Pointe Controller Software

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Integrated Programming Framework
Nematron PointeControl — our development software for the Pointe Controller — offers a choice of programming languages to meet your control application needs. Whether you develop your application using Visual Flowcharts, Ladder Logic or Java, PointeControl has the programming tools for you.

Visual Flowchart Programming

PointeControl incorporates Nematron’s patented Visual Flowchart Language (VFL™): using charts made up of logic blocks and decision trees, visual flowchart programming is easy to use and is self-documenting, simplifying the development process. Subcharts can be created and reused across different programs.

Diagnostic and simulation tools are provided for development, such as single-stepping, breakpoints, tag cross-referencing, multiple chart views, diagnostic timers, watch windows, data viewers and highlighted logic sequencing during operation. Compared to Ladder Logic programming, customers report that Visual Flowchart programming is easier to use and provides as much as a 30% reduction in development effort.*

Ladder Logic Programming

	For users who prefer to program in traditional Relay Ladder Logic (RLL), PointeControl also provides a fully integrated ladder editor that conforms to the IEC 61131-3 standard. This editor offers a comprehensive list of function blocks for logic, math, timing, flow control, string manipulation and special functions to
meet the needs of even the most challenging control applications. PointeControl also allows you to intermix Ladder Logic and Visual Flowchart programming in a single application, using each language where it works best, thanks to a common tag database, project browser and diagnostic tools.

Java Programming

	PointeControl offers the option to develop some, or all, of your control application in Java. Java applets compiled for the Pointe Controller — or what we like to call “Peclets” — include the necessary interface into the tag database and communications architecture to allow users to perform nearly any conceivable logic or communication task.
Typical Peclet applications run the gamut from logical operations that are outside what can reasonably be done with flowchart or ladder logic programming to XML messaging and web server applications. Java Peclets can be used in the same application with flow chart and ladder logic programs. Intended as a tool for advanced programmers, Java allows very powerful advanced applications to be built.