Top 5 Control Engineering articles, May 2-8: Neural network training, ladder logic, managing automation upgrades, more

Articles about neural network training, ladder logic, managing automation upgrades, modern control valves, and neural network architecture and controls were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from May 2-8. Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra May 9, 2016

The top 5 most read articles online, from May 2-8 for Control Engineering covered neural network training, ladder logic, managing automation upgrades, modern control valves, and neural network architecture and controls. Link to each article below.

1. Neural networks in process control: Neural network training, implementation

Part 2 of this 2-part series covers preparing the dataset for training, neural network model training and validation, implementing a neural network model on a control platform, and human-machine interface (HMI) requirements.

2. Ladder logic 402: Data manipulation and filtering

Once values from an analog card have been captured, there are methods to filter the data and methods to simulate a filter using Microsoft Excel before it is coded into a PLC. 

3. Managing automation upgrades, retrofits

From minor modifications to major overhauls, an automation system will significantly change during its lifecycle. Good planning, research, and following these guidelines can ensure a successful upgrade.

4. Modern control valves offer communications, diagnostics

Better designs, modern materials, on-board intelligence, and communications in modern pneumatic control valves create opportunities and benefits for machine designers but also create new challenges that need to be addressed. 

5. Neural networks in process control: Neural network architecture, controls

Neural networks have been used in process control strategies for years, but they’re still not commonly found in industry. This technology has been applied in a number of fields with great success. With proper training to lift the veil from the technology, it can be more widely applied—without mystery—to solve some of the most nagging process control problems.

The list was developed using CFE Media’s web analytics for stories viewed on controleng.com, May 2-8, for articles published within the last two months.  

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


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