One platform unites PLC, HMI, and IoT in a single system—streamlining automation and enabling new options for manufacturing. Want to know more?
Advantech has launched the AMAX IoT Control Platform, a software-defined system that integrates PLC, HMI, and IoT functions into one. It is built to simplify automation integration while delivering deterministic real-time performance with microsecond-level precision. The platform is available, and more details can be found through Advantech’s website or local representatives.
AMAX is aimed at industries that need accuracy, scalability, and IoT connectivity. Its architecture supports applications in semiconductor and electronics manufacturing, assembly, and vision-guided production. For energy storage, infrastructure, and machinery manufacturers, it offers monitoring and control without requiring complete system redesigns.
The platform uses a PC-based architecture built on EtherCAT industrial Ethernet and real-time operating systems. It supports both Windows and Linux runtimes under the CODESYS framework, ensuring compatibility with IEC 61131-3 and enabling migration from PLCs. Manufacturers can reuse existing applications while gaining motion control and robotics functions.
The AMAX family includes three categories of controllers for different needs.
- AMAX-PT Panel Controllers use Intel® Core™ and Atom® processors for HMI applications with display options.
- AMAX-7 Industrial PC Controllers provide performance, I/O capacity, and expansion for vision inspection and processes.
- AMAX-5 Embedded Controllers are modular, expandable via AMAX-5000 Slice I/O and PCIe, and suited for edge data acquisition and medium-scale control.
All AMAX controllers support EtherCAT I/O expansion and protocols such as MQTT, OPC UA, CANOpen, and Modbus, making them work with both modern and legacy systems. Real-time performance is enabled through Intel® Time Coordinated Computing (TCC) and Advantech’s BIOS engineering, delivering cycle times of 500 μs to 1 ms with minimal jitter. Each platform is validated in Advantech’s verification centers to ensure performance.
Software integration is provided by AMAX Studio, an environment for configuration, programming, tuning, and diagnostics. It supports all AMAX controllers and major industrial communication standards, reducing development time and simplifying integration across automation systems.
By combining PLC, HMI, and IoT functions into one, AMAX IoT Control Platform removes fragmented automation setups and helps manufacturers implement automation with less complexity.
