PAC Control, part of the PAC Project Software Suite, is an intuitive, flowchart-based tool for programming industrial automation, process control, building automation, remote monitoring, data acquisition, and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) applications.

Using PAC Control, you create and debug control programs and then download and run them on a groov EPIC edge programmable industrial controller or on a SNAP PAC industrial controller. 

PAC Control uses a comprehensive, plain-English command set, which includes commands for analog process and digital sequential control, complex math, conditional branching, string handling, serial device control, PID loop control, data arrays, and other complex functions. PAC Control is based on flowcharts, which offer a more intuitive alternative to ladder logic programming, and it also offers an optional advanced scripting language similar to C or Pascal. PAC Control also includes subroutines and a graphical debugger.

The database of I/O points, variables, and other data elements you create in PAC Control becomes the single tagname database also used by other components of the PAC Project Software Suite. Because this database is automatically available in PAC Display HMI programming software, OptoOPCServer, and OptoDataLink, you save significant development time.

Developer and IIoT ready: Because Opto 22 groov EPIC, SNAP PAC R-series, and SNAP PAC S-series controllers include an HTTP/HTTPS server and a RESTful API (application program interface based on the REST architecture), you can securely access I/O point and variable tags in your PAC Control program using the language of your choice. Data is returned in JSON format. For complete information, see developer.opto22.com.

In addition, PAC Control Professional offers the following features:

• The ability to create redundant Ethernet links or a segmented control network
• Controller-level redundant operation using SNAP PAC S-series controllers
• Additional I/O-related data types in subroutines
• A migration path for Opto 22 FactoryFloor customers, including support for serial-based mistic I/O units (requires SNAP PAC S-series controller) and a conversion utility to move legacy OptoControl 4.1 strategies to PAC Control

NOTE: If you don't need these additional features, see PAC Control Basic.

You can purchase PAC Control Professional as an individual application or as part of the PAC Project Professional Software Suite, which also includes software for HMI development, OPC communication, and database connectivity.

See a comparison chart for PAC Project Basic and PAC Project Professional.

Watch Quick Tips videos.

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

If you are using older controllers (not groov EPIC and not SNAP PAC) with PAC Project, see the SNAP PAC System Migration Technical Note (form 1688) for important information.

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 PAC Control Professional, first purchase the software and 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 PAC Control Professional.

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.

• PAC Control Professional (password required)
• PAC Display Basic
• PAC Manager (used only with SNAP PAC controllers and I/O units)
• Tools (PAC Utilities)
• EtherNet/IP Configurator