Control Engineering hot topics, June 2017

Control Engineering's most clicked articles in June 2017 included stories about the 2017 Control Engineering Salary and Career Survey, NEC changes, IIoT systems' future, additive manufacturing control, and coding efficient sequential control programs. Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra July 1, 2017

Hot topics in Control Engineering, for June 2017, included stories about the 2017 Control Engineering Salary and Career Survey, NEC changes, IIoT systems’ future, additive manufacturing control, and coding efficient sequential control programs. These are based on the top 10 most read articles online in Control Engineering June. Links to each article below.

1. Control Engineering Salary and Career Survey, 2017

Control Engineering salary and career survey research shows an average salary of $96,045 in 2017, up slightly from the 2016 results; job satisfaction continues among respondents. Life-long learning remains critically important. To get youth interested in engineering, more investments in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education and high-profile projects need to be made, respondents said.

2. Top seven 2017 NEC changes you need to know

The 2017 edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC) includes many changes covering traditional and alternative sources of electrical power.

3. How to navigate the future of IIoT systems

It’s critical to understand which IIoT connectivity technologies to use for each application in the IIoT space. 

4. Eight things to avoid in control system automation projects

Identifying missteps such as not building a cross-functional team and not defining responsibilities early in a project can help ensure that a control system automation project is successful.

5. Installing VFDs: environmental and safety considerations

Inside Machines: Understanding ac variable frequency drive (VFD) installation options can save costs, reduce downtime, and enhance safety. 

6. Embracing IIoT’s potential for maintenance

Companies can and should embrace and apply critical aspects of IIoT, including machine learning, analytics, and mobility.

7. Controls for additive manufacturing, 3-D printing

Cover Story: The software tools for 3-D printing, also used for additive manufacturing, are getting more sophisticated and integrated to increase speed, quality, limit material waste, and accommodate material diversity. How are automation and controls helping to advance additive manufacturing?

8. Three keys for coding efficient sequential control programs

Sequential control programs, which are usually a part of medium to complex control strategies involving either batch applications or any procedure-based applications can be an easier and more streamlined if the engineer ensures that the sequences have the same architectural model. 

9. The ABCs of VFDs

Find the right application to match the motor need and know the conditions for using a variable frequency drive (VFD).

10. Four things to remember about DCS migration

Whether it’s a refinery, chemical plant, or other process-related facility, the primary control system must operate efficiently, safely, and economically. If it doesn’t, perhaps it’s time for an upgrade.

The list was developed using CFE Media’s web analytics for stories viewed on controleng.com, June 1-30, for articles published within the last two months.

On Mondays, see the top 5 articles of the prior week. In January, see the hot topics for the year.

Chris Vavra, production editor, CFE Media, cvavra@cfemedia.com.


Author Bio: Chris Vavra is web content manager for CFE Media and Technology.