Control Engineering hot topics, February 2021

Hot topics in Control Engineering, for February 2021, included 2021 Engineers’ Choice Awards, top 5 VFD parameter changes explained, the evolution of control systems with artificial intelligence, 3 data analysis tips, and more. Links to each article below.

1. Spotlight on Innovation: 2021 Engineers’ Choice Awards

Control Engineering announces the best automation, control and instrumentation products in the 21 categories of the annual Engineers’ Choice Awards program.

2. Top 5 VFD parameter changes explained

Programming variable frequency drives (VFDs) to fit most industrial applications require only the most basic settings to operate the motor. Understand these 5 VFD parameter changes to optimize VFD programming to fit most motor-drive applications.

3. Evolution of control systems with artificial intelligence

Cover Story: Can artificial intelligence (AI) prove to be the next evolution of control systems? See three AI controller characteristics and three applications.

4. 2020 System Integrator Giants

The overall gross revenue for the top 100 system integrators and their parent companies topped $26.4 billion as most businesses saw growth.

5. Which IEC 61131-3 programming language is best? Part 1

With so many programmable logic controller (PLC) programming languages and standards from which to choose, what is the right choice for automation and controls applications? Part 1 provides an overview and focuses on Ladder Diagram (LD) and Sequential Function Chart (SFC).

6. 3 data analysis tips: Adapt data, leverage employee skills, innovate

Industry 4.0 requires an appropriate use of data structures, people skills and analytic tools.

7. Replacing seven SCADA systems with one

Toronto Pearson International Airport starts fast on major baggage program with new, streamlined SCADA system that serves as the heart of the ambitious project.

8. Nanowire could provide a stable superconducting transistor

The cryoyton is a superconducting transistor, inspired by decades-old MIT research, which could boost quantum computers and other superconducting electronics.

9. Which IEC 61131-3 Programming Language is best? Part 2

With many programmable logic controller (PLC) programming languages and standards from which to choose, select the best language for specific automation and controls applications. Part 2 focuses on function block diagram (FBD), continuous function chart (CFC) and structured text (ST).

10. IoT-enabled process validation system for COVID-19 vaccine rollout

An Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)-enabled global process validation system with advanced process control (APC) capabilities can accelerate manufacturing efficiency, production capacity and reduce production cycle time for the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.

On Mondays, see the top 5 articles of the prior week.

Keagan Gay, digital media & production coordinator, CFE Media, kgay@cfemedia.com.

Do you have experience and expertise with the topics mentioned in this content? You should consider contributing to our CFE Media editorial team and getting the recognition you and your company deserve. Click here to start this process.