The Industry Automation Division of Siemens has developed a new PC-based controller for process automation. The Simatic PCS 7 AS RTX is a member of the Simatic PCS 7 controller family and offers the same system environment for engineering, visualization and communications. The new controller is based on the compact, rugged, zero-maintenance Simatic Microbox PC 427B. Designed for continuous 24/7 operation at ambient temperatures of up to 55 degrees Celsius, the PC operates without any moving parts, such as hard disks or fans.