Top Control Engineering articles, May 2012

The most-visited articles at www.controleng.com during May 2012 included articles on a video-game-like human-machine interface, process control and safety systems, data packets, VFDs, and engineering project management, among others.

By Mark T. Hoske June 6, 2012

Most-read Control Engineering online articles for May 2012 at www.controleng.com included articles on video-game-like human-machine interface, process control and safety systems, data packets, VFDs, and engineering project management, getting beyond hardwired logic, and PLC upgrades, among others. More about each article and links follow. 

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.

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.

When can the process control system, safety system share field devices?

An SIS and BPCS can sometimes share components, but not without careful analysis.

Back to Basics: Data packets

Putting data in packages is basic to virtually all our networking concepts.

The possibilities, limits of VFDs

The scope of product use has expanded beyond energy efficiency.

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.

Engineering project management: How Microsoft SharePoint and dashboards can help

Aggregating and sharing information from multiple sources helps motivate teams and deliver projects on time and budget, according to DMC Inc., at the CSIA Executive Conference.

Moving up from hardwired relay logic

If you’re still trying to control machine functions with relays and discrete electromechanical devices, you should be looking at the small and inexpensive PLCs available these days. Their versatility and simplicity may surprise you.

Information systems: Adding video to your HMI

Growing demand for a more precise, accurate eye on operations—on the plant floor and in remote locations—is fueling the use of video-enabled displays. And advances in cameras, processing power, storage capacity, and connectivity are creating the perfect storm to put this technology within reach of nearly every plant.

Upgrading PLCs

Integrator Update: Why wait to replace PLCs without Ethernet communication with little memory for storing troubleshooting data, beyond their supported lifecycle? PLC upgrade advice follows.

Links to the next six most-read online articles

Your best day today: Engineers get advice on communication, leadership

Mobile workers respond to alarms, view data logs

Process control maintenance services: Inhouse or hired out?

Industrial mobility: Information where needed

Apps for Engineers – Product Exclusive

Safety control systems: Essential considerations, costs 

Pages: Most popular Control Engineering pages follow

Search Control Engineering

Control Engineering Digital Edition 

Register Form – Login, edit registration, subscribe, or resubscribe to Control Engineering

Magazine Archives for Control Engineering 

eGuides  

New Products https://www.controleng.com/new-products.html 

Online Training Center for Engineers – Control Engineering 

Also see:

Integrator Guide – Search the online Automation Integrator Guide by selecting from the categories below. Selecting multiple criteria will narrow your search results. Integrators wishing to apply for their own listing can do so. 

– 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.