AUTOMATION STUDIO

TM

Circuit Design and Simulation Software

THE WORLDWIDE STANDARD FOR TEACHING

FLUID POWER AND AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES

The Indispensable Tool for High Schools, Colleges, Universities,

Vocational Institutions, and Corporate Training Centers.
Automation Studio was designed with teaching and training in mind. Since 1988, we have provided more
than 50,000 packages to thousands of High Schools, Vocational Institutions, Technical Colleges,
Universities, and Corporate Training Centers around the world.

A WORLDWIDE STANDARD FOR TRAINING

Teaching and Learning with Automation Studio
Automation Studio allows educators to quickly draw circuits and perform demonstrations. By using schematics, help files, cut-away animations, and data monitoring,
it becomes an indispensable tool that helps explaining equipment and controls operation from the component up to the system level. Automation Studio makes it easy to
experiment with all types of systems, from basic to complex. As students advance, the simulation reinforces the understanding of the interaction between the
various electrical, automation and fluid power technologies. Not only can the student learn by observing the states of switches and components, but also by observing the
color schemes of symbols and using the variable plotting functions.
Even if the curriculum concentration is focused on one specific technology, the students will be exposed to a wider understanding of circuit technology relationships
therefore students will be better able to understand how ladder logic, PLC circuits, motor controls, and digital electronics function to control the fluid power circuits. This
is why Automation Studio has become the worldwide standard in education and training at all levels for fluid power and automation technologies.

Fits Into Any Curriculum

Automation Studio does not dictate how to structure a course but completes Features and Benefits
a curriculum by complementing lectures, textbooks, and lab notes at any level • User-friendly with a very short learning curve
in any discipline including:
• A cost-effective solution; reduces the need to purchase expensive equipment
• Industrial Technology • Allows experimentation with virtual equipment that may not otherwise be
• Mechatronics purchased or manipulated (i.e. large cylinders, large loads, a complete factory)
• Industrial Maintenance
• Mechanical Engineering Technologies • Accurate simulation reinforces learned principles
• Instrumentation and Controls Technologies • Simplifies teaching as it can be used for demonstrations
• Electrical and Electronics Engineering • Simulation stimulates learning for students
• Industrial and Manufacturing Technologies
• Multiple technologies help expand to other curriculums
• Electromechanical Technologies
• Mechanical Drafting (CAD) • Customizable libraries for each lab exercise
• Automation Technologies • Increases knowledge retention
Check our website at www.automationstudio.com, as we regularly make • Makes learning safer by utilizing a virtual factory instead of operating real equipment
available lab exercises, complimentary courses, etc. to assist in the user’s • Enables professors to teach more course content by saving time with software
integration to Automation Studio.
• Capacity to quickly build, load, modify, and manipulate circuit examples
• Capacity to show relationships between moving components and automated systems
• Allows students to learn a wider range of integrated circuit technologies and their interactions
• Safe and efficient way to experiment and learn which complements “hands-on” hardware curriculums

Testimonials
“With funding for technical programs becoming very limited we find the Automation Studio software
an excellent alternative in teaching the basics of hydraulics, pneumatics and machine control. The
software provides a positive feedback as well as reinforcement for the students when they take their
lecture information into the lab. The simulated cutaway views allow the student to see “inside” greatly
enhancing the non-simulated cutaways we pass around in class. Then as the student advances Automation
Studio simulation software reinforces the circuitry and interaction between the various electrical, pneumatic and
hydraulic components. We find Automation Studio an excellent teaching tool and an alternative to the high cost of
funding a professional/technical college program.”
Robert Williams
Spokane Community College, WA - USA, Fluid Power Dept.

“As a teacher in electromechanical of automated systems, I’ve always been concerned with improving the learning process
of my students by using different educational tools that would allow me to reach my teaching goals. Since my discovery of Automation
Studio, I have recognized that this software is truly the educational tool par excellence. It is valued by students and
teachers alike. Its simplicity of operation, its multiple workshops and its simulation function make it the perfect learning tool.
I strongly recommend Automation Studio.”
Jacques Martineau,
Professional Training Center Qualitech, QC - Canada, Electromechanical Technologies Dept.
Automation Studio is a completely integrated software package that allows users to design, document,
simulate, and animate circuits consisting of various automation technologies including Pneumatics,
Hydraulics, PLCs, Sequential Function Charts, Electrical Controls, and many more.

TRULY USER-FRIENDLY SOFTWARE FOR TRAINING

Multi-Document Projects Thousands of Symbols
Automation Studio allows the creation of multi-document projects. This is helpful as separate diagrams by function and in Modular Libraries
category can be generated, and during simulation, all the diagrams interact seamlessly with each other. Users can also include Automation Studio’s libraries
Word, Excel, or other types of Windows documents. This can be helpful to add notes and instructions to labs and exercises. incorporate internationally recognized
graphic standards. These include
ISO, DIN, IEC, JIC, and others.
Standalone The libraries display all of the
Package for component categories in a
Easy and comprehensive manner. Simply
Integrated browse through the list, then select
Editing and drag and drop the component
With Automation onto the schematic.
Studio, there is no
need for additional
editing software, it
provides intuitive
and powerful
toolbars and
pull-down menus.
Moreover, with the
drawing tools and
grouping functions,
users can create
special symbols of
any complexity to
further customize
diagrams and
project templates.

Full Color Simulation

During simulation, components become animated and lines are color-coded according to their
states. Users can further control the simulation pace with functions such as Normal, Slow Motion,
Step by Step, and Pause.

Interfaces to Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and Equipment: Perfect Additions to Teach
Industrial Controls
To connect Automation Studio to the outside world, users can choose from two options: I/O Interface Kit or OPC Client module.
The Automation Studio I/O Interface Kit is a hardware solution that allows
connecting 8 inputs and 8 outputs directly to a PLC I/O or to real equipment such OPC Client - Server
as relays, contacts, valves, sensors, etc. PLC
As for the OPC Client (OLE for Process Control), it is AUTOMATION STUDIO OPC
a standard software interface that allows Automation
Studio to exchange data with any PLC or other
control devices for which a manufacturer supplies
an OPC server software. After installing the OPC External Devices
server for the device of your choice, simply map
the addresses and turn Automation Studio into a
versatile I/O simulator or a Soft-PLC.
AUTOMATION STUDIO
I/O Interface Kit
 Automation Studio is easy-to-use, and economical, and adapts to any curriculum. It truly helps students
learn and retain course content faster. With Automation Studio, students spend their energy learning the
technology, not the software interface.

FROM BASIC TO ADVANCED CONCEPTS

Make your Own Symbols, Dynamic and Realistic

Components, Libraries, and
Templates
Using the standard components, the flexible
drawing tools, and the grouping functions; users can cre-
ate and customize their own libraries and
templates. For training, teachers can create libraries spe-
cific to an exercise, thereby limiting the number of com-
ponents to only what is needed.
Simulation
Automation Studio includes simulation
capabilities that meet the requirements of all
the supported technologies.
The accurate Hydraulic and Pneumatic
Simulator is based on sound and reliable
modeling techniques such as Bernoulli’s law
and gradient method. During simulation, users
can precisely monitor pressures, flows, and
displacement values at any point in a circuit.

Plotting Simulated Parameters
With a simple drag and drop operation, users can
set up a plot of any simulated
parameter and variable for any component.
Further, the results can be transferred to a text
file and used in any spreadsheet or
database compatible application such as
MS Excel or MS Access.
Simulation Parameters
The default simulation parameters supplied
with Automation Studio’s Hydraulic and
Pneumatic components eliminate the need to
perform an initial set-up. Just lay out the
components and start the simulation.
For most components, users can modify simulation
parameters such as applied loads, dimensions,
angles, as well as advanced parameters including
internal leakage, friction, etc. Calculated variables
such as areas and volumes are automatically
displayed. To illustrate more complex concepts, users
can modify the simulation parameters and show
different behaviors including dynamic friction, static
forces, etc. Wherever applicable, characteristic
performance curves can be entered to obtain a more
realistic behavior of the system using numerical interpolation.

Cross-Section Animations
The animated component cross-section
illustrates the internal functioning
of the components.
These animations are
synchronized with the
circuit simulation.
Automation Studio allows you to create your solutions from among a vast choice of options and
modules in order to teach the topics you wish to cover. With Automation Studio, you build
schematics by simply dragging and dropping components from the library onto the diagram. Once
circuits are completed, the simulation mode is started with a click of the mouse.

OPTIONS AND MODULES TO TEACH EVERY TOPIC

Pneumatic and Hydraulic Libraries
The Pneumatic and Hydraulic Libraries include all the required components in order to build basic
designs or more advanced layouts. Both libraries comply with ISO 1219-1 and 1219-2 standards for
fluid power schematic design. Furthermore, actuators can be sized to emulate realistic
behavior. Pressure regulators and flow controls are also adjustable during simulation to recreate
timing and force functions. The libraries are extensive and include manifolds, specialized logic elements,
and much more.

Electrical Controls
Library
The Electrical Controls Library includes
all the components required to build
schematics of any complexity. It comes
complete with switches, relays,
solenoids, counters, push buttons, and
much more. The graphical standards
can either be American or European.

PLC Ladder Logic Library

The PLC Ladder Logic Library includes all the basic ladder logic functions such as
contacts, input/output, timers, counters, logic test, and mathematical. Using Automation Studio
to learn basic or advanced PLC controls
is extremely easy since users do
not have to learn complex PLC
programming environments, which
were not specifically designed for
training. Combined with the other
libraries, the Ladder Logic Library
allows users to implement a complete
virtual factory.
Sequential Function Chart (Grafcet)
Specialized Editor
The Sequential Function Chart (SFC) Editor is the tool of
choice to implement control structures according to the
IEC-61131-3 programming languages standard. This
universal method can be used in conjunction with any
other library to control any element. SFC allows
teaching of control systems more effectively and provides
excellent supplemental documentation for pneumatic,
hydraulic, and electrical projects; as recommended by
ISO and IEC standards.

Digital Electronics
Library
The Digital Electronics Library comes
complete with standard devices including
inverters, logic gates, flip-flops,
counters, shift registers, comparators,
switches, LEDs, 7-bar display, decoders,
multiplexers, etc. Everything needed to
teach basic to complex logic is available.
 THE BEST SOFTWARE FOR AUTOMATION TRAINING
Testimonials Web Demonstration and Training
“I became acquainted with Automation Studio about 7 years ago when I was You may quickly get a good understanding of Automation Studio by scheduling a free on-line presentation
instructing at Shelton State Community College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. I with one of our technical representatives. With the current Internet technology, you can save a lot of
needed something that I could use in the classroom to draw basic circuits for the time and have a complete personalized demonstration of Automation Studio in your home or office.
students. Since this program not only allowed me to draw them, but to
simulate them as well, it was the choice for the time. Since then, I have seen We also provide convenient training over the Web. Whether you need complete training on Automation
several others on the market, but none seem to have all the “bells and
whistles” that this program has. One of our customers at SSCC saw a Studio, or wish to quickly increase your expertise on a particular topic, you can be in
demonstration during a tour of our facility, and liked the program so much that contact with an Automation Studio specialist at any time and from anywhere in the world. Call us or
they purchased it for their plant and put all their hydraulic systems on it. They check our website for further details.
installed it on the machine computers and use it for troubleshooting and for making
design changes in their circuits.
Here at AIDT, I am having it installed on student computers so that they can draw
the circuits that we build on our trainers. This allows them to try their
circuits to see if they will work before building them. We are also installing it in Annual Maintenance and Extended Support Programs
our Electro-Pneumatic lab where they teach troubleshooting. We have had very Sign up for the “Annual Maintenance Plan” or “Extended Support Program” and automatically
good response from all who have used or viewed this program.” receive new releases and benefit from more support depending on the chosen options. Check our
Will Hadden, Instructor website for details.
Alabama Industrial Development Training at Mercedes Benz Institute
Alabama, USA

“I have found that Automation Studio provides an excellent “bridge” from Minimum Requirements
theory to application. Students who use the software more readily develop • IBM PC or compatible with a Pentium 350Mhz
the ability to build real circuits and demonstrate the understanding of the • 256 MB RAM
theories behind the circuitry. It is a very effective teaching tool and I would
highly recommend it for the technical instructor.” • Microsoft Windows 98, ME, NT, 2000, or XP
• Hard disk with at least 150MB of free space
David Hubbert, Program Chair
Industrial Maintenance Technology, Texas State Technical College Network licenses are also available.
Brownwood, USA

“...Here at Warwickshire College, I had it installed on student computers in our

“Applications Centre” so that they can draw the circuits that they build on our Options
training rigs. This allows them to try their circuits to see if they will work before • Pneumatics
building them. The simulated cut-away views allow the student to see “inside”. • Hydraulics
This provides a positive feedback as well as reinforcement. Then as the student • Electrical Controls
advances, Automation Studio simulation software reinforces the circuitry and
interaction between the various electrical, pneumatics and hydraulic components. • PLC Ladder Logic
We find Automation Studio an excellent teaching tool.” • Sequential Function Chart (Grafcet)
• Digital Electronics
Paul Todd
Warkwickshire College, Leamington Spa Centre, • OPC client
Warwickshire, United Kingdom • I/O Interface Kit (including card and relay box)
• Bill of Material and Catalog link
“Automation Studio has been taught and used for about four years now in
BEP Automated Mechanical System Maintenance; this tool allows us to create
diagrams with simulation in order to prepare for the electrical wiring. The context
sensitive help allows students to personally look for component behaviors and
Special Educational Institution Pricing
wiring methods! Automation Studio is provided to educational institutions at more affordable prices that are
This process allows to verify if the right choices were made in the creation of consistent with budget constraints. Call our representatives for a quote.
pneumatic and electropneumatic systems. The fact that this software allows us to
create circuits with a minimum error rate is a plus for students.”
Jean Louis Poignant For more information, visit our website at www.automationstudio.com
Lycée Bernard Palissy, France

“Automation Studio is a good tool for designing circuits before the students build
them in the lab. The simulation capabilities will tell them if their circuit will work
in the real world. It is also much faster than for example AutoCad since most
symbols are already there.”
Distributed by:
Dr. Jan Brink
Manufacturing Engineering Technology, Midwestern State University
Texas, USA

Famic Technologies 2000 Inc.

9999, Cavendish Blvd., Suite 350
Saint-Laurent (Quebec) Canada H4M 2X5
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