Control Engineering hot topics, November 2021

Control Engineering's most clicked articles in November 2021 included stories on the Engineers' Choice finalists, nanotube-based sensors, finite-state machine, IIoT controller use and more. Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra December 1, 2021
Courtesy: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Hot topics in Control Engineering, for November 2021, for stories posted in the last three months, included the Engineers’ Choice finalists, nanotube-based sensors, finite-state machine, IIoT controller use and more. Links to each article below.

1. 2022 Engineers’ Choice Finalists: Vote now!

The official ballot is open for voting for Control Engineering North American print and digital edition subscribers, for a limited time. Cast your vote online at www.controleng.com/EngineersChoice.

2. Nanotube-based sensor can detect COVID-19 proteins

MIT engineers have designed a nanotube-based sensor that can detect COVID-19 without any antibody and could be used for other pandemic, improving worker health.

3. Finite-state machine for embedded systems

Get help for finite-state machine programming for embedded systems using C programming language.

4. How is IIoT changing industrial controller use, selection?

How are programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and industrial PCs (IPCs), embedded controllers, programmable automation controllers (PACs), smart input/output (I/O) modules, other logic devices and related software helping Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) promises envisioned? A webcast investigates.

5. SCADA can accelerate automation, IIoT implementations

As industrial automation evolves, how do we keep speaking the same language? It helps to evaluate automation by functions, not components. Think about how industrial automation technologies like SCADA can accelerate application capabilities.

6. Six ways to optimize SCADA system alarming

Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems are becoming more complex, which makes a well-maintained alarm system essential. Six tips are highlighted.

7. Five levels of cybersecurity in an automated network

Best practices manufacturers can implement to better secure their network in many ways. Five levels of cybersecurity are highlighted.

8. Benefits of cloud-based historian software: Expert interview series, Steve Pavlosky, GE Digital

Not enough data gathered by industry is used to improve operations, and Steve Pavlosky, director – product management, Digital Plant for GE Digital, wants to help. Pavlosky also serves as principal product manager, GE Digital’s Proficy Historian and Data at the Edge. See video.

9. Four benefits from aligning IT, OT

Converging information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) offers many benefits including lower risks, better decision-making and lower overall costs.

10. Machine control migrations hinge on system openness

Cover Story: When upgrading controllers and automation platforms consider increasing flexibility and adding capabilities while being cost conscious. Four controller selection questions are highlighted.

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

Chris Vavra, web content manager, Control Engineering, CFE Media and Technology, cvavra@cfemedia.com.


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