TRUE MULTI-TASKING CAPABILITY TO MOTION AND LOGIC CONTROL

Fond du Lac, WI, 9 January, 1995 -- Giddings & Lewis has introduced two
next-generation software packages to operate its family of industrial
automation controllers.

"Powerful new features, including true multi-tasking capability, are now
available for use in industrial automation applications programmed
graphically using ladder logic and function blocks," according to Jody
Kurtzhalts, Vice President and General Manager, Giddings & Lewis
Automation Control. "Users are finding the new capabilities, when combined
with the already standard 'User-Defined Function Block' feature for custom
function block development, to be an unbeatable combination of usability
and performance."

The new multi-tasking capability allows definition of three different types
of tasks. Servo tasks are attached to the motion control time-tick and
executed as often as 1000 times per second. Traditional ladder diagram
interrupt tasks are executed based on the transitions of real world
inputs. System time-tick tasks are scheduled at rates ranging from 10
milliseconds to 10.92 minutes. All tasks are fully independent ladder
logic and function block programs with direct and immediate access to the
control I/O system.

The PiCPro and PiCServoPro programming software is used in conjunction with
the Giddings & Lewis PiC90 and PiC900 family of industrial automation
controllers. Typical production processes that are automated using PiC
controls include packaging, paper converting, food processing, plastic
film production, and metal cutting. Demanding applications include
flexographic printing machinery with up to 64 axes of motion control and
packaging machinery operating at rates of up to 1500 products per minute.
These have been successfully automated using 486 microprocessor-based PiC
controls boasting scan rates of 78 microseconds per 1000 bytes of ladder
logic. The new multi-tasking capability will be applied to this type of
machinery for real-time product inspection and programmable limit switch
output at machine speeds that previously required implementation of these
functions in custom control subsystems.

Additional features of the version 7.0 release of PiCPro and PiCServoPro
include flash memory support, allowing 4 and 8 megabyte flash memory
access, and operation of PiCServoPro over the ARCNET network for
distributed control applications.

Headquartered in Fond du Lac, WI, Giddings & Lewis is the largest supplier
of automated machining and assembly systems in North America and one of
the largest in the world. In addition to programmable industrial
computers, major product lines include computer numerical controls, smart
manufacturing systems, flexible transfer lines, flexible inspection
systems, automated assembly systems, high-precision automated machine
tools, measuring systems, and other related products and services. Its
stock is traded on the NASDAQ under the symbol GIDL.

Giddings & Lewis
666 South Military Road, PO Box 1658
Fond du Lac, WI 54936-1658
414-921-7100,  fax 414-929-4669

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