One I/O module replaces many: Berkeley wins ‘Soft-I/O’ patent

Berkeley Process Control Inc . says it received a Notice of Allowance for patent by the United States Patent and Trademark Office for Soft-I/O technology. The company says the patented technology involves distributed control of discrete and analog devices with a single configurable product, with significant benefits to machine builders. It removes the biggest impediment for building lower cost tools, since one Soft-I/O product eliminates hundreds of types of modules with one configurable module, the company says.

“We believe this invention is truly important to revolutionize machine building,” said Paul Sagues, president of Berkeley Process Control. “With a single Soft-I/O module, a machine builder is empowered to easily configure and control virtually any I/O device that may interact with a machine.” The technology is said to support and enhance a distributed control architecture using standard cable interconnections and standard Ethernet hardware. (The product is scheduled to be commercially available in August 2005, with several beta sites planned this spring.)

Berkeley Process Control says it’s a leading provider of flexible automation for semiconductor, medical, fiber-optic, and other industries. Berkeley capabilities include multi-disciplinary engineering expertise to deliver motion, process and turnkey machine solutions. Soft-I/O is a trademark of Berkeley Process Control Inc.

—Mark T. Hoske, editor-in-chief, Control Engineering, MHoske@cfemedia.com

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