December 2012
How close are we to a truly Smart Grid?
There are still hurdles to overcome, at least in the U.S., before the Smart Grid becomes reality. » more
Optimizing flowmeter selection
Using a best-in-class flowmeter selection methodology can help users avoid surprises and reduce lifecycle costs by identifying the optimal flowmeter for virtually any flow application. » more
Shining a light on solar power for business use
Solar system at Moxa’s sales and marketing headquarters cuts energy bills, provides platform to showcase new products. Jan. 10 online update: ROI information added. See "feedback," at bottom. » more
The quest to standardize energy management processes
Newly formed industry group aims to boost U.S. manufacturing’s global competitiveness through energy efficiency. » more
November 2012
Mini controller has IO-Link master, uses CoDeSys V3 software
Product Exclusive: Festo’s compact mechatronic controller CECC is the first mini controller with IO-Link master and CoDeSys V3 programming software, the company said. It reduces installation time,... » more
EC: IndraControl L85 CNC Controller with Multi-core Processor
Machine and Embedded Control - CNCs, board-level products: The IndraControl L85 is a CNC controller with multi-core processor that establishes new levels of sophistication, performance and processing... » more
EC: SU200PR Ring Tongue Miniature Circuit Breakers
Power - Energy, power interruption: Automatically operated miniature circuit breaker that protects an electrical circuit from damage caused by overload or short circuit, with ring tongue lug... » more
EC: SurgePOD Modules
Power - Energy, power interruption: UL 1449 Third Edition Recognized Type 1 Surge Protective Devices for SPD Assemblies and Systems are color-coded for ease of application. This is a Control... » more
EC: CNX Wireless System
Hardware - Handheld test, measurement, calibration: The Fluke CNX Wireless System simplifies troubleshooting by enabling up to 10 simultaneous electrical and temperature wireless measurements. This... » more
October 2012
Leader Under 40: John Lee
Sr. Systems Analyst, Matrix Technologies Inc. - AAS Computer Studies, University of Maryland; BS Computer Management Information Systems, University of Maryland » more
Leader Under 40: Keith Mandachit
Electrical Engineer, Huffman Engineering Inc. - BS Electrical Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology » more
Leader Under 40: Brad Prosak
Product Manager, Safety Components; Rockwell Automation - BS Industrial Systems Engineering, The Ohio State University » more
Leader Under 40: Jeff Smoot
VP of Engineering, CUI Inc. - BS Mechanical Engineering, Montana State University-Bozeman » more
Leader Under 40: Mark Sullivan
Sr. Mechanical Engineer, U.S. Dept. of Defense - BS Mechanical Engineering, University of Maryland; MS Mechanical Engineering, University of Maryland » more
September 2012
Beyond the network firewall
Since many industrial devices are soft targets for hackers, placing smaller firewalls deeper in networks near PLCs or embedding them in such controllers is a practical way to add a higher level of... » more
Gigabit Ethernet used in new packaging machine
Case study: Newly designed thermoformer packaging machine with programmable logic controller, servo motors and drives, and I/O modules uses a Gigabit Ethernet bus network. » more
Industrial Ethernet essentials: What you need to know
Ethernet of the industrial kind requires specialty knowledge and practices, unlike Ethernet for home and office. If you are installing or operating an industrial Ethernet network, here are five... » more
Drives programming software: No pain system design, start-up
Drives configuration software removes the pain from system design and start-up. By using programming software that integrates the drives and the controller, users have less of a learning curve and... » more
Integrated drive programming handles firmware downloads, configuration
Integrated programming environment takes care of drives, movement and path control, visualization, and I/O handling, along with single-axis positioning, linked-axis movements, CNC, and robotics for... » more
August 2012
Latest CSIA Best Practices and Benchmarks Manual clarifies existing practices
The Control System Integrators Association (CSIA) recently released version 4.0 of its Best Practices and Benchmarks Manual, the industry standard for managing a successful integration business. Jeff... » more
Adaptive tools, engineering can reduce drive system energy consumption
Tricks and Tips: Design tools and electric drive components can reduce energy use and pollution, conserve resources, and lower energy costs without sacrificing productivity. Overall cost... » more
How legislation, politics affect automation, manufacturing
Siemens lobbyists explain how current politics and legislation influence manufacturing, automation, and controls, and how they’re trying to help make it easier for businesses to partner with clients.... » more
Fighter pilot likes fight-and-win partners
Lt. Col. Rob “Waldo” Waldman, former combat decorated fighter pilot and businessman, told Siemens Summit 2012 attendees how it’s necessary to prepare for every mission, build courage to adapt to... » more
PROFIsafe: Networked Functional Safety
Implementing functional safety over a network reduces the number of components, wire, and cabinets; speeds installation and commissioning; and increases uptime. With PROFIsafe, PI’s functional safety... » more
July 2012
The Dark Side of Mobility
Sure, the idea of “iPhone as HMI” is convenient, but it opens a whole new range of cyber vulnerabilities. Is the functionality worth the risk? Many users are already deploying the technology without... » more
Technologies used: Motion control system for Boeing 787 assembly
Advanced Integration Technology (AIT) worked on a Boeing final 787 body join assembly project, applying Siemens high-level Sinamics drives platform and Simotion motion controller system, failsafe... » more
Motion control system for Boeing 787 assembly
Advanced Integration Technology (AIT) uses advanced motion controls on Boeing final 787 body join assembly project. It uses a high-level drives platform and motion controller system, failsafe CPU,... » more
Power Supply Selection
Tips and Tricks: When selecting your next ac-dc industrial power supply, don’t overlook these five important considerations, including hours of operation and... » more
Automatic guided vehicles
Industry sales projections for 2012 remain strong, bolstered by key selling points such as flexibility, versatility, and evolutionary advances in controls. » more
June 2012
Think Again: Control Engineering Secrets
If there were a state of Control Engineering, everything in that state would be top secret. Here’s why. » more
New IEEE 802.11n industrial Wi-Fi access point
Product Exclusive: Technologies announces the upcoming release of the new APN-300N industrial wireless access point, with the newest 802.11n Wi-Fi standard to provide up to 300 Mbps throughput. » more
Pneumatic valve terminal
Product Exclusive: Festo’s new VTUG Pneumatic Valve Terminal delivers high-performance in a compact, low-cost unit, with many control options for machine builders and end users seeking greater... » more
Servo, drive, motion controller
Product Exclusive: Mitsubishi Electric’s new MR-J4 Series Servo and Motion Controller boosts productivity with speed, safety, and performance. » more
Challenges of Motor Selection and Sizing
The range of sizes, types, and configurations of electric motors can seem endless. Here are a few ideas for navigating the choices. » more
May 2012
Integrated HMI/PLC packages offer convenience, but only in the right applications
Choices of controllers that include an integrated HMI in one package are growing. These promise greater simplicity if the combination of elements works in your situation. » more
Video: Machine vision-motion system draws a line on quality
Pencil production via National Instruments shows synchronized integration of machine vision and motion systems. » more
Product Exclusive: Multi-touch panel PCs ease navigation
Beckhoff Automation’s new control panel and panel PCs offer flexibility, sleek design, and innovative touchscreen technology. » more
Product Exclusive: Industrial data acquisition and control system
The Dataforth MAQ20 Industrial Data Acquisition and Control System is a family of DIN rail-mounted, programmable, multi-channel, industrially rugged signal conditioning input and output modules and... » more
Buy or build your process control system
One DCS supplier makes the case for buying a comprehensive control system to run your process unit rather than a do-it-yourself PLC-based approach. » more
April 2012
When can the process control system, safety system share field devices?
An SIS and BPCS can sometimes share components, but not without careful analysis. » more
Factory tour advice
Think Again: Recent factory tours offer critical advice to help manufacturers gain efficiency, quality, and more. » more
Video: Proper context for automation modernization
Mike Caliel, president and CEO of Invensys Operations Management, explains what to consider when prioritizing automation modernization opportunities. » more
Field programmable power supplies have readouts, maintenance alarm
Product Exclusive: New AC Autotech Smart Power field programmable 30 W, 60 W, and 90 W power supplies from AVG Automation include built-in displays for current and voltage readout and pushbuttons for... » more
Next-generation HMI
Product Exclusive: With a superior high-resolution 12.1-in. display, Maple Systems HMI5121P has a durable aluminum enclosure with TFT touchscreen, 16.2 million colors, and a 1,024 x 768-pixel screen... » more
March 2012
Apps for Engineers
Product Exclusive: CFE Media’s Apps for Engineers software is an “app of apps,” providing an interactive directory of approximately 60 mobile engineering-related software applications useful for... » more
Human-machine interface, SCADA software
Product Exclusive: Full-featured HMI/SCADA software, InduSoft Web Studio (IWS) v7.1, adds many productivity features and tools. » more
Balancing steam supply with demand saves energy
APC platform helps Brazil’s Cenibra pulp mill reduce vented steam by 90%. Fuel costs are down and the carbon footprint of the power boilers has been slashed. » more
Advanced process control in electric utilities
How model-based predictive control can optimize the overall steam cycle and burner management. » more
Control Engineering Salary and Survey, Advice
Career Update: The 2012 Control Engineering salary and career survey showed enthusiasm for automation, controls, and instrumentation professions. Pay is up, and survey respondents encouraged those... » more
February 2012
Robotics at Frito-Lay: Flexibility, adaptability needed
Salty snacks have different motion profiles than automobiles, and snack food manufacturing differs significantly from automotive manufacturing. Robotics can do much more for consumer goods and food... » more
Electric car plant going nowhere
Perils of governments, national and local, picking technology winners stands out in bankruptcy » more
4 ways to excite youth about engineering
In time for Engineers Week 2012 planning, here are ways to excite youth about engineering: Latching onto something familiar, use technology tools, and educate educators, says a supplier of... » more
Mixing instrumentation protocols
Is it possible to use both HART and fieldbus devices in the same environment? » more
January 2012
Product Exclusive: Unified CNC user interface
Enhancements to Siemens Sinumerik Operate user interface add convenience, features. » more
Product Exclusive: Integrated software adds machine tool productivity
Sinumerik MDynamics CNC milling and turning technology package from Siemens increases user productivity and tool speed, and improves part finish. » more
How close are we to a truly Smart Grid?There are still hurdles to overcome, at least in the U.S., before the Smart Grid becomes reality. » more
Optimizing flowmeter selectionUsing a best-in-class flowmeter selection methodology can help users avoid surprises and reduce lifecycle costs by identifying the optimal flowmeter for virtually any flow application. » more
Shining a light on solar power for business useSolar system at Moxa’s sales and marketing headquarters cuts energy bills, provides platform to showcase new products. Jan. 10 online update: ROI information added. See "feedback," at bottom. » more
Seeing the future of energy management
The end of the year typically is a time when people review the past with an eye toward how they can improve the future. » more
The end of the year typically is a time when people review the past with an eye toward how they can improve the future. » more
The quest to standardize energy management processesNewly formed industry group aims to boost U.S. manufacturing’s global competitiveness through energy efficiency. » more
6 of 28
Mini controller has IO-Link master, uses CoDeSys V3 softwareProduct Exclusive: Festo’s compact mechatronic controller CECC is the first mini controller with IO-Link master and CoDeSys V3 programming software, the company said. It reduces installation time,... » more
EC: IndraControl L85 CNC Controller with Multi-core ProcessorMachine and Embedded Control - CNCs, board-level products: The IndraControl L85 is a CNC controller with multi-core processor that establishes new levels of sophistication, performance and processing... » more
EC: SU200PR Ring Tongue Miniature Circuit BreakersPower - Energy, power interruption: Automatically operated miniature circuit breaker that protects an electrical circuit from damage caused by overload or short circuit, with ring tongue lug... » more
EC: SurgePOD ModulesPower - Energy, power interruption: UL 1449 Third Edition Recognized Type 1 Surge Protective Devices for SPD Assemblies and Systems are color-coded for ease of application. This is a Control... » more
EC: CNX Wireless SystemHardware - Handheld test, measurement, calibration: The Fluke CNX Wireless System simplifies troubleshooting by enabling up to 10 simultaneous electrical and temperature wireless measurements. This... » more
6 of 141
Leader Under 40: John LeeSr. Systems Analyst, Matrix Technologies Inc. - AAS Computer Studies, University of Maryland; BS Computer Management Information Systems, University of Maryland » more
Leader Under 40: Keith MandachitElectrical Engineer, Huffman Engineering Inc. - BS Electrical Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology » more
Leader Under 40: Brad ProsakProduct Manager, Safety Components; Rockwell Automation - BS Industrial Systems Engineering, The Ohio State University » more
Leader Under 40: Jeff SmootVP of Engineering, CUI Inc. - BS Mechanical Engineering, Montana State University-Bozeman » more
Leader Under 40: Mark SullivanSr. Mechanical Engineer, U.S. Dept. of Defense - BS Mechanical Engineering, University of Maryland; MS Mechanical Engineering, University of Maryland » more
6 of 29
Beyond the network firewallSince many industrial devices are soft targets for hackers, placing smaller firewalls deeper in networks near PLCs or embedding them in such controllers is a practical way to add a higher level of... » more
Gigabit Ethernet used in new packaging machineCase study: Newly designed thermoformer packaging machine with programmable logic controller, servo motors and drives, and I/O modules uses a Gigabit Ethernet bus network. » more
Industrial Ethernet essentials: What you need to knowEthernet of the industrial kind requires specialty knowledge and practices, unlike Ethernet for home and office. If you are installing or operating an industrial Ethernet network, here are five... » more
Drives programming software: No pain system design, start-upDrives configuration software removes the pain from system design and start-up. By using programming software that integrates the drives and the controller, users have less of a learning curve and... » more
Integrated drive programming handles firmware downloads, configurationIntegrated programming environment takes care of drives, movement and path control, visualization, and I/O handling, along with single-axis positioning, linked-axis movements, CNC, and robotics for... » more
6 of 18
Latest CSIA Best Practices and Benchmarks Manual clarifies existing practicesThe Control System Integrators Association (CSIA) recently released version 4.0 of its Best Practices and Benchmarks Manual, the industry standard for managing a successful integration business. Jeff... » more
Adaptive tools, engineering can reduce drive system energy consumptionTricks and Tips: Design tools and electric drive components can reduce energy use and pollution, conserve resources, and lower energy costs without sacrificing productivity. Overall cost... » more
How legislation, politics affect automation, manufacturingSiemens lobbyists explain how current politics and legislation influence manufacturing, automation, and controls, and how they’re trying to help make it easier for businesses to partner with clients.... » more
Fighter pilot likes fight-and-win partnersLt. Col. Rob “Waldo” Waldman, former combat decorated fighter pilot and businessman, told Siemens Summit 2012 attendees how it’s necessary to prepare for every mission, build courage to adapt to... » more
PROFIsafe: Networked Functional SafetyImplementing functional safety over a network reduces the number of components, wire, and cabinets; speeds installation and commissioning; and increases uptime. With PROFIsafe, PI’s functional safety... » more
6 of 18
The Dark Side of MobilitySure, the idea of “iPhone as HMI” is convenient, but it opens a whole new range of cyber vulnerabilities. Is the functionality worth the risk? Many users are already deploying the technology without... » more
Technologies used: Motion control system for Boeing 787 assemblyAdvanced Integration Technology (AIT) worked on a Boeing final 787 body join assembly project, applying Siemens high-level Sinamics drives platform and Simotion motion controller system, failsafe... » more
Motion control system for Boeing 787 assemblyAdvanced Integration Technology (AIT) uses advanced motion controls on Boeing final 787 body join assembly project. It uses a high-level drives platform and motion controller system, failsafe CPU,... » more
Power Supply SelectionTips and Tricks: When selecting your next ac-dc industrial power supply, don’t overlook these five important considerations, including hours of operation and... » more
Automatic guided vehicles Industry sales projections for 2012 remain strong, bolstered by key selling points such as flexibility, versatility, and evolutionary advances in controls. » more
6 of 18
Think Again: Control Engineering SecretsIf there were a state of Control Engineering, everything in that state would be top secret. Here’s why. » more
New IEEE 802.11n industrial Wi-Fi access pointProduct Exclusive: Technologies announces the upcoming release of the new APN-300N industrial wireless access point, with the newest 802.11n Wi-Fi standard to provide up to 300 Mbps throughput. » more
Pneumatic valve terminalProduct Exclusive: Festo’s new VTUG Pneumatic Valve Terminal delivers high-performance in a compact, low-cost unit, with many control options for machine builders and end users seeking greater... » more
Servo, drive, motion controllerProduct Exclusive: Mitsubishi Electric’s new MR-J4 Series Servo and Motion Controller boosts productivity with speed, safety, and performance. » more
Challenges of Motor Selection and SizingThe range of sizes, types, and configurations of electric motors can seem endless. Here are a few ideas for navigating the choices. » more
6 of 43
Integrated HMI/PLC packages offer convenience, but only in the right applicationsChoices of controllers that include an integrated HMI in one package are growing. These promise greater simplicity if the combination of elements works in your situation. » more
Video: Machine vision-motion system draws a line on qualityPencil production via National Instruments shows synchronized integration of machine vision and motion systems. » more
Product Exclusive: Multi-touch panel PCs ease navigationBeckhoff Automation’s new control panel and panel PCs offer flexibility, sleek design, and innovative touchscreen technology. » more
Product Exclusive: Industrial data acquisition and control system The Dataforth MAQ20 Industrial Data Acquisition and Control System is a family of DIN rail-mounted, programmable, multi-channel, industrially rugged signal conditioning input and output modules and... » more
Buy or build your process control systemOne DCS supplier makes the case for buying a comprehensive control system to run your process unit rather than a do-it-yourself PLC-based approach. » more
6 of 20
When can the process control system, safety system share field devices?An SIS and BPCS can sometimes share components, but not without careful analysis. » more
Factory tour adviceThink Again: Recent factory tours offer critical advice to help manufacturers gain efficiency, quality, and more. » more
Video: Proper context for automation modernizationMike Caliel, president and CEO of Invensys Operations Management, explains what to consider when prioritizing automation modernization opportunities. » more
Field programmable power supplies have readouts, maintenance alarmProduct Exclusive: New AC Autotech Smart Power field programmable 30 W, 60 W, and 90 W power supplies from AVG Automation include built-in displays for current and voltage readout and pushbuttons for... » more
Next-generation HMIProduct Exclusive: With a superior high-resolution 12.1-in. display, Maple Systems HMI5121P has a durable aluminum enclosure with TFT touchscreen, 16.2 million colors, and a 1,024 x 768-pixel screen... » more
6 of 37
Apps for EngineersProduct Exclusive: CFE Media’s Apps for Engineers software is an “app of apps,” providing an interactive directory of approximately 60 mobile engineering-related software applications useful for... » more
Human-machine interface, SCADA softwareProduct Exclusive: Full-featured HMI/SCADA software, InduSoft Web Studio (IWS) v7.1, adds many productivity features and tools. » more
Balancing steam supply with demand saves energyAPC platform helps Brazil’s Cenibra pulp mill reduce vented steam by 90%. Fuel costs are down and the carbon footprint of the power boilers has been slashed. » more
Advanced process control in electric utilitiesHow model-based predictive control can optimize the overall steam cycle and burner management. » more
Control Engineering Salary and Survey, Advice Career Update: The 2012 Control Engineering salary and career survey showed enthusiasm for automation, controls, and instrumentation professions. Pay is up, and survey respondents encouraged those... » more
6 of 38
Robotics at Frito-Lay: Flexibility, adaptability neededSalty snacks have different motion profiles than automobiles, and snack food manufacturing differs significantly from automotive manufacturing. Robotics can do much more for consumer goods and food... » more
Electric car plant going nowherePerils of governments, national and local, picking technology winners stands out in bankruptcy » more
4 ways to excite youth about engineeringIn time for Engineers Week 2012 planning, here are ways to excite youth about engineering: Latching onto something familiar, use technology tools, and educate educators, says a supplier of... » more
Mixing instrumentation protocolsIs it possible to use both HART and fieldbus devices in the same environment? » more
6 of 32
Product Exclusive: Unified CNC user interfaceEnhancements to Siemens Sinumerik Operate user interface add convenience, features. » more
Product Exclusive: Integrated software adds machine tool productivitySinumerik MDynamics CNC milling and turning technology package from Siemens increases user productivity and tool speed, and improves part finish. » more
6 of 43
Click below to read content from other years
- 2013 Control Engineering magazine archive
- 2011 Control Engineering magazine archive
- 2010 Control Engineering magazine archive