December 2011 Control Engineering archive
Tuning thermal PID loops
When dealing with critical temperature applications, PID controllers are a common regulatory approach, but tuning these often requires a different strategy than other types of loops. Auto-tuning... » more
Eight steps to better refrigeration energy management
Energy management starts with leadership, clear goals, accountability, and measurable results. » more
Security at the device level
Individual field devices may be the target of cyber attacks. Getting that deep is a challenge, but attackers have done it. » more
Energy management: Brave new world
U.S. companies are launching energy management initiatives regardless of regulatory climate, based on efficiency and sustainability goals, according to providers of energy management technologies. » more
2012 System Integrator of the Year Award Winners
Control Engineering proudly presents its 2012 System Integrators of the Year. » more
November 2011 Control Engineering archive
Lessons learned, success in simulation
A firsthand review of a successful operator training simulator program, with some thoughts for avoiding bumps if you try the same approach. » more
Product Exclusive: Single-axis servo drive uses EtherNet/IP
New EtherNet/IP-enabled servo drive, Allen-Bradley Kinetix 350 servo drive from Rockwell Automation, provides cost-effective coordinated motion for low-axis machines and smaller applications. » more
Product Exclusive: Servos include add-on instructions for multi-system functionality
Mitsubishi Electric Servos include an add-on instruction (AOI) solution so Mitsubishi servos can be used within RSLogix 5000 programming environment and communicate via EtherNet/IP. » more
Product Exclusive: Compact IO system modules integrate plug-and-play electronics
New Lenze slim-line L-force drive technology significantly reduces costs associated with manufacturing, commissioning, and maintaining machines and automation systems. » more
October 2011 Control Engineering archive
HMI workstations at a chemical plant
Flat-panel displays, protected properly, can perform well and stand up to hard use even in a hazardous and corrosive environment. » more
Leaders Under 40, Control Engineering class of 2011
This generation of manufacturing automation and controls leaders includes 19 young professionals excelling in control system design and teaching others about the fun in engineering, while resolving... » more
Social media in your learning mix for control engineering
Are you using all the possible resources you can when solving engineering problems? Don’t forget blogs, Facebook, LinkedIn, and even YouTube. » more
Leader Under 40: Wael Badawy
President, IntelliView Technologies Inc. – MS + PhD Computer Engineering, University of Louisiana; BS + MS Computer Science + Automatic Control Engineering, University of Alexandria » more
Leader Under 40: Brett Beauregard
Director - Product Development, Control Station Inc. – BS Chemical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Concentration: Process Control » more
September 2011 Control Engineering archive
Product Exclusive: Ruggedized industrial Ethernet switches
Aaxeon Technologies introduces a line of ruggedized, managed industrial Ethernet switches designed for IP67 protection and –40 C to 75 C operating temperatures. » more
Inside Machines: Torque production
Case notes: Robots that use motors in the joints present a motion-control challenge. Should the application produce torque using a six-step technique or sinusoidal commutation for brushless dc (BLDC)... » more
Inside Machines: Reduce servomotor instability
Motor instability, uncontrolled and unintended motion at the motor shaft, can occur at low or high frequencies and often cause growling at higher frequencies. Effectively reduce or eliminate servo... » more
Think Again: Control engineering technologies can save the world
Apply the control loop—sense, decide, actuate—to the U.S. National Academy of Engineering’s 14 Engineering Grand Challenges, giving the world a better, more just, future. See photos; link to related... » more
Industrial Ethernet integrates machinery, robotics
How a robust industrial Ethernet network can include machines and robots, while providing high performance, uptime, and enterprise-wide connectivity. Link to table of Ethernet protocols, more advice. » more
August 2011 Control Engineering archive
Product exclusive: All-in-one pushbuttons
Eaton C22 pushbuttons include operator and contact blocks in one housing. Rugged design suits high-pressure and high-temperature wash-down environments, with a broad selection of operators,... » more
Product Exclusive: Controller combines logic and motion
Lenze Compact 3200 C L-Force Controller combines logic and motion. It is engineered for precision robotics and packaging automation applications, using EtherCAT Ethernet protocol. » more
Product Exclusive: Data acquisition, display station with touch screen
New Yokogawa DXAdvanced Touch data acquisition and display station provides a more efficient way to navigate the display screens and normal operating modes of the unit, and it does so with no... » more
Communicating Diagnostic Data in a Legacy Environment
A wireless add-on device captured diagnostic information that helped solve an intermittent flowmeter problem. » more
System design and programming software helps integrate hardware: 25th anniversary
National Instruments LabVIEW 2011 delivers new levels of productivity, hardware integration, new engineering-specific software libraries, and ability to interact with nearly any hardware device or... » more
July 2011 Control Engineering archive
Product Exclusive: Faster, more accurate pressure transmitter
Siemens expands pressure transmitter portfolio with Sitrans p500 with response time of 88 ms and reference accuracy of 0.03% for quick, accurate responses to process changes. » more
Computer Numerical Control: CNC Faceoff
When choosing computer numerical control (CNC) technologies for new or retrofit machinery, use this checklist to help compare capabilities. Look for faster program processing, easier integration and... » more
2012 System Integrator of the Year: Call for entries
Last call: Deadline is Aug. 1: If you’re part of a contract engineering firm or an engineering division of a larger company that can design and implement computerized control systems for industrial... » more
Global Perspective: Robotic suction cup analysis
Deformation analysis optimized use of suction cups under combined load for robotic product handling with vacuum gripping heads. » more
June 2011 Control Engineering archive
Temperature measurement for sulfur recovery
Can you depend on an operator’s eyeball evaluation when optimizing critical combustion? In-plant tests verify infrared can be more precise and help improve process performance. » more
Power Control: Advanced Process Control
Control and stabilization of a multiple boiler plant can be improved by using an advanced process control (APC) approach. » more
Choosing between machine vision or sensors
To determine whether discrete or vision sensors will be the most robust and cost-effective way to error proof a parts production, look at the level of complexity in the sensing required. See photo... » more
May 2011 Control Engineering archive
8-bit low-power microcontrollers
Microchip Low-Cost 8-bit PIC Microcontrollers have eXtreme Low Power Technology and Integrated LCD Control. MCUs enable low-cost LCD control with low-power capabilities. » more
Low-power architecture helps wireless sensing
Powercast Lifetime Power Wireless Sensor System broadcasts RF energy to power wireless sensors without batteries or wires up to 80 ft away from the transmitters. » more
Next-generation power demonstration
STMicroelectronics demonstrated next-generation smart power technology, said to enable significant power consumption decreases in electronic systems for manufacturing, hybrid-electric-vehicle... » more
Application Update: Industrial Robot Control
Integrated safety controls are part of Fujitsu motherboards and software for the Kuka KR C4 robot control, based on Microsoft Windows and Ethernet, reducing the robot’s hardware by 35% and plugs and... » more
Back to Basics: Internet, next version, IPv6
Industry shouldn’t panic about the next version of the Internet Protocol, version 6 (IPv6), the transition from IPv4, or the recent exhaustion of the IPv4 address pool. Take advantage of... » more
April 2011 Control Engineering archive
Exoskeletal arm support system aims to assist industrial motion
Equipois’ x-Ar is an exoskeletal arm support system to aid in manual tasks that require workers to outstretch arms by mirroring human motion rather than replace it. » more
Engineering and IT Insight: Future is virtual for manufacturing IT
Virtualization benefits include faster startup, more computing power, and easier upgrades. » more
Panel drive expands to 300 hp
ABB’s DCS800-EP drive provides a compact package that simplifies design and installation – now up to 300 hp. » more
Think Again: Improve processes, then automate
Advice: Don’t upgrade automation on old processes. Get lean, fix the processes, then apply leading-edge controls and automation to optimize results. » more
March 2011 Control Engineering archive
4-axis 750 W servo drive for Ethernet motion controllers
Galil adds to multi-axis drive family, the packaging of multio-axis drives with motion controllers saves cost, space, wiring. » more
Managing alarms using rationalization
When it’s easy to implement alarms, too many often make the list. Alarm rationalization helps you control and optimize the selection. This is the March Control Engineering cover story. See tables,... » more
Rapid design, prototyping of PID controllers
Computer models can simulate processes, allowing you to design and refine PID controller action before it is implemented and deployed. » more
Nidec continues integrating 5 major Emerson motor brands
Nidec Motor continues to integrate two Emerson motor businesses and five Emerson motor lines after the October 2010 purchase. Even as opportunities increase for motor sales related to energy... » more
February 2011 Control Engineering archive
10 tips for deploying EtherNet/IP, the ODVA Ethernet protocol
Industrial applications using plantwide EtherNet/IP should follow these 10 industrial network design recommendations from Cisco and Rockwell Automation. » more
Packaged burner controls lower costs, improve safety
Standards for safety instrumented systems (SISs) can be embedded in burner management controls. » more
Connector carries control signals, power, water for laser
A customized Harting connector allows mixed-purpose inserts that can carry control signals, power, and cooling water from the instrument console to a handheld laser tool. This versatility has helped... » more
Computing Power: Multi-Core Processors Help Industrial Automation
Two or more independent execution cores on one microprocessor chip can match—or exceed—single-core chip performance by running at lower frequencies and using less power. Different software... » more
Ethernet integration: Decentralized control gives GM manufacturing flexibility
A decentralized control network at a General Motors' powertrain plant supports overall workflow with extremely flexible assembly line configuration options. PLCs, CNCs, HMIs, RFID system and... » more
January 2011 Control Engineering archive
Product Exclusive: Eaton high-performance operator interfaces
Eaton XV and XP Series of high-performance operator interfaces are easy to configure and offer flexibility, slim design, global ratings, and an array of connectivity. This is a January 2011 Control... » more
Product Exclusive: Wireless connectivity in hazardous areas
Extronics iWAP105 Access Point Enclosure fits major WLAN vendors, offers surge protection, Class 1, Div. 1, IP66 protection. This is a January 2011 Control Engineering Product Exclusive. » more
Cover Story: Balancing PLCs, PACs, IPCs
Do you need a PLC, PAC, or IPC for your next control application? Will programmable logic controllers (PLCs) evolve into programmable automation controllers (PACs) or industrial PCs (IPCs)? Whatever... » more
Tuning thermal PID loopsWhen dealing with critical temperature applications, PID controllers are a common regulatory approach, but tuning these often requires a different strategy than other types of loops. Auto-tuning... » more
Eight steps to better refrigeration energy managementEnergy management starts with leadership, clear goals, accountability, and measurable results. » more
Security at the device levelIndividual field devices may be the target of cyber attacks. Getting that deep is a challenge, but attackers have done it. » more
Energy management: Brave new worldU.S. companies are launching energy management initiatives regardless of regulatory climate, based on efficiency and sustainability goals, according to providers of energy management technologies. » more
2012 System Integrator of the Year Award WinnersControl Engineering proudly presents its 2012 System Integrators of the Year. » more
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ERP, MES: When accountability meets agility
ERP and MES are not an either/or proposition. The two serve different functions, and should be partners within a given manufacturing organization. » more
ERP and MES are not an either/or proposition. The two serve different functions, and should be partners within a given manufacturing organization. » more
Lessons learned, success in simulationA firsthand review of a successful operator training simulator program, with some thoughts for avoiding bumps if you try the same approach. » more
Product Exclusive: Single-axis servo drive uses EtherNet/IP New EtherNet/IP-enabled servo drive, Allen-Bradley Kinetix 350 servo drive from Rockwell Automation, provides cost-effective coordinated motion for low-axis machines and smaller applications. » more
Product Exclusive: Servos include add-on instructions for multi-system functionalityMitsubishi Electric Servos include an add-on instruction (AOI) solution so Mitsubishi servos can be used within RSLogix 5000 programming environment and communicate via EtherNet/IP. » more
Product Exclusive: Compact IO system modules integrate plug-and-play electronicsNew Lenze slim-line L-force drive technology significantly reduces costs associated with manufacturing, commissioning, and maintaining machines and automation systems. » more
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HMI workstations at a chemical plantFlat-panel displays, protected properly, can perform well and stand up to hard use even in a hazardous and corrosive environment. » more
Leaders Under 40, Control Engineering class of 2011This generation of manufacturing automation and controls leaders includes 19 young professionals excelling in control system design and teaching others about the fun in engineering, while resolving... » more
Social media in your learning mix for control engineeringAre you using all the possible resources you can when solving engineering problems? Don’t forget blogs, Facebook, LinkedIn, and even YouTube. » more
Leader Under 40: Wael Badawy President, IntelliView Technologies Inc. – MS + PhD Computer Engineering, University of Louisiana; BS + MS Computer Science + Automatic Control Engineering, University of Alexandria » more
Leader Under 40: Brett BeauregardDirector - Product Development, Control Station Inc. – BS Chemical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Concentration: Process Control » more
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Product Exclusive: Ruggedized industrial Ethernet switchesAaxeon Technologies introduces a line of ruggedized, managed industrial Ethernet switches designed for IP67 protection and –40 C to 75 C operating temperatures. » more
Inside Machines: Torque productionCase notes: Robots that use motors in the joints present a motion-control challenge. Should the application produce torque using a six-step technique or sinusoidal commutation for brushless dc (BLDC)... » more
Inside Machines: Reduce servomotor instabilityMotor instability, uncontrolled and unintended motion at the motor shaft, can occur at low or high frequencies and often cause growling at higher frequencies. Effectively reduce or eliminate servo... » more
Think Again: Control engineering technologies can save the worldApply the control loop—sense, decide, actuate—to the U.S. National Academy of Engineering’s 14 Engineering Grand Challenges, giving the world a better, more just, future. See photos; link to related... » more
Industrial Ethernet integrates machinery, roboticsHow a robust industrial Ethernet network can include machines and robots, while providing high performance, uptime, and enterprise-wide connectivity. Link to table of Ethernet protocols, more advice. » more
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Product exclusive: All-in-one pushbuttonsEaton C22 pushbuttons include operator and contact blocks in one housing. Rugged design suits high-pressure and high-temperature wash-down environments, with a broad selection of operators,... » more
Product Exclusive: Controller combines logic and motionLenze Compact 3200 C L-Force Controller combines logic and motion. It is engineered for precision robotics and packaging automation applications, using EtherCAT Ethernet protocol. » more
Product Exclusive: Data acquisition, display station with touch screenNew Yokogawa DXAdvanced Touch data acquisition and display station provides a more efficient way to navigate the display screens and normal operating modes of the unit, and it does so with no... » more
Communicating Diagnostic Data in a Legacy EnvironmentA wireless add-on device captured diagnostic information that helped solve an intermittent flowmeter problem. » more
System design and programming software helps integrate hardware: 25th anniversaryNational Instruments LabVIEW 2011 delivers new levels of productivity, hardware integration, new engineering-specific software libraries, and ability to interact with nearly any hardware device or... » more
6 of 24
Product Exclusive: Faster, more accurate pressure transmitterSiemens expands pressure transmitter portfolio with Sitrans p500 with response time of 88 ms and reference accuracy of 0.03% for quick, accurate responses to process changes. » more
Computer Numerical Control: CNC FaceoffWhen choosing computer numerical control (CNC) technologies for new or retrofit machinery, use this checklist to help compare capabilities. Look for faster program processing, easier integration and... » more
2012 System Integrator of the Year: Call for entriesLast call: Deadline is Aug. 1: If you’re part of a contract engineering firm or an engineering division of a larger company that can design and implement computerized control systems for industrial... » more
Substation-hardened router becomes 3G certified by wireless carrier
GarrettCom's Magnum DX940 Industrial Router has been certified 3G by Verizon, giving the router wider access through power utility substations and other facilities. » more
GarrettCom's Magnum DX940 Industrial Router has been certified 3G by Verizon, giving the router wider access through power utility substations and other facilities. » more
Global Perspective: Robotic suction cup analysisDeformation analysis optimized use of suction cups under combined load for robotic product handling with vacuum gripping heads. » more
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Temperature measurement for sulfur recoveryCan you depend on an operator’s eyeball evaluation when optimizing critical combustion? In-plant tests verify infrared can be more precise and help improve process performance. » more
Power Control: Advanced Process ControlControl and stabilization of a multiple boiler plant can be improved by using an advanced process control (APC) approach. » more
Back to Basics: Selecting sensors, machine vision
Ask these questions as a starting point when considering a detection, inspection, or measurement solution using sensors, a smart camera, or a more sophisticated machine vision system. See checklist. » more
Ask these questions as a starting point when considering a detection, inspection, or measurement solution using sensors, a smart camera, or a more sophisticated machine vision system. See checklist. » more
Choosing between machine vision or sensorsTo determine whether discrete or vision sensors will be the most robust and cost-effective way to error proof a parts production, look at the level of complexity in the sensing required. See photo... » more
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8-bit low-power microcontrollersMicrochip Low-Cost 8-bit PIC Microcontrollers have eXtreme Low Power Technology and Integrated LCD Control. MCUs enable low-cost LCD control with low-power capabilities. » more
Low-power architecture helps wireless sensingPowercast Lifetime Power Wireless Sensor System broadcasts RF energy to power wireless sensors without batteries or wires up to 80 ft away from the transmitters. » more
Next-generation power demonstrationSTMicroelectronics demonstrated next-generation smart power technology, said to enable significant power consumption decreases in electronic systems for manufacturing, hybrid-electric-vehicle... » more
Application Update: Industrial Robot Control Integrated safety controls are part of Fujitsu motherboards and software for the Kuka KR C4 robot control, based on Microsoft Windows and Ethernet, reducing the robot’s hardware by 35% and plugs and... » more
Back to Basics: Internet, next version, IPv6Industry shouldn’t panic about the next version of the Internet Protocol, version 6 (IPv6), the transition from IPv4, or the recent exhaustion of the IPv4 address pool. Take advantage of... » more
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Kaizen event: 7 important tips for more efficient manufacturing
Improving efficiency with a Kaizen event requires specific planning, a cross-functional team, operator involvement, and four other important attributes. » more
Improving efficiency with a Kaizen event requires specific planning, a cross-functional team, operator involvement, and four other important attributes. » more
Exoskeletal arm support system aims to assist industrial motionEquipois’ x-Ar is an exoskeletal arm support system to aid in manual tasks that require workers to outstretch arms by mirroring human motion rather than replace it. » more
Engineering and IT Insight: Future is virtual for manufacturing ITVirtualization benefits include faster startup, more computing power, and easier upgrades. » more
Panel drive expands to 300 hp ABB’s DCS800-EP drive provides a compact package that simplifies design and installation – now up to 300 hp. » more
Think Again: Improve processes, then automateAdvice: Don’t upgrade automation on old processes. Get lean, fix the processes, then apply leading-edge controls and automation to optimize results. » more
6 of 29
4-axis 750 W servo drive for Ethernet motion controllersGalil adds to multi-axis drive family, the packaging of multio-axis drives with motion controllers saves cost, space, wiring. » more
Managing alarms using rationalizationWhen it’s easy to implement alarms, too many often make the list. Alarm rationalization helps you control and optimize the selection. This is the March Control Engineering cover story. See tables,... » more
Rapid design, prototyping of PID controllersComputer models can simulate processes, allowing you to design and refine PID controller action before it is implemented and deployed. » more
Think Again: Improving networking and energy use
Energy measuring, monitoring, and optimization are hot, and industrial network organizations want to help control energy information. See diagram. » more
Energy measuring, monitoring, and optimization are hot, and industrial network organizations want to help control energy information. See diagram. » more
Nidec continues integrating 5 major Emerson motor brandsNidec Motor continues to integrate two Emerson motor businesses and five Emerson motor lines after the October 2010 purchase. Even as opportunities increase for motor sales related to energy... » more
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10 tips for deploying EtherNet/IP, the ODVA Ethernet protocolIndustrial applications using plantwide EtherNet/IP should follow these 10 industrial network design recommendations from Cisco and Rockwell Automation. » more
Packaged burner controls lower costs, improve safetyStandards for safety instrumented systems (SISs) can be embedded in burner management controls. » more
Connector carries control signals, power, water for laserA customized Harting connector allows mixed-purpose inserts that can carry control signals, power, and cooling water from the instrument console to a handheld laser tool. This versatility has helped... » more
Computing Power: Multi-Core Processors Help Industrial AutomationTwo or more independent execution cores on one microprocessor chip can match—or exceed—single-core chip performance by running at lower frequencies and using less power. Different software... » more
Ethernet integration: Decentralized control gives GM manufacturing flexibilityA decentralized control network at a General Motors' powertrain plant supports overall workflow with extremely flexible assembly line configuration options. PLCs, CNCs, HMIs, RFID system and... » more
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Device Diagnostics and Asset Management
As field devices and networks get smarter, are we getting any smarter on how we use them and put that information to work? One automation consultant reflects on his experiences, the state of... » more
As field devices and networks get smarter, are we getting any smarter on how we use them and put that information to work? One automation consultant reflects on his experiences, the state of... » more
Product Exclusive: Eaton high-performance operator interfacesEaton XV and XP Series of high-performance operator interfaces are easy to configure and offer flexibility, slim design, global ratings, and an array of connectivity. This is a January 2011 Control... » more
Product Exclusive: Wireless connectivity in hazardous areasExtronics iWAP105 Access Point Enclosure fits major WLAN vendors, offers surge protection, Class 1, Div. 1, IP66 protection. This is a January 2011 Control Engineering Product Exclusive. » more
Cover Story: Balancing PLCs, PACs, IPCsDo you need a PLC, PAC, or IPC for your next control application? Will programmable logic controllers (PLCs) evolve into programmable automation controllers (PACs) or industrial PCs (IPCs)? Whatever... » more
LinkedIn discussion on PLC vs. PAC: When and where?
Users of LinkedIn’s Automation and Control Group discuss the differences between PLCs, PACs - when one option better suits a specific application. » more
Users of LinkedIn’s Automation and Control Group discuss the differences between PLCs, PACs - when one option better suits a specific application. » 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