Top Control Engineering articles, July 2012

The most-visited articles at www.controleng.com during July 2012 included articles on system integrators, mobile device security, pneumatic actuation, a PLC Product Exclusive, video game influence on HMI, and industrial wireless communications, among others.

By Mark T. Hoske August 9, 2012

Most-read Control Engineering online articles for July 2012 at www.controleng.com included articles on Control Engineering System Integration Giants 2012, mobile device security, pneumatic actuation,  a PLC that uses CoDeSys software, video game influence on human-machine interface (HMI) design, and industrial wireless communications, among others. More about each article and links follow.

System Integrator Giants of 2012

These 100 firms represent the largest system integrators of 2012, from among 2,334 in the Control Engineering Automation Integrator Guide.

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 sufficient safeguards.

Where, when to apply pneumatic actuation

Back to Basics: Knowing why, where, and when to apply pneumatic actuation improves performance and efficiencies and lowers cost.

PLCs use CoDeSys IEC 611313 programming

Product Exclusive: Eaton XC controllers with Controller Development Software (CoDeSys) advance lean automation with powerful, modular systems for open, scalable, and high-performance control.

Video game or HMI?

Industrial HMI developers consider how video game technology can change the way operators work with control systems. Video: ABB demonstrates some interesting possibilities.

Implementing wireless solutions for industrial communication applications

Wireless technology has limitations, but like any technology, it is very powerful when properly applied. Consider these factors before implementing wireless devices, including power, response time, and range, among others.

Technologies used for Malt-O-Meal integrated safety project

Safety PLC, adjustable speed ac drives, motor starters, and energy management software from Rockwell Automation, along with EtherNet/IP communications from ODVA helped reduce downtime and cut costs.

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.

2012 Engineers’ Choice Awards: Winners

Control Engineering Engineers’ Choice Awards highlight some of the best new control, instrumentation and automation products as chosen by Control Engineering’s print and online subscribers. Survey respondents are asked to select products based on technological advancement, service to the industry, and market impact.

Additional most-read online articles include:

Motor-Driven Systems Efficiency Update – Electric motors have received predominant attention from energy-efficiency standards and regulations due their vast industrial usage and well-documented design, performance, and test specifications.

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, and distributed I/O, running over Profinet network.

FROM THE ARCHIVES: Managing the risk of arc flash – Understanding the data and the standards for a deadly plant danger.

A rational approach to alarm rationalization – While it may not be your favorite activity, thoughtful alarm rationalization pays major operational dividends in the long run and will keep your operators happier.

Machine Safety: My main disconnect estop isn’t red with a yellow background Does my main disconnect functioning as an e-stop need to be red with a yellow background?

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– Compiled by Mark T. Hoske, CFE Media, Control Engineering, www.controleng.com.


Author Bio: Mark Hoske has been Control Engineering editor/content manager since 1994 and in a leadership role since 1999, covering all major areas: control systems, networking and information systems, control equipment and energy, and system integration, everything that comprises or facilitates the control loop. He has been writing about technology since 1987, writing professionally since 1982, and has a Bachelor of Science in Journalism degree from UW-Madison.