2022 Article Descriptions

Note to potential authors: Control Engineering article subscribers include end users, system integrators, original equipment manufacturers and machine builders. For more about subscribers and 2022 Interactive Media Kit see www.controleng.com/mediainfo.

Learn more about contributing an article at www.controleng.com/contribute.

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Areas of coverage include technologies, trends, tutorials, and applications related to:

Control Systems and Strategy: DCS, PACs, PLCs, industrial PCs, CNC, loop control, PID, embedded control, edge and cloud computing, machine control, artificial intelligence, instrumentation, mobile devices, analytical instruments, test and calibration equipment
Networking and Information: Ethernet, wireless, other networks, I/O modules and systems, HMI, mobility, SCADA, historians, data acquisition, Big Data, alarm management, simulation, safety, cybersecurity, industrial IT, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Industry 4.0
Control Equipment and Energy: Motors, drives, robotics, mechatronics, motion control, energy efficiency, control valves, pumps, positioners, transmitters, sensors, vision, RFID, power supplies, power protection, power distribution, enclosures, and related components
Industry Focus: System integrators, system integration, people, and workforce development, awards, career advice, Engineering Leaders Under 40, robotics use, COVID-19 pandemic competitiveness, applying automation

JANUARY ONLINE EXTRA

Editorial deadline: Nov. 15, 2021

RCEP Webcast for 1 PDH: How next-generation automation will help 2022

Future of process control systems

Will next-generation process control systems be the last upgrade you’ll ever need? No, but the next generation distributed control system (DCS) incorporates features that mean it will be the last time a rip-and-replace process is require. Modularity, scalability, upgrade-in-place and interoperability capabilities mean you’ll see incremental efficiency improvements, rather than continual degradation.

Hot topics of 2021 from www.controleng.com

We’ll do the analytics on the best articles of 2021. Expert authors provide comments on key trends from last year and implications for 2022 automation, controls an instrumentation.

Industrial Cybersecurity Pulse: Top stories of 2021

What were the hot topics of 2021 for industrial cybersecurity and why does that matter for your 2022? What did we learn? Or not? CFE Media and Technology’s Industrial Cybersecurity Pulse will examine and offer insight on how engineers can do better in 2022.

Analytics with spreadsheets?

All kinds of analytics software help shop-floor and process facility experts do real-time data analytics without help form data scientists. For some, spreadsheet remain a favored analytics tool. Share some tips and tricks of using spreadsheets to improve processes and workflow.

Leading motors and drives articles of 2021

Hot topics in motors and drives for 2021 will be revisited with a summary of the most-read online articles about motors and drives at www.controleng.com.

Using automation to your advantage: An online resource guide

Control Engineering has a huge number of online resources to offer, AND other industry resources are available to augment knowledge of automation, controls, and instrumentations from system integrators, automation and controls vendors, and from industry organizations. You asked for help; here it is.

Software for control wiring, P&ID

What software packages are helping with wiring for controls, automation and piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&ID)? What features have emerged to save you time? What about libraries and interoperability?

Special section articles

Inside Process and Instrumentation: Feature articles in this section focus on improving process controls, instrumentation, process sensing and actuation (control valves, pumps, positioners, etc.)

IIoT for Engineers: Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Industry 4.0, smart manufacturing and other next generation technologies influence automation, controls, instrumentation and other operations technologies.

eBooks

SCADA and HMI

Robotics

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

Editorial deadline: Dec. 1, 2021

(Value-added integrated programs: contact your sales representative to learn more about Executive Voice/Corporate Profile; Fast Start Program; Whitepaper Connection; and Engineers’ Choice Winners to be announced this month. Ad deadline: Jan. 21, 2022.)

RCEP Webcast for 1 PDH: For Special Report/research/webcast/EDU training/eBook details, sponsorship opportunities go to the 2022 Interactive Media Kit, www.controleng.com/mediainfo.

EDITORIAL RESEARCH

Surviving and thriving with automation

How manufacturers are turning to higher levels of easier-to-apply automation to help fill the skills gap. See examples and best practices.

Future of PLCs

How are programmable logic controllers (PLCs) adapting to and exceeding the needs for machine, line, and other industrial applications? Hardware, communications, software, I/O capabilities, and hybrid designs are making PLCs more relevant than ever.

Ethernet APL: 2-wire moves past 4-20 mA

Hazardous process automation environments can get 10Mbit/sec Ethernet performance using two-wire physical layer with products conforming to the Ethernet APL standard. Separately, Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) efforts offer other capabilities with existing installed wiring. See how and where these are being deployed to extend industrial Ethernet applications.

Variable frequency drives: Industry-specific help

Motion control systems can be more efficient with smart applications of variable frequency drives (VFDs). VFDs are smarter with industry-specific software adaptations programmed in for easier set-up and better out-of-the-box performance. Understand how this can help.

35th Engineers’ Choice Awards

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. Subscribers are asked to select products based on technological advancement, service to the industry and market impact. Winners submit design or application advice.

Special sections

Inside Machines: Robotic Safety: Features on automation and control topics related to what happens around and inside machines and industrial robots to lower risk.

Applied Automation: Automation and control applications, trends and case studies.

eBooks

IIoT Cloud

Digital Transformation

Machine and AI

MARCH

Editorial deadline: Jan. 2, 2022

(Value-added integrated programs: contact your sales representative about how CFE Media and Technology’s ContentStream and ContactStream software as a service can help. Ad close: Feb. 17.)

Virtual Training Week* provides several days of engineering professional development hours (RCEP/AIA PDH credits) of training for engineers at https://cfeedu.cfemedia.com/pages/virtual-training-week.

RCEP Webcast – For Special Report/research/webcast/EDU training/eBook details, sponsorship opportunities go to the 2022 Interactive Media Kit, www.controleng.com/mediainfo.

EDITORIAL RESEARCH *

Industry 4.0 Edge technology

Industrial edge computers and communications are helping machines to connect to each other and, with appropriate permissions, other plants and the supply chain. Cloud connections provide analytics and other services beyond what’s available locally.

Data analytics for operations: Case studies

Industrial data has been collected and analyzed since measurements began, but how is real-time data analytics software helping improve operations? Case studies help explain and provide examples about how to take advantage of data analytics for operations.

Motor advances, applied

How are advanced motor designs being applied in industrial applications? How are non-industrial applications helping to advance designs appropriate for industrial use?

Interoperable automation helps supply chain resiliency: Control System Integration Roundtable, part 1 – System integrators discuss projects and technologies supporting supply chain resiliency through use of interoperable automation.

Special sections

Inside Process and Instrumentation: Feature articles in this section focus on improving process controls, instrumentation, process sensing and actuation (control valves, pumps, positioners, etc.)

eBook

Motors and Drives

* For Special Report/research/webcast/EDU training/eBook details, sponsorship opportunities go to the 2022 Interactive Media Kit, www.controleng.com/mediainfo.

APRIL

Editorial deadline: Feb. 1

(Value-added integrated programs: contact your sales representative about Whitepaper Connection and Harvey Ad-Q Study. Ad close: March 19.)

RCEP Webcast for 1 PDH – For Special Report/research/webcast/EDU training/eBook details, sponsorship opportunities go to the 2022 Interactive Media Kit, www.controleng.com/mediainfo.

PID tuning advice: Advanced process control

Advanced process control applications benefit from appropriately tuned loops. Proportional-integral-derivative tuning tips are included. Tune up your PID tuning skills.

IIoT for industrial automation applications

Internet of Things technologies have been applied to industrial applications, and in those cases, it’s called Industrial IoT (IIoT). What can existing applications teach about how to successfully apply IIoT technologies? Are manufacturing IT technologies helping?

Machine vision fundamentals

Machine vision technologies and software have advanced significantly in the last few years. Even with machine vision advancements, fundamental questions remain about technologies, environmental and application requirements, lighting, layout, materials, communications, and more. Have machine vision fundamentals changed given technology updates?

Continuing education opportunities

Control Engineering offers RCEP professional development hour (PDH) credits. What opportunities are available via Control Engineering and beyond?

Special sections

Inside Machines: Machine Learning – Features on automation and control topics are related to what happens around and inside machines, including safety, design, simulation, testing, startup, operations, monitoring and lifecycle issues.

Oil & Gas Engineering: helps maximize uptime and increase productivity through the use of industry best practices and new innovations, increase efficiency with automation and monitoring strategies, and maintain and improve safety for workers and the work environment.

eBooks

SCADA and HMI

Robotics

MAY

Editorial deadline: March 1

(Value-added integrated programs: contact your sales representative about what CFE Services can do to help. Sponsor the salary survey or other editorial research. Ad close: April 23.)

EDITORIAL RESEARCH: Salary survey *

Industrial controls: Sustainability, resilience

Learn how are industrial controls advances are contributing to sustainability and resilience? As the supply chain loses just-in-time links, industrial controls technologies that promote resiliency become more important. As more companies measure energy savings and carbon footprint, industrial controls are helping.

TSN and other real-time industrial Ethernet designs

Time-sensitive networking (TSN) from IEEE and other real-time Ethernet technologies are increasing Ethernet reliability for industrial applications. How are the latest TSN and other Ethernet designs helping industrial applications?

Pumps: Sequential pump control

Because of complexities surrounding flow control and measurement, appropriate sequential control of pumps in many applications becomes a critical necessity. What are key issues and requirements of sequential pump control, and how are pump technology advances helping?

Salary survey, career advice from Leaders Under 40 class of 2021

Control Engineering highlights annual salary and career research and asks last year’s Leaders Under 40 winners for advice about engineering career planning.

Special sections

Inside Process and Instrumentation

Feature articles in this section focus on improving process controls, instrumentation, process sensing and actuation (control valves, pumps, positioners, etc.)

AppliedAutomation: Automation and control applications, trends and case studies.

* For Special Report/research/webcast/EDU training/eBook details, sponsorship opportunities go to the 2022 Interactive Media Kit, www.controleng.com/mediainfo.

eBooks

IIoT Cloud

Digital Transformation

Machine and AI

JUNE

Editorial deadline: April

(Value-added integrated programs: contact your sales representative about Innovations from the Industry. Ad close: May 20.)

RCEP Webcast for 1 PDH – For Special Report/research/webcast/EDU training/eBook details, sponsorship opportunities go to the 2022 Interactive Media Kit, www.controleng.com/mediainfo.

Optimization, digital twins, IIoT

Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and use of digital twins are enabling easier optimization of industrial operations, devices and systems. How detailed do digital twins need to be to help? How often are updates needed? Can digital twin updates be automated? What applications can digital twins facilitate?

Sensor calibration tutorial

What sensors need regular calibration, which do not, and which will let you know when the application requires sensor calibration? When is “set it and forget it” enough for sensors? Should sensors run to fail, be replaced or calibrated at timed intervals? Do more measurements result in more knowledge? How reliable is that measurement?

HMI, SCADA migrations: How do you know what to keep or redesign?

If you’re thinking of hurrying through the next upgrade of human-machine interface (HMI) or supervisory control and data acquisitions (SCADA) software by keeping all the same screen designs, think again! Upgrading software without upgrading to modern design principles is a lot like putting worn tires on a new car.

Power quality: Active filters

Variable frequency drive (VFD) and other industrial applications may benefit from active filter technologies, beyond passive harmonic filters. Examine technologies and application examples to better understand how to improve power quality designs.

Operational resiliency projects: Control System Integration Roundtable, part 2

System integrators share experiences related to increasing operational resiliency. What technologies are helping what applications and producing what measurable benefits and how?

Special sections

Inside Machines and Collaborative Robotics: Features on automation and control topics related to what happens around and inside machines and industrial robots.

eBook

Motors and Drives

JULY

Editorial deadline: May 3

(Value-added integrated programs: contact your sales representative about White Paper Connection. Ad close: June 18.)

RCEP Webcast for 1 PDH: For Special Report/research/webcast/EDU training/eBook details, sponsorship opportunities go to the 2022 Interactive Media Kit, www.controleng.com/mediainfo.

EDITORIAL RESEARCH *

PLC programming: What you need to know

How are your programmable logic controllers getting programmed? Are PLC programs organized in a way that enables others to modify or update them later? Do you have expertise on hand to debug the code? Are you using the best language for the application? Other than traditional IEC 61131-3 programming languages, what should be considered?

IIoT implementation: How I/O devices and I/O networks help

Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) devices and systems have become more capable. Industrial input/output (I/O) devices and I/O networks are helping. What capabilities do advanced industrial I/O products bring to IIoT, smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 initiatives?

Additive manufacturing: metallurgical topics, 3D printing

3D printing (additive manufacturing) using metal enables designs that cannot be made with computer-numerical control (subtractive manufacturing). Motion control, temperature control, pressure measurements, smart designs and material advances make it possible.

Advice from the Global System Integrator Database

System integrators and those with system integration expertise enable successful automation and control projects from inception and design through simulation, training and production. When should an automation and control project fill in a perceived skills gap with control system integration professionals at www.controleng.com/Global-SI-Database?

Special section

Inside Process and Instrumentation: Feature articles in this section focus on improving process controls, instrumentation, process sensing and actuation (control valves, pumps, positioners, etc.)

eBooks

SCADA and HMI

Robotics

AUGUST

Editorial deadline: June 1

Value-added integrated programs: contact your sales representative about Educating engineers and the new schedule for Engineers’ Choice Awards. Ad close: July 23.)

RCEP Webcast for 1 PDH – For Special Report/research/webcast/EDU training/eBook details, sponsorship opportunities go to the 2022 Interactive Media Kit, www.controleng.com/mediainfo.

Cybersecurity for industrial networks

Industrial networks are one means of entry for cybersecurity intrusion. With increasing needs to communicate in the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and for Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing initiative how can risks be mitigated? What are the latest technologies and processes to lower risks related to industrial networks?

Wireless – 5G, AR, VR, education

Industrial wireless initiatives are being augmented with 5G technologies for augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to help with industrial and operations-related education. This is critically important as the wave of baby boomer retirements continue and remove talent from operations.

Digital position control: Motion control

Motion control can be enhanced with digital position control. What are the latest trends related to digital motion control technologies and implementations? What questions do you need to ask when considering digital position control for motion control applications?

Applying automation: How-to guide

What applications should be automated and which should not? As technologies have become more flexible and easier to re-program, measures have changed. With more talent retiring, is the new generation of plant floor talent more or less likely to embrace automation? Get practical advice for applying automation.

Special sections

Inside Machines and OEMs: Features on automation and control topics are related to what happens around and inside machines, including safety, design, simulation, testing, startup, operations, monitoring and lifecycle issues.

AppliedAutomation: Automation and control applications, trends and case studies.

eBooks

IIoT Cloud

Digital Transformation

Machine and AI

SEPTEMBER

Editorial deadline: July 1

(Value-added integrated programs: contact your sales representative about promoting Engineering Leaders Under 40. Ad close: Aug. 19.)

RCEP Webcast for 1 PDH

EDITORIAL RESEARCH *

Advanced process controls: Tutorial topic

Topics related to advanced process controls will be included in this tutorial. Ensure you know what you need to know about advanced process controls.

Ethernet speeds, needs: Industrial networks

Are all industrial Ethernet protocols created equal? How much speed do you need for different applications? What applications are likely to need more speed in the future? What distance will your protocol travel? That’s an important question because some speeds slow over distance.

AI, motion controllers, continuous improvement

Artificial intelligence is being applied to motion-control applications. Quality of motion control and other continuous improvement initiatives benefit from AI.

Engineering Leaders Under 40 class of 2022 (June deadline)

The Engineering Leaders Under 40 program recognizes manufacturing professionals under the age of 40 making a significant contribution to a plant’s success, and to the control engineering and/or plant engineering professions. Engineering Leaders Under 40 program aims to call attention to successful young engineers in manufacturing and highlight the next generation of manufacturing professionals. www.controleng.com/LeadersUnder40

Special sections

Inside Process and Instrumentation: Feature articles in this section focus on improving process controls, instrumentation, process sensing and actuation (control valves, pumps, positioners, etc.)

eBook

Motors and Drives

* For Special Report/research/webcast/EDU training/eBook details, sponsorship opportunities go to the 2022 Interactive Media Kit, www.controleng.com/mediainfo.

OCTOBER

Editorial deadline: Aug. 2

(Value-added integrated programs: contact your sales representative about White Paper Connection. Prepare your Engineers’ Choice Awards entries start this month. Ad close: Sept. 17.)

RCEP Webcast for 1 PDH – For Special Report/research/webcast/EDU training/eBook details, sponsorship opportunities go to the 2022 Interactive Media Kit, www.controleng.com/mediainfo.

Edge computing, AI and IIoT

Capabilities for edge computing, closer to where the operation or process happens, expands opportunities for artificial intelligence (AI) applications and more effective use of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). How can these architectures help your operations? Do they integrate with, communicate to or replace control systems?

Design alarms to avoid shutdowns, improve process safety

Poorly designed alarm strategies at minimum can annoy operators and at worst can contribute to unplanned shutdowns, injuries or destructive accidents by obstructing visibility of root cause. Alarms should be an integrated part of process design, simulation, safety and training, rather than hurriedly added at the end of a project. What should be alarmed? How?

Control panel design help

If we haven’t worked on annunciator-style control panels, we may have seen pictures. What can today’s control panel designers learn from old automation and control design interfaces, and what needs to be reconsidered in the next generation of control panels? How much can or should go onto a human-machine interface? What standards and best practices apply?

Packaging machine integration: Control System Integration Roundtable, part 3

System integrators provide advice on machine design, specifically on packaging, processing, food and beverage applications. What can other machine designers learn from these fast-moving designs.

2023 Engineers’ Choice Awards: Enter now through Dec. 31, 2022. Learn more at www.controleng.com/events-and-awards/

Special sections, supplements

Inside Machines and Mobile Robotics: Features on automation and control topics related to what happens around and inside machines and mobile industrial robots.

Oil & Gas Engineering: helps maximize uptime and increase productivity through the use of industry best practices and new innovations, increase efficiency with automation and monitoring strategies, and maintain and improve safety for workers and the work environment.

eBooks

SCADA and HMI

Robotics

GLOBAL SYSTEM INTEGRATOR REPORT

Goes with Control Engineering and Plant Engineering November/December supplement

Editorial deadline: July 16

(Value-added integrated programs: contact your sales representative about promoting system integrators to the Control Engineering and Plant Engineering audiences. Ad close is Nov. 3.)

Global System Integrator Report supplement
System Integrator Company Profiles
System Integrator of the Year for 2022 (July deadline)
System Integrator Giants 2022 (August deadline)
Advice from system integrators
How to find a system integrator
System integration applications
Global System Integrator Database; click at the top of controleng.com

* For Special Report/research/webcast/EDU training/eBook details and sponsorship opportunities, go to the 2022 Interactive Media Kit, www.controleng.com/mediainfo.

NOVEMBER ONLINE EXTRA

Editorial deadline: Sept. 1

Rethinking purchasing for automation, controls, instrumentation

Supply chain issues from COVID-19 and recent technology advances increased demand for automation, controls and instrumentation. How has purchasing for automation, controls and instrumentation been changing?

Server-based controls

Programmable logic controllers and other controls for automation and process control benefit from advances in server-based technologies. When designing automation systems, how can server-based controls differ from stand-alone hardware? What are trade-offs and advantages? How are automation designs changing as a result?

Process sensor fundamentals

The big-four process sensors are temperature, pressure, level and flow. Sensing elements that go into process sensors have advanced, as have the packaging that goes around the sensing element and transmits the signal. What advances in process sensors are changing how they’re used and applied, and what fundamentals about process sensing remain?

How technologies are changing job roles and responsibilities: Career Update

Automation, controls and instrumentation jobs are changing with technologies. Some positions that being filled with people with less than traditional amounts of education because technologies are more instructive and easier to use. How are roles and responsibilities changing with increased uses of automation?

Special sections

Inside Process and Instrumentation: Feature articles in this section focus on improving process controls, instrumentation, process sensing and actuation (control valves, pumps, positioners, etc.)

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

Editorial deadline: Oct. 3

(Value-added integrated programs: Case studies. Promote your Engineers’ Choice Awards finalists. contact your sales representative. Ad close: Nov. 16. Note: For GSIR supplement, see above, ad close is Nov. 3.)

– For Special Report/research/webcast/EDU training/eBook details, sponsorship opportunities go to the 2022 Interactive Media Kit, www.controleng.com/mediainfo.

RCEP Webcast for 1 PDH

EDITORIAL RESEARCH *

Rethinking purchasing for automation, controls, instrumentation

Server-based controls

Process sensor fundamentals

How technologies are changing job roles and responsibilities: Career Update

Special sections

Inside Machines: Features on automation and control topics related to what happens around and inside machines.

IIoT for Engineers: Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Industry 4.0, smart manufacturing and other next generation technologies influence automation, controls, instrumentation and other operations technologies.

eBooks (November and December)

IIoT Cloud

Digital Transformation

Machine and AI

Motors and Drives (December)

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