions and actions can call the project's ladder diagram networks (LD). The module supports structured text language (ST). It also takes into account the different action qualifiers, as well as control actions with or without a final scan.

New SFC module

CONNECTOR BUILDERarrow down

New connector builder

The new builder allows bills of materials and images for 2D and 3D diagrams to be configured for connectors. New pin, socket and connector symbols have been added.

New connector configurator

TRAININGarrow down

Virtual Trainers

Automation Studio™ offers a series of ready-to-use training benches which demonstrate how to design technical functions by connecting components from different technologies, by programming automated machines to activate operative parts. The DIGITAL TWIN of your hardware trainer can be easily created. Flexible links have been implemented to complement the 2D CAD illustrated libraries in reflecting the visual aspects of hardware trainers for both fluid power and electrical technologies.

Didactic benches

Multitechnology Diagrams

The addition of Multitechnology Diagrams makes it possible to group together, on the same page, hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical components as well as circuits made in a ladder diagram and human-machine interface elements, recreating a realistic digital twin.

Didactic benches

Library of illustrated hydraulic components

This library allows users to create comprehensive illustrated hydraulic circuits to meet educational and training needs.

Library of illustrated hydraulic components

Library of cutaway pneumatic components

To meet the needs of training departments, this library has been added to create pneumatic circuits that display the internal workings of the most commonly used pneumatic components.

Library of cutaway pneumatic components

USER FRIENDLINESSarrow down

Zoom increase

The zoom can go up to 4000% so that objects can be drawn more precisely for animation purposes.

Zoom increase

Visual usage indicator

Visual cues have been added on various components, which make it easier to identify, for example, which cylinders participate in a mechanism, what is the source of the electric charge and its operating quadrant and in which direction the mechanical power is transmitted.

Visual usage indicator

2D animations

This enhanced visual interface improves the user experience when creating 2D animations, all visible in one place. A preview of the animations will help you validate the expected behaviour.

2D animations

Quick line type selection

While drawing a conduit or a wire, or after selecting it, you can modify the type of link from a list which is displayed instantly.

Quick line type selection

Dynamic adjustment of actuator forces

To make initial testing easier and quicker, and to eliminate the need to define forces in advance, forces can be applied to the hydraulic and pneumatic actuators in simulation by clicking on them while the simulation is running.

Dynamic adjustment of actuator forces

STANDARDSarrow down

Component categories

To define specific naming rules or particular appearances based on the type of component, the component categories have been developed. Each category can have a unique set of attributes that differentiates it from the other categories.

Component categories

New options for colouring electrical wires in simulation

You can now choose the criterion for colouring electrical wires in simulation, based on thread type or globally. In addition to the type of current, one can choose colours according to the level of voltage or the level of current. You can also keep the appearance that the wires have in editing.

Liens_flexibles_Elec_Whats_new

HYDRAULIC COMPONENTSarrow down

Orbitrol

The Orbitrol model has been redesigned with the aim of addressing all identified usage scenarios.

Orbitrol

BLOCK COMPONENTSarrow down

New catalogue of mathematical blocks

The catalogue of mathematical blocks will open the possibility to create custom and adjustable components, objects, functions and systems from mathematical models to drill down into the sub-component level.

You can now choose the behaviour you want for the components in your circuits during simulation: by performance curve, mathematical models of your own, or both. This catalogue gives an unmatched flexibility to Automation Studio™.

New catalogue of mathematical blocks

New block components

This library is enriched with mathematical blocks allowing matrix calculations as well as complex number operations.

New block components

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTSarrow down

DC machines

New DC machines (motors and generators) operate in all four quadrants and have mechanical connectors. This includes permanent magnet, separately excited, series wound and shunt wound.

DC machines

Operational amplifiers

The new operational amplifiers make it possible to carry out the basic assemblies.

AOP_Whats_new

Three phase induction motor with neutral, squirrel cage

To complete our range of motors, we have added the asynchronous motor with neutral.

Three phase induction motor with neutral, squirrel cage

 

MANUFACTURERS’ CATALOGUESarrow down

Online Manufacturers’ Catalogues

Manufacturers' Catalogs are now available online. There is no longer a need to manage catalogue files or worry about updating them. The web Catalogue components are always up to date. Simply drag the desired components from your browser onto your Automation Studio™ schematic to use them.

Online Manufacturers’ Catalogues

INTERFACE arrow down

User-friendliness

Shortcuts giving access to the layout of the current document as well as to its drawing scale have been added in the “Home” tab, “Documentation” group.

User-friendliness

MANIFOLD BLOCK MODULEarrow down

Optimization

Optimizations to generate more compact blocks.

User-friendliness

Addition of a dialogue box confirming the unit system selection when generating a new manifold block.

Optimization

CUSTOM COMPONENT MODULEarrow down

Custom Component Edition

To increase efficiency, the user can now edit the source circuits of a custom component without having to return to the original project. The user will be able to modify the symbol and its animation, its logic and behaviour circuits.

Custom Component Edition

CIRCUIT DRAWING APPEARANCEarrow down

To meet the needs of training and technical publications departments, new line highlighting attributes have been added. The highlighted line endpoints can be flat or rounded, the corners can be square, rounded or chamfered, and the segments defining component connectors can be highlighted or not.

Circuit Drawing Appearance

STANDARDarrow down

Appearance of Fluid Components

To meet the needs of training and technical publications departments, directional valve positions can be highlighted in edition and simulation according to their activation status. A library of additional objects can be provided on request in order to complete components that do not yet support these highlighting standards.

Appearance of Fluid Components
Appearance of Fluid Components

Appearance of Fluid Lines

To meet the needs of the training and technical publicatons departments, new appearance attributes for each line type have been added. Highlighting can now be activated in simulation, can support patterns, and can be full or sectional.

Appearance of Fluid Lines
Appearance of Fluid Lines

Naming Rules

The naming rules are enhanced with new attributes. The user can display the dimensions in fractional form in the names of the lines, select the unit system, the precision, etc. The available variables have been organized to more clearly indicate thier use.

Naming Rules
Naming Rules

Documentationarrow down

Export in Simulation Mode

To meet the needs of training and technical publications departments, it is possible to export circuits in a graphic format while the simulation is running.

Export in Simulation Mode

NEW COMMANDS FOR FLUID COMPONENTSarrow down

Manual Override With Detent

Directional valve command to represent a manual override with detent groove, according to ISO 1219.

Manual Override With Detent

Directional Valve Springs

An option has been added to adjust the spring compression screw during simulation.

Directional Valve Springs

Directional Valve Power Curves

An option has been added to define the power curves of a directional valve from the differential pressure or the inlet pressure.

Directional Valve Springs

HYDRAULIC COMPONENTSarrow down

Downstream priority pressure compensator

This component is designed to be used downstream of an orifice as a pressure compensator. When used to maintain a pressure differential on an upstream orifice, this valve can maintain a constant priority flow regardless of the downstream load.

Downstream priority pressure compensator

Upstream priority pressure compensator, with static load sense

Upstream priority pressure compensator, with static load sense. This valve is intended to provide priority flow in the required amount while allowing excess flow to be used for auxiliary functions and maintaining a constant pressure drop across the control flow orifice, regardless of the load pressure.

Upstream priority pressure compensator, with static load sense

Upstream priority pressure compensator, with dynamic load sense

Upstream priority pressure compensator, with dynamic load sense. This valve is intended to provide priority flow in the required amount while allowing excess flow to be used for auxiliary functions and maintaining a constant pressure drop across the control flow orifice, regardless of the load pressure. The dynamic load sense feature generally provides a better response time. Additionally, it increases the spring differential on the control flow orifice by a ratio that depends on the orifice sizing.

Upstream priority pressure compensator, with dynamic load sense

Viscometer and Density Meter

A measurement component has been added in order to access the measurement of the kinematic viscosity as well as the density of the oil in a node of the circuit.

Viscometer and Density Meter

Proportional Pressure Regulators

Models are made sensitive to back pressure.

Proportional pressure regulators

Coolers

An option has been added to define the dissipated power according to the inlet temperature, the outlet temperature or the average of these 2 values.

Coolers

PNEUMATIC COMPONENTSarrow down

Liquid Collector Exhaust Pressure Type

This component uses pneumatic pressure and flow to collect and reuse hydraulic fluid that has leaked into the system.

Liquid Collector Exhaust Pressure Type

Lubricator

The addition of a lubricator, which will allow constant and automatic lubrication to the correct level, is a necessity for most pneumatic components to work correctly and have a satisfactory life span.

Lubricator

Curve Modelling Restrictors

Pressure drops modelled by performance curves as a function of flow rate and variable opening - for air with simplified pneumatic modelling.

Curve Modelling Restrictors

MATH BLOCSarrow down

Block Components

New block components have been added to handle matrix operations and complex numbers.

Matrix and Complex Number Blocks

TRANSMISSION ELEMENTSarrow down

2-Quadrant Curves in the Electric Motor

Added a two-way model. A new simulation model that takes into account the Torque-Speed characteristic Curve in the forward and reverse rotation has been added. In addition, a motor with 2 mechanical shafts is now available in the library.

2-quadrant curves in the electric motor

ENVIRONMENT AND CONTROL COMPONENTSarrow down

4-Quadrant Joystick

Joystick to generate 4 control variables.

4-quadrant joystick

Temperature Generator

A slider was added to make it possible to change the temperature during the simulation.

Temperature Generator

Environment Variable Generators

Components with temperature or light as a simulation variable now use the environment variables of the essential subdivision where the component is located.

Environment Variable Generators

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTSarrow down

Lack of current or inrush brake

 

Lack of current or inrush brake

Asynchronous motor 6 connectors

 

Asynchronous motor 6 connectorsr

DC power source

 

DC power source

Transistor

Behavioural improvement. A capacitor has been added to stabilize the voltage between the collector and the emitter and between the drain and the source.

Transistor

AUTOMATION MODULEarrow down

Ladder for Mitsubishi MELSEC iQ-R Series PLC

Ladder for Mitsubishi MELSEC iQ-R Series PLC

FLUID POWERarrow down

Hydraulic Manifold Block Workshop

Create and edit manifolds in Automation Studio™ with the new Hydraulic Manifold Block workshop.
An Auto-Create function can quickly propose up to 100 manifold solutions based on your Automation Studio™ schematic and set constraints. You are then able to tweak the proposed designs to your liking.
Take pressure and flow measurements at any point in time during simulation.

Hydraulic Manifold Block  Workshop
Hydraulic Manifold Block  Workshop
Hydraulic Manifold Block  Workshop

New & Updated Manufacturers' Catalogues

Many Manufacturers' Catalogues have been added and updated. The new technical data allows compatible manufacturer components to be used within the Hydraulic Manifold Block workshop, and enables direct integration of the pre-configured and documented manufacturer components into your Manifold Block in Automation Studio™. Manifold compatible components are identified in the Catalogue Manager.

  • Automation Studio™ Electrical - Variable Frequency Drives NEW
  • CKD Corporation SOON
  • Continental Hydraulics Valves NEW
  • Cy.Pag. NEW
  • Danfoss Orbital Motors UPDATED
  • Doosan Mottrol NEW
  • Eaton Sectional CLS & CMA Mobile Valves UPDATED
  • Humphrey Products NEW
  • IMI Precision / Norgren SOON
  • Koganei UPDATED
  • Linde Hydraulics UPDATED
  • Mitsubishi Electric SOON
  • Shanghai Guorui Hydraulic Technology co (GRH) POWER Valves NEW
  • SMC Pneumatics NEW
  • Tecnord SOON
  • Wandfluh NEW
  • Zhejiang Gaoyu Hydraulic Machinery Co Ltd NEW

Additional Manufacturers' Catalogue components are added and updated on a weekly basis.

Updated Manufacturers Catalogues

Online Manufacturers' Catalogues

The Automation Studio™ Web Catalogues lets you drag & drop components directly from the web browser interface to your Automation Studio™ schematic. These components are always the most up-to-date version. Therefore, there is no need to locally manage multiple manufacturers' catalogue files. The Web Catalogues for Automation Studio™ will be made available shortly after the release of Automation Studio™ P7.

Online Manufacturers' Catalogues

New Hydraulic Components

  • Planetary gearboxes
  • Differentials and torque converters
  • Separate control surface valves
  • Pressure compensated flow dividers
  • Jumps with label frame

Improved Hydraulic Components Simulation Models

  • Hydraulic motor plates can now have a limited stroke
  • Added an exchange surface area for the external dissipation of hydraulic heaters
  • Improved curve tracking in pressure regulators
  • Pressure compensated flow dividers
  • Improved manual directional valve commands
New and updated hydraulic components

Support of Transmission Shafts in the Mechanism Manager

The Mechanism Manager now accepts rotating drive shafts. This implies that all rotating elements, such as hydraulic, pneumatic, electric motors and gearboxes, etc., can now be simulated in the Mechanism Manager.

Support of Transmission Shafts in the Mechanism Manager

New Pneumatic Components

  • Compressors
  • Vacuum generators
  • Vacuum cups
  • Normally closed flow sensors
Additional Pneumatic Components

TROUBLESHOOTINGarrow down

Failure Mode, Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA)

Quickly obtain and communicate system failure information, thanks to the new FMECA module of Automation Studio™. It is based on, but not limited to, [IEC 60812] Failure Modes & Effects Analysis. This can greatly reduce troubleshooting time and increase system reliability.

ailure mode, effects, and criticality analysis (FMECA)

CUSTOM TRAINING LIBRARIESarrow down

Renewable Energy Custom Library

The new Renewable Energy library is made with illustrated components. It enables to create and simulate circuits with look-alike components from real-world applications. Some components even animate during simulation, creating an optimal experience for training activities.

Renewable Energy Library

PLC Custom Library

This library was created to enable trainees to actually wire up the PLC (Allen Bradley, Eaton, Koyo, LS Electric, Mitsubishi, Omron, Siemens, etc.), write the Ladder Logic and run the simulation to see the inputs and outputs being triggered on the PLC according to their ladder diagram.

Renewable Energy Library

DC Electrical Custom Library

This illustrated library is intended for DC electrical circuits. Components can be connected directly or by using the breadboard to create and simulate your circuit.

Renewable Energy Library

Residential Electricity Custom Library

Trainees can now quickly build residential electrical circuits using common components which they are familiar with.

Renewable Energy Library

Hydraulic Cross-Section View Library

Create your circuit using hydraulic components with a cross-section view that is animated during simulation. Trainees can now quickly visualize the flow movement in the circuit.

Renewable Energy Library

Hydraulic Cylinders with Load Custom Library

This custom library allows to quickly vary the cylinders load during simulation and instantly see how it affects the system.

Renewable Energy Library

ELECTRICALarrow down

Terminal Strips Builder

New terminals with jumper channels management of different categories were added:

  • Feed-Through
  • Ground
  • Feed-Through with Ground
  • Knife Disconnect
  • Disconnect
  • Sensor / Actuator
  • Fuse Holder
  • Distribution Blocks

Simplified terminals are still available. The new builder allows complete management of the terminal strips, including the accessories management and the part numbers. Terminal strip export and import functions are also available.

dditional Electrical Components

New Semiconductor Devices

New semiconductor components have been added to the Electrotechnical library, such as:

  • Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT)
  • Junction Field Effect Transistor (JFET)
  • Metal-Oxyde-Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (MOSFET)
  • Thyristors

Thyristors, bipolar transistors and field effect transistors have been introduced. The thyristor can be controlled by a variable or by an external circuit and the transistors have been designed to operate in both switching and amplification mode.

dditional Electrical Components

Improvement of the Battery Component

  • The ageing effect on the battery capacity is now taken into account
  • OCV hysteresis effect is taken into account by differentiating OCV vs SOC curves during charge and discharge
  • New advanced model taking into account the voltage transients' behaviour during charge and discharge
  • Predefined battery parameters for the different available battery types
Improvement on the Battery Component

CONTROLSarrow down

AB-500 and AB-5000 Compatible Functions and Addresses

These new libraries are an update from our original library that did not include all the major functions. These two new libraries enable you to create control circuits using addresses (AB-500) or tag names (AB-5000).

Ladder for Allen-Bradley 500 PLC and 5000 PLC

Additional Math Block Components

Adaptors in (math) blocks enable the creation of complex behaviours for fluid power and electrical components.

Additional Math Blocks Components

FORUMarrow down

New Discussion Forum

Many customers want to share their schematics with other parties or simply share their experience. The new Forum allows access to demonstration files, custom libraries and other information that can be helpful to your applications. We hope that you will also share your experience with everyone. If you don’t have an account in the Forum, register here

Discussion Forum

VIRTUAL SYSTEMSarrow down

Virtual Systems Using Unity 3D

Virtual systems created using Unity 3D allow for a training experience with a high level of realism. These systems can be controlled within Automation Studio™ using Electrical Controls, PLCs and/or Sequential Function Chart. Access the Forum to download the files and procedure to install the Unity 3D models. New virtual systems are frequently added.

Virtual Systems

APPLICATIONarrow down

Online Help

You can now access Automation Studio™ help documentation online. The online help documentation is constantly improved and updated based on users' support cases and feedback. Also, the software installation file size is reduced.

Online Help

Mouse Options Configuration

The new mouse button configuration menu allows users to set their desired mouse buttons behaviour in Automation Studio™.

Mouse options configuration

Smaller Simulation Pace

New simulation steps of up to 1 micro-second are available to allow finer simulations. This feature is particularly useful to simulate high frequencies phenomena (up to 100kHz), especially in the electrical workshop.

Smaller simulation pace

Conservation of the Internal Identifier of a Component When Replaced

Component internal identification can be maintained when replacing the component. This is useful for systems that have a unique identifier for each component.


Other Customer Requested Improvements & Bug Fixes

  • Performance improvements
  • Fixed the radial speed variable of the transmission power units
  • Fixed discrepancies of the output pressure value of the "Pressure and Temperature Flow Control" component
  • Fixed the flexible lines acting as a plug after a while in simulation
  • Fixed the behaviour of unloading valve with check and drain
  • Changed the image shown in the component properties of the "Bidirectional Motor with Shaft"
  • Fixed the Curve Export API not exporting all curves
  • Fixed an incorrect pressure at port 2 of the pneumatic "Remote Pressure Reducing Valve" component
  • Fixed unhandled exception error in PLCs when the '&' character was inserted in the description
  • Fixed BOM order changing when a model is saved
  • Fixed an issue with the BOM and lines when exporting to PDF
 

FLUID POWERarrow down

Manifold Block Workshop

New features are available with SR1 improving your experience during the design, documentation and simulation of your manifold blocks:

  • Improvement of routing algorithms and in particular those of oblique channels;
  • Addition of CETOP-type components and interfaces in the generic library;
  • Ability to create a custom title block;
  • Revision table available in the technical drawings;
  • Customization of the number of decimal places that can be displayed on technical drawings;
  • Improvement concerning the dimensions on the technical drawings (offset, movement);
  • Ability to adjust the position of the shapes on the cavities of the generic components.
Manifold Block Workshop

Installation and Circuits

The limit of 30 types of lines in installation circuits has been raised to better meet user needs.

Installation and Circuits

New Hydraulic Components

  • Instant temperature regulator;
  • Mechanically activated check valves;
  • Sequence valves normally open, with internal drain and external drain;
  • Cartridge valves normally open;
  • 3-way sequence valve normally closed;
  • Restrictive pressure compensator positioned downstream.
New Hydraulic Components

Improved Hydraulic Component Simulation Models

  • Addition of a pressure drop curve in the flow transducer;
  • Improvement of the proportional flow regulator.
Improved Hydraulic Component Simulation Models

Mechanism Manager

Support for mechanically linked jacks in the mechanism manager.

Mechanism Manager

TROUBLESHOOTINGarrow down

Troubleshooting Module

  • You can now declare several parameters for the same failure, thus being able to model a minor, moderate or major failure.
  • You can now report unidirectional internal leaks.
Troubleshooting Module
Troubleshooting

ELECTRICALarrow down

Wire Management

Wires can now be individually set as perfect without changing the global setting.                    

Wire Management

APPLICATIONarrow down

Ease of use

  • A dialogue box prompts for the choice of unit during the assignment operation to facilitate the interpretation of the value of one variable assigned to another;
  • It is possible to hide the identifier of dynamic measuring instruments.
Improved usability
Improved usability

Fluid and Line Manager

Pipes and wires whose properties are used by the simulator are displayed in blue.
Managing properties’ preferences is also possible.

Fluid and Line Manager

Configuration Export

Software settings can now be imported and exported for uniform computer configuration.

Configuration Export

Illustrated Libraries

A new command opens illustrated libraries directly from the application.

Illustrated Libraries

DOCUMENTATIONarrow down

Project Manager

The page numbers of documents can be displayed in square brackets in all dialogue boxes that show the list of documents, such as the Project Explorer.

Project Manager

Video Recording

The video recording tool offers the possibility to replay its video to validate the content, to save it or send it immediately after creating it.

Video Recording

Hyperlink

When a hyperlink type custom property is displayed on the diagram, it becomes clickable.

Hyperlien

SUPPORTarrow down

Service Release Number

The service release number for your version has been added in the dialogue box opened by the "About" command.

Service Release Number

Ticket Request

A command has been added in order to be able to request assistance from Automation Studio™ in the Support tab. It will then be sent automatically to a support agent.

Ticket Request

VIEWERarrow down

Viewer

Export your Automation Studio™ projects in a brand new format suitable for the free Automation Studio™ Viewer. This file format removes properties from documents and components that the designer does not want to share. This file format can only be opened with Automation Studio™ Viewer, making it easy to share while maintaining a high level of confidentiality.

Viewer
 

 

ELECTRICALarrow down

Electrotechnical inputs / outputs

These new black box components (Universal input, Universal output, Input converter and Output converter) make it possible to efficiently model and simulate Electrotechnical components that have versatile inputs and outputs such as controllers, sensors, etc.

Electrotechnical inputs / outputs

ILLUSTRATED LIBRARIESarrow down

Library of preconfigured PLC Cards

A new specialized library of PLC input and output cards offers you the possibility to quickly expand your range of teaching materials for educational activities in automation

Library of preconfigured PLC Cards

FLUID POWERarrow down

Additions in the Hydraulic Block Manifold module

Improvements have been made to automatic routing, options for displaying dimensions on technical drawings and automatic management of stackable CETOP valves. It is also possible to decide whether the routing algorithm can use oblique channels or not in the case of a "Counterbalance valve" type assembly.

Additions in the Hydraulic Block Manifold module
Additions in the Hydraulic Block Manifold module