December 2011 Control Engineering archive
Think Again: Encourage smarter manufacturing policies
Manufacturing is the innovative lifeblood of U.S. economic prosperity. Tell policymakers that. Send them this link today. » more
More than 5000 gearmotors for solar thermal plant in France
The Nord Drive System is being installed for a solar thermal plant. A total of 2,650 mirrors equipped with 5,300 gearmotors are being supplied. » more
Industrial wireless: Field device mesh network 101
With wireless transmitters, there are no wires to troubleshoot. If designed properly, the data goes from the transducer to the control via multiple wireless paths. Here’s how wireless communication... » more
November 2011 Control Engineering archive
CERN’s Large Hadron Collider boosts superconducting magnet performance
Magnetic field measurement instrument board achieves 100 times greater frequency bandwidth and resolution than previous design, contributing to ultra-high-precision beam-forming in world’s most... » more
Career advice for engineers
Think Again: Improve the next step in your engineering career and make your current job more fulfilling. » more
EEMODS '11—efficient motor systems conference: standards, new technologies
Energy Efficiency in Motor Driven Systems (EEMODS)—a notable international conference on electric motors, drives, and numerous related systems—drew some 150 attendees from industry, academia,... » more
IO module replacement: What you need to know
When upgrading processors, do I/O modules also need replacing? Many processor brands will communicate with legacy I/O systems and provide most or all functionality of modern control platforms. This... » more
Back to Basics: Limit switches for conveyors
Process monitoring and control improves with proper application of limit switches in conveyor applications. See diagram. » more
October 2011 Control Engineering archive
Leader Under 40: Levi Hill
I+E Technician, Kinder Morgan CO2 – United States Navy/Marine Corps experience; AS Electronic Technology, Barstow College; BA Business Admin, Colorado Technical University, Concentration: IT » more
Leader Under 40: Mitch Johnson
President, JMS Southeast Inc. – BA, Duke University; JD, University of North Carolina » more
Leader Under 40: Ryan Kautzky
Electromechanical Design Engineer, CUI Inc. – BS Mechanical Engineering + Manufacturing and Design, Washington State University » more
Leader Under 40: Jeffrey Kent
Technical Associate Director, Global Baby + Toddler Care Engineering, Procter + Gamble – BS Electrical Engineering, Clarkson University; MAS Aerospace Management, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University » more
Leader Under 40: Ben Mansfield
Manager with PlantPAx Process Automation System, Rockwell Automation Inc. – BS Chemical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University » more
September 2011 Control Engineering archive
Motor name game video: Looking for a motor? Know what to ask for
Different motor names have evolved for the same motor technology, which can create confusion, even among engineers who work in motion control. A 4-minute Control Engineering tutorial video interview... » more
Sensor mounting fastener improvements
Balluff is finding new ways to improve mounting fasteners for sensors to adapt to a variety of new situations for OEMs and system integrators. » more
2-wire DC inductive proximity sensors
Omega Engineering new inductive proximity sensors are designed with a range of up to 20 mm and can withstand shock, vibration and environmental resistance, the company said. » more
AC, DC output pluggable solid state relays
Crydom's LifePlus ED series is designed for electromechanical relay (EMR) users looking to replace traditional 12 mm x 29 mm EMRs. » more
Reduce Energy Consumption: Cement Production
How conducting manufacturing energy assessment can help identify a wide range of changes to help reduce consumption. Metering, power quality, load shedding, motor management, power factor, and energy... » more
August 2011 Control Engineering archive
M2M in manufacturing eases legacy network connections
Machine-to-machine technologies are moving into new markets and making machine processes and network connections more efficient. » more
High-Efficiency gas turbines add new flexibility
Siemens’ H-class gas turbine, the largest machine of its type in production, recently broke the 60% net thermal efficiency barrier in combined-cycle (CC) operation. Other gas turbine makers with... » more
Technology Update: Signal reliability in wind turbine environments
Protect against electrical noise distortions in monitoring and control signals to help ensure reliable collection of wind turbine data, for safe and efficient wind turbine operation. Can cleaner... » more
Inside Machines: Winding Technology in the Drive
Winder applications that can be integrated into drive systems by setting parameters, rather than configuring and programming, provide an advantage. See photo, diagrams, table. » more
Engineering and IT Insight: How to convert a project into a product
Extra effort is required to convert a manufacturing IT project into a successful product. Advice follows on how to do it. (If you’re considering buying software that sounds or test drives more like a... » more
July 2011 Control Engineering archive
Touchscreen controller with HMIWorks
ICP DAS USA introduces TouchPad, a touchscreen PLC with optional real time clock. » more
USB interface module offers high-performance solution for industrial communication
Molex SST DN4 DeviceNet design provides a compact, reliable and cost-effective USB alternative to the DN4 Network Interface Card (NIC). » more
Baldor-ABB Gives $1 Million to UA Fort Smith
Gift establishes scholarships for Technology and Applied Sciences to honor John McFarland's 41 years of service. » more
Siemens launches 'Measuring Success' tour
Siemens begins a tour to connect customers to automation technologies inside a 53-ft mobile showcase with process instrumentation, process analyzers and process automation products and solutions. » more
Pressure sensor line combines display, measuring transducer, pressure switch
Balluff has released a full line of pressure sensors including a stainless steel version for harsh environments. » more
June 2011 Control Engineering archive
Cost savings opportunities in machine safety
Machine safety shifted in 2002 with the changes in NFPA 79 introducing safety PLCs and safety communication and control bus technology as solutions allowed for machine guarding, the beginning of a... » more
Inside Machines: How to Select a Motion Control Network
Maximize reliability, speed, and ease of operation and maintenance by by selecting an appropriate motion control network. » more
Explosion-proof motors for extreme applications
Siemens Industry’s toughest line of hazardous duty motors feature NEMA Premium logos and are available from 1 to 300 hp. » more
Automation company sells one millionth I/O module
Advantech sold their one millionth ADAM Remote I/O module to B+B Electronics Manufacturing Company Inc. » more
Energy monitoring appliance provides data for consumption analysis
OptoEMU from Opto 22 helps track energy use, provides data as companies create plans to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs. » more
May 2011 Control Engineering archive
EtherNet/IP network added to motor control centers
Allen-Bradley NEMA and IEC Centerline low-voltage motor control centers provide seamless information exchange between plant floor devices and business-level systems to increase productivity and... » more
New graphic HMI integrates video capabilities
Maple Systems supports video feed for process analysis, surveillance; record and watch in real time. » more
2011 HART Plant of the Year: Nominations
HART Communication Foundation encourages end users and manufacturers to enter a plant for exceptional application of HART Communication technology. Nominations will be accepted through June 30, 2011.... » more
Multi-parameter level sensor adds measuring capabilities
E+H Levelflex FMP55 level transmitter uses both capacitance and guided wave radar technologies to measure the level and interface between two liquids. » more
April 2011 Control Engineering archive
Coordinated Variable-Speed System Drives
A paper machine example illustrates that large electric drive systems have special requirements, for example, special inverter packaging with a separated dc converter to save space and cost, and... » more
Motion system adds antenna accuracy
Nearfield spherical scanner uses advanced motion control system from Nexen to test stationary antennas, adding repeatability, minimizing backlash in a tight location. » more
Multiport gigabit-capable rackmount switch for maximum functionality
N-Tron Corporation’s 7026TX multiport gigabit-capable rackmount switch is designed to provide maximum functionality in the small footprint of an open-frame or cabinet rack. » more
Getting money back for efficiency
Aren't there tax credits and rebates if I find ways to save energy? How do I apply? » more
March 2011 Control Engineering archive
Global Perspective: Hyper-Secured PLC…and other curious combinations
To make life easier for automation engineers, and less costly for OEMs and end-user companies to build control systems, clever companies are converging previously separate products, observes Control... » more
PLC performs high-speed sequencing, interlocking operations, extends larger control platforms
Honeywell's Master Logic programmable logic controllers bring power and robustness to very high-speed logic, interlock and sequencing applications. » more
Electric vehicle infrastructure with ABB, ECOtality
ABB invests $10 million, signs accord to supply technology for ECOtality's Blink charging stations. » more
Cataloging loop drawings, tags in a spreadsheet
How a refinery used Excel to document its automation infrastructure during a DCS upgrade. Some simple tools can keep it all in order. » more
February 2011 Control Engineering archive
M2M cloud platform now connects industrial control systems
Machine to machine Sierra Wireless AirVantage Smart Automation service enables industrial products with cellular-based remote access, enhancing the Internet of things. Sierra Wireless says the... » more
Network redundancy reduces risk, downtime
Building network redundancy into the industrial network infrastructure helps avoid unplanned production stoppages. Practical guidelines from Belden follow on selecting the right network redundancy... » more
Event-driven motion control: Flexible profile offers more machine motion benefits
Technology Update: Integrating event-driven strategies into motion control schemes may optimize automation systems beyond what’s possible with traditional electronic cams or motion profiles. » more
Insights on multi-core processors
Intel says multi-core processor technology addresses numerous industrial control challenges by delivering greater ‘raw’ and real-time performance. This was driven by a need for critical applications... » more
January 2011 Control Engineering archive
Powerful PAC Upgrades Wastewater Treatment Centrifuge
Advanced automation helps wastewater treatment plant improve operations, increase redundancy, and save time and money. » more
Engineering and IT Insight: Failure is not an option
Taking a "failure is not an option" or "do it right the first time" approach with manufacturing IT projects can hide important information and waste time, especially when workflows are in place to... » more
IEC 61131-3, CoDeSys standardize control logic programming
Ease control programming across multiple controller platforms using IEC 61131-3 CoDeSys programming software. IEC 61131-3 standard programming drives efficiencies through reduced development and... » more
Mechatronics: You can’t just say a system is reliable
Here's why understanding the physics of failure and having a systems approach are essential to modern engineering. As we become more dependent on complex mechatronic systems, it is insufficient to... » more
Think Again: Encourage smarter manufacturing policiesManufacturing is the innovative lifeblood of U.S. economic prosperity. Tell policymakers that. Send them this link today. » more
More than 5000 gearmotors for solar thermal plant in FranceThe Nord Drive System is being installed for a solar thermal plant. A total of 2,650 mirrors equipped with 5,300 gearmotors are being supplied. » more
Industrial wireless: Field device mesh network 101With wireless transmitters, there are no wires to troubleshoot. If designed properly, the data goes from the transducer to the control via multiple wireless paths. Here’s how wireless communication... » more
Automation helps transportation, says IEEE vehicle electronics expert
Control Engineering China interviews Lingxi Li, assistant professor at the Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering, Indiana University-Purdue University, also chairman of IEEE vehicular... » more
Control Engineering China interviews Lingxi Li, assistant professor at the Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering, Indiana University-Purdue University, also chairman of IEEE vehicular... » more
Never allow failure to stop production
Finding the right mix of automation products and services can limit unscheduled downtime, according to Joerg Theis, head of the Asia Pacific Region Process automation service department of ABB,... » more
Finding the right mix of automation products and services can limit unscheduled downtime, according to Joerg Theis, head of the Asia Pacific Region Process automation service department of ABB,... » more
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CERN’s Large Hadron Collider boosts superconducting magnet performance Magnetic field measurement instrument board achieves 100 times greater frequency bandwidth and resolution than previous design, contributing to ultra-high-precision beam-forming in world’s most... » more
Career advice for engineersThink Again: Improve the next step in your engineering career and make your current job more fulfilling. » more
EEMODS '11—efficient motor systems conference: standards, new technologiesEnergy Efficiency in Motor Driven Systems (EEMODS)—a notable international conference on electric motors, drives, and numerous related systems—drew some 150 attendees from industry, academia,... » more
IO module replacement: What you need to knowWhen upgrading processors, do I/O modules also need replacing? Many processor brands will communicate with legacy I/O systems and provide most or all functionality of modern control platforms. This... » more
Back to Basics: Limit switches for conveyorsProcess monitoring and control improves with proper application of limit switches in conveyor applications. See diagram. » more
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Leader Under 40: Levi Hill I+E Technician, Kinder Morgan CO2 – United States Navy/Marine Corps experience; AS Electronic Technology, Barstow College; BA Business Admin, Colorado Technical University, Concentration: IT » more
Leader Under 40: Mitch Johnson President, JMS Southeast Inc. – BA, Duke University; JD, University of North Carolina » more
Leader Under 40: Ryan KautzkyElectromechanical Design Engineer, CUI Inc. – BS Mechanical Engineering + Manufacturing and Design, Washington State University » more
Leader Under 40: Jeffrey KentTechnical Associate Director, Global Baby + Toddler Care Engineering, Procter + Gamble – BS Electrical Engineering, Clarkson University; MAS Aerospace Management, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University » more
Leader Under 40: Ben MansfieldManager with PlantPAx Process Automation System, Rockwell Automation Inc. – BS Chemical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University » more
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Motor name game video: Looking for a motor? Know what to ask forDifferent motor names have evolved for the same motor technology, which can create confusion, even among engineers who work in motion control. A 4-minute Control Engineering tutorial video interview... » more
Sensor mounting fastener improvementsBalluff is finding new ways to improve mounting fasteners for sensors to adapt to a variety of new situations for OEMs and system integrators. » more
2-wire DC inductive proximity sensorsOmega Engineering new inductive proximity sensors are designed with a range of up to 20 mm and can withstand shock, vibration and environmental resistance, the company said. » more
AC, DC output pluggable solid state relaysCrydom's LifePlus ED series is designed for electromechanical relay (EMR) users looking to replace traditional 12 mm x 29 mm EMRs. » more
Reduce Energy Consumption: Cement ProductionHow conducting manufacturing energy assessment can help identify a wide range of changes to help reduce consumption. Metering, power quality, load shedding, motor management, power factor, and energy... » more
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M2M in manufacturing eases legacy network connectionsMachine-to-machine technologies are moving into new markets and making machine processes and network connections more efficient. » more
High-Efficiency gas turbines add new flexibility Siemens’ H-class gas turbine, the largest machine of its type in production, recently broke the 60% net thermal efficiency barrier in combined-cycle (CC) operation. Other gas turbine makers with... » more
Technology Update: Signal reliability in wind turbine environmentsProtect against electrical noise distortions in monitoring and control signals to help ensure reliable collection of wind turbine data, for safe and efficient wind turbine operation. Can cleaner... » more
Inside Machines: Winding Technology in the DriveWinder applications that can be integrated into drive systems by setting parameters, rather than configuring and programming, provide an advantage. See photo, diagrams, table. » more
Engineering and IT Insight: How to convert a project into a productExtra effort is required to convert a manufacturing IT project into a successful product. Advice follows on how to do it. (If you’re considering buying software that sounds or test drives more like a... » more
16 of 24
Touchscreen controller with HMIWorksICP DAS USA introduces TouchPad, a touchscreen PLC with optional real time clock. » more
USB interface module offers high-performance solution for industrial communicationMolex SST DN4 DeviceNet design provides a compact, reliable and cost-effective USB alternative to the DN4 Network Interface Card (NIC). » more
Baldor-ABB Gives $1 Million to UA Fort SmithGift establishes scholarships for Technology and Applied Sciences to honor John McFarland's 41 years of service. » more
Siemens launches 'Measuring Success' tourSiemens begins a tour to connect customers to automation technologies inside a 53-ft mobile showcase with process instrumentation, process analyzers and process automation products and solutions. » more
Pressure sensor line combines display, measuring transducer, pressure switchBalluff has released a full line of pressure sensors including a stainless steel version for harsh environments. » more
16 of 42
Cost savings opportunities in machine safetyMachine safety shifted in 2002 with the changes in NFPA 79 introducing safety PLCs and safety communication and control bus technology as solutions allowed for machine guarding, the beginning of a... » more
Inside Machines: How to Select a Motion Control NetworkMaximize reliability, speed, and ease of operation and maintenance by by selecting an appropriate motion control network. » more
Explosion-proof motors for extreme applicationsSiemens Industry’s toughest line of hazardous duty motors feature NEMA Premium logos and are available from 1 to 300 hp. » more
Automation company sells one millionth I/O moduleAdvantech sold their one millionth ADAM Remote I/O module to B+B Electronics Manufacturing Company Inc. » more
Energy monitoring appliance provides data for consumption analysisOptoEMU from Opto 22 helps track energy use, provides data as companies create plans to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs. » more
16 of 37
EtherNet/IP network added to motor control centersAllen-Bradley NEMA and IEC Centerline low-voltage motor control centers provide seamless information exchange between plant floor devices and business-level systems to increase productivity and... » more
New graphic HMI integrates video capabilitiesMaple Systems supports video feed for process analysis, surveillance; record and watch in real time. » more
2011 HART Plant of the Year: Nominations HART Communication Foundation encourages end users and manufacturers to enter a plant for exceptional application of HART Communication technology. Nominations will be accepted through June 30, 2011.... » more
Fieldbus Foundation announces first registered hosts incorporating host profile “61b”
Emerson and General Electric hosts pass tests for support of NAMUR NE107 field diagnostics. Link to end-user comments about the importance of this host profile requirement. » more
Emerson and General Electric hosts pass tests for support of NAMUR NE107 field diagnostics. Link to end-user comments about the importance of this host profile requirement. » more
Multi-parameter level sensor adds measuring capabilitiesE+H Levelflex FMP55 level transmitter uses both capacitance and guided wave radar technologies to measure the level and interface between two liquids. » more
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Coordinated Variable-Speed System DrivesA paper machine example illustrates that large electric drive systems have special requirements, for example, special inverter packaging with a separated dc converter to save space and cost, and... » more
Motion system adds antenna accuracyNearfield spherical scanner uses advanced motion control system from Nexen to test stationary antennas, adding repeatability, minimizing backlash in a tight location. » more
Multiport gigabit-capable rackmount switch for maximum functionalityN-Tron Corporation’s 7026TX multiport gigabit-capable rackmount switch is designed to provide maximum functionality in the small footprint of an open-frame or cabinet rack. » more
Getting money back for efficiencyAren't there tax credits and rebates if I find ways to save energy? How do I apply? » more
Yaskawa names Ogawa as CEO; Kudo retired
Masahiro Ogawa has been named Chief Executive Officer of Yaskawa America Inc. The company is headquartered in Waukegan, Ill. Ogawa replaces Gen Kudo who retired. » more
Masahiro Ogawa has been named Chief Executive Officer of Yaskawa America Inc. The company is headquartered in Waukegan, Ill. Ogawa replaces Gen Kudo who retired. » more
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Global Perspective: Hyper-Secured PLC…and other curious combinationsTo make life easier for automation engineers, and less costly for OEMs and end-user companies to build control systems, clever companies are converging previously separate products, observes Control... » more
PLC performs high-speed sequencing, interlocking operations, extends larger control platformsHoneywell's Master Logic programmable logic controllers bring power and robustness to very high-speed logic, interlock and sequencing applications. » more
Electric vehicle infrastructure with ABB, ECOtality ABB invests $10 million, signs accord to supply technology for ECOtality's Blink charging stations. » more
Cataloging loop drawings, tags in a spreadsheetHow a refinery used Excel to document its automation infrastructure during a DCS upgrade. Some simple tools can keep it all in order. » more
16 of 42
M2M cloud platform now connects industrial control systemsMachine to machine Sierra Wireless AirVantage Smart Automation service enables industrial products with cellular-based remote access, enhancing the Internet of things. Sierra Wireless says the... » more
Network redundancy reduces risk, downtimeBuilding network redundancy into the industrial network infrastructure helps avoid unplanned production stoppages. Practical guidelines from Belden follow on selecting the right network redundancy... » more
Event-driven motion control: Flexible profile offers more machine motion benefitsTechnology Update: Integrating event-driven strategies into motion control schemes may optimize automation systems beyond what’s possible with traditional electronic cams or motion profiles. » more
Insights on multi-core processorsIntel says multi-core processor technology addresses numerous industrial control challenges by delivering greater ‘raw’ and real-time performance. This was driven by a need for critical applications... » more
16 of 24
Advanced machine tool automation projects get $1.6 million in R&D from Poland
Real-time monitoring for mechatronics, computer numerical controls, and machine tools projects received a $1.6 million R&D funding boost from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education in Poland... » more
Real-time monitoring for mechatronics, computer numerical controls, and machine tools projects received a $1.6 million R&D funding boost from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education in Poland... » more
Powerful PAC Upgrades Wastewater Treatment CentrifugeAdvanced automation helps wastewater treatment plant improve operations, increase redundancy, and save time and money. » more
Engineering and IT Insight: Failure is not an optionTaking a "failure is not an option" or "do it right the first time" approach with manufacturing IT projects can hide important information and waste time, especially when workflows are in place to... » more
IEC 61131-3, CoDeSys standardize control logic programmingEase control programming across multiple controller platforms using IEC 61131-3 CoDeSys programming software. IEC 61131-3 standard programming drives efficiencies through reduced development and... » more
Mechatronics: You can’t just say a system is reliableHere's why understanding the physics of failure and having a systems approach are essential to modern engineering. As we become more dependent on complex mechatronic systems, it is insufficient to... » more
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Click below to read content from other years
- 2013 Control Engineering magazine archive
- 2012 Control Engineering magazine archive
- 2010 Control Engineering magazine archive