Quarterly Previews

ARTICLE DEADLINES: Usually 60 days prior to month of issue; schedules vary by editor. See quarterly previews or click into article detail for more information. Or contact editor preparing article for specific requirements of that piece.

First Quarter 2002 Preview

January

COVER: Special Report on controllers: survey and trends
Special Report: Controllers: Part 1. This survey of industrial controllers examines and compares capabilities of the heartbeat of every control and automation system, the controller. This two-part feature is developed from a supplier-provided controller capability questionnaire. Results will be tabulated into an online controller capability matrix. Part 2 in February identifies trends. Keywords: Process and Advanced Control, Embedded control, Machine control Dave Harrold

XML is rapidly becoming the universal programming language for information exchange over networks. It is open, and therefore not tied to any computer operating system or platform. OPC is the current standard for automation communication. These are essential technologies for today’s control engineer to understand. Keywords: Human-machine interface, Embedded control, Software Gary Mintchell

Product Focus: Networking
Original research from Control Engineering/Cahners Research examines trends and user issues in industrial networks. Recent product descriptions from leading suppliers will be included, along with research survey results. Keywords: Networks and communications Jim Montague

Resolvers are commonly used for motor feedback in motion control systems. Using an observer can improve the quality of feedback during the resolver-to-digital conversion process. An industry expert will discuss how to apply observer-based methods to resolver conversion and the motion system benefits that can be expected. Keywords: Motors, drives, and motion control; Advanced control edited by Frank Bartos

Here’s a look at the basics that control engineers should know concerning power conditioning and isolation. Keywords: Control components; Networks and communications edited by Dick Johnson

February

COVER: Internet in manufacturing
Internet technologies are becoming the key platform for industrial software. These bring benefits of interoperability among applications, scaled down client devices, and ‘information everywhere.’ Such technologies as http, html, xml, .net, snmp, smtp, ftp, Ethernet TCP/IP will be discussed with emphasis on how they are used in today’s industrial software and the benefits to users. Keywords: Software and information integration; Human-machine interface (HMI); Embedded control Gary Mintchell

Temperature is the most commonly measured process variable in the process industries. Almost taken for granted by many control engineers, contact temperature sensing continues to evolve technically. Here’s a look at advances in the technology and a spotlight on process-industry applications that prove that this ‘old dog’ has learned some ‘new tricks.’ Keywords: Instrumentation and process sensors Dick Johnson

Special Report: Controllers, Part 2, Applications. Building on information from Control Engineering’s comprehensive survey, this article will explore evolving applications for various types of controller platforms (PLC, DCS, PC, and embedded) and how technology is enabling their convergence. Keywords: Process and advanced control, Embedded control, Machine control Gary Mintchell

Industrial Automation Show at National Manufacturing Week in Chicago introduces a wide array of technologies to users, integrators, and other suppliers, at the March 18-21 events. Keywords: Shows; conferences; news; trends Jim Montague

Embedded Systems Conference, March 11-14, in San Francisco, brings new technologies for use in embedded control and other areas of industrial automation. Keywords: Embedded control; Shows; conferences; news; trends Jim Montague

Product Focus: Data acquisition Original research from Control Engineering/Cahners Research examines trends and user issues with data acquisition hardware and software. Recent product descriptions from leading suppliers will be included, along with research survey results. Keywords: Instrumentation and process sensors; Software and information integration; data acquisition Dave Harrold

Integrator Update This piece examines challenges and solutions in an application requiring system integration. Keywords: System integration, application Jim Montague

Back to Basics: Wiring/insulation displacement
Insulation displacement connection technology has been speeding wiring terminations for some time. Here’s a look at basic points to know on the topic. Keywords: Machine control; Control components Gary Mintchell

March

COVER: Editors’ Choice Awards
For the 15th year, Control Engineering editors examine a year’s worth of coverage to select the best products. All products selected must have been mentioned in Control Engineering, Control Engineering Online, or Control Engineering e-newsletters during 2001. Criteria for selection includes technological advancement, impact on the market, and service to the industry. Keywords: Best products of 2001; Technology trends Control Engineering staff and Mark Hoske

Motion control research study
Based on inputs from product specifiers and users, results of a comprehensive survey of the motion control market will be summarized, along with an analysis of ‘megatrends’ as suggested by the responses. Views of key motion-control industry experts will also be included. This is a collaborative project between Control Engineering and Design News. Cahners Economics conducted the survey. Keywords: Motors, drives and motion control; Software; Machine control Frank Bartos and John Lewis

Original research from Control Engineering/Cahners Research examines trends and user issues with terminal blocks. Recent product descriptions from leading suppliers will be included, along with research survey results. Keywords: Machine control and discrete sensors; Networks; Control components Dick Johnson

Brush up on these basic things to learn (or remember) about photoelectric sensors. Keywords: Machine control and discrete sensors Gary Mintchell

Second Quarter 2002 Preview

April

COVER: Integrator registration
Automation system integrators have to deal with an increasing complexity of hardware, software, and standards, often connecting new with existing systems. The Control System Integrator Association has created a registration program to certify integrators based on a number of key parameters. Keywords: System integrators, Software and information integration, Control Engineering Automation Integrator Guide at www.controleng.com/integrators Vance VanDoren

Electronic records and regulatory compliance
In 1997 the U.S. government released regulations for electronic record keeping and use of electronic signatures. Until about mid-2000, the regulation remained dormant, but now companies are being cited and fined for non-compliance with these regulations. This article examines the regulation and describes what end-users and control system suppliers can do to achieve compliance. Keywords: Process and advanced control, Software and information integration Dave Harrold

New developments in discrete sensors
Functionality and programmability of photoelectric sensors have increased. Trends in proximity sensors, network-ready provisions, and embedded intelligence are discussed, along with practical application advice. Keywords: Machine control and discrete sensors Gary Mintchell

Safety networks
Hazardous locations and safety-critical situations need industrial network technologies as well. How are industrial networks and their connected devices continuing to adapt to these end-user needs? Keywords: Networks and communications Jim Montague

Show: Sensors Expo
A number of new sensor-related technologies important to industrial applications will be introduced at the May 21-23, San Jose, Calif., Sensors Expo show. Keywords: Machine control and discrete sensors, Instrumentation and process sensors, shows, conferences, news, trends Jim Montague

Product Focus: Transmitters
Original research from Control Engineering/Cahners Research examines trends and user issues related to transmitters. Recent product descriptions from leading suppliers will be included, along with survey results. Keywords: Instrumentation and process sensors, Process and advanced control Dick Johnson

Back to Basics: Valve calibration
Here’s a simple explanation of how to calibrate control valves on a bench so they work well when process dynamics are applied. Keywords: Process and advanced control, Instrumentation and process sensors Dave Harrold

May

COVER: Justify investments for fieldbus
Sure field networks reduce hard-wiring costs. Start-up can be easier because of remote configuration capabilities. Over time, reduced maintenance, easier troubleshooting, greater reliability, and better business intelligence all contribute mightily to the life-cycle value of fieldbus communications. How do you convey these collective benefits within your organization? Keywords: Networks and communications Jim Montague

Course aggregate bulk level sensing
Coarse aggregate materials pose a real challenge to level sensing instrumentation. Although these applications rarely require extreme accuracy, the harsh environment created by the heavy, rough, and dusty materials work to thwart the instrument’s function. This article looks at the technologies that work and the applications that prove they do. Keywords: Instrumentation and process sensors Dick Johnson

Handhelds and wireless operator interface
Handheld computers and wireless capability will be big news in operator interface (actually maintenance and engineering interface). These technologies are maturing and more companies are introducing products. The article will survey what is available, what to look for, and what this means to work on the factory floor. Keywords: Machine control and discrete sensors, Networks and communications, Human-machine interface (HMI) Gary Mintchell

Embedded Systems Show
Embedded Systems Conference, June 5-7, in Chicago, offers new technologies for use in embedded control and other areas of industrial automation. Keywords: Embedded control, shows, conferences, news, trends Jim Montague and Gary Mintchell

Product Focus: Power Supplies
Original Control Engineering/Cahners Research examines trends and user issues with industrial power supplies. Recent product descriptions from leading suppliers will be included, along with research results. Keywords: Control components Dave Harrold

Back to Basics: Slip rings/rotary joints
Slip rings provide the important function of transmitting power and data from a stationary device to a rotating device (or vice versa) in an automation system. Basics of this often-overlooked electromechanical interface will be discussed. Keywords: Motors, drives and motion control; Control components Frank Bartos

June

COVER: Update on Electric Servos
Closed-loop electric servo control remains the most sophisticated motion control method available. Motion systems requiring high dynamic performance rely on servo control. The article will discuss what’s actually new in electric servo technology, updating recent developments, methods, and issues. Expert opinions and product examples will illustrate the concepts. Keywords: Motors, Drives and Motion Control Frank Bartos

Control System redundancy
Control and automation system reliability and availability are important to daily production, but so are costs. This article will examine control system redundancy options and identify how and when to apply redundancy. Keywords: Process and advanced control Dave Harrold

SQL databases
Databases are used increasingly to record, analyze, and relay plant-floor information. What are issues and trends related to software using or incorporating SQL databases? Keywords: Software and information integration Mark Hoske

System integrator application
Here are down-to-earth details of an end-user application. Also covered will be how the system integrator worked with the end-user to achieve agreed-upon goals. Keywords: System integration, Software and information integration, Networks and communications Dick Johnson

Product Focus: I/O Devices
Original Control Engineering/Cahners Research examines trends and user issues related to I/O devices. Recent product descriptions from leading suppliers will be included, along with research results. Keywords: Machine control, Instrumentation, Networks and communications Gary Mintchell

Back to Basics: Gain scheduling
Some processes behave differently when operating near different setpoints. Gain scheduling allows the process controller to adapt its control strategy commensurately whenever the setpoint is changed. Here’s a quick look at how gain scheduling can be accomplished. Keywords: Process and advanced control, Software and information integration Vance VanDoren

Third Quarter 2002 Preview

July

COVER: Embedded control
Along with the need for distributed control (shrinking enclosures, reducing costs, getting control closer to sensors and actuators, reducing wiring, etc.) comes the maturity of embedded control products usually built on ‘PC’ technology. This article will look at embedded technologies, how major automation companies are exploiting them, and what this means to OEM and end-user engineers who are designing new automation systems. Keywords: Embedded control Gary Mintchell

Frequency domain
The ‘frequency domain’ is a mathematical construct that simplifies the analysis of feedback control systems. It can be used to show how the closed-loop system will react to a disturbance, a setpoint change, or a change in the behavior of the process. Here’s an overview of how frequency-domain analysis works. Keywords: Process and advanced control; Software and information integration Vance VanDoren , Dick Johnson

Pressure sensing (also in Control Engineering Europe )
Today’s pressure transmitters are not your father’s pressure-sensing instruments. The article compares and contrasts five essential parameters for pressure transmitters from 1972 to 2002 and explores common instrument practices and opportunities to improve these practices through recent technology enhancements. Keywords: Instrumentation and process sensors Dick Johnson

Product Focus: Discrete sensors (also in Control Engineering Europe )
Original Control Engineering/Cahners Research examines trends and user issues with discrete sensors. Recent product descriptions from leading suppliers will be included, along with research results. Keywords: Machine control and discrete sensors, Control components Dave Harrold

Integrator Update
This piece examines challenges and solutions in an application requiring system integration. Keywords: System integration, application Jim Montague

Back to Basics: Motion control standards
Most say there is a lack of recognized standards for motion control; a few say there are too many. Here is an overview of the subject and some pointers to what standards are available. Keywords: Motors, drives and motion control, standards, tutorials Frank Bartos

August

SPECIAL ISSUE (with August): Control & Automation Buyer’s Guide supplement to Control Engineering and IAN
This comprehensive guide provides listings of control, automation, and instrumentation vendors and is available online at www.controleng.com/buyersguide . The print guide goes to unduplicated buyers/specifiers in large plants (100 employees and greater): 92,610 subscribers, in all. Keywords: Automation, control, and instrumentation manufacturers; companies; vendors; suppliers Jeanine Katzel

COVER: Vision systems (also in Control Engineering Europe )
Development of ‘vision sensors’ has created a new product category of powerful sensing devices for inspection and control. Vision system software-increasingly capable and easy to use-will be reviewed. The article will discuss several ways this power is useful to readers. Also addressed will be new camera and cabling (IEEE 1394) technologies. Keywords: Machine control and discrete sensors, machine vision Gary Mintchell

Integrating quality and knowledge management systems in batch processes
Companies using batch processes apply different business drivers and need to integrate quality and knowledge management tools for use throughout a product’s life-cycle development and production. This article will explore applying ‘system thinking’ to meld quality tools and knowledge management systems. Keywords: Process and advanced control Dave Harrold

Ethernet hardware
There’s lots momentum for Ethernet to reach the plant floor, but data must go through some type of hardware and conversion process. This article will examine some of the helpful hardware, best methods, and successful applications being used to help Ethernet serve in control, automation, and manufacturing settings. Keywords: Networks and communications Jim Montague

Show: Sensors Expo
New sensor-related technologies important to industrial applications will be introduced at the Sept. 24-26, Boston, Mass., Sensors Expo show. Keywords: Machine control and discrete sensors, Instrumentation and process sensors, shows, conferences, news, trends Jim Montague

Product Focus: PLCs / programmable controllers (also in Control Engineering Europe )
Original Control Engineering/Cahners Research examines trends and user issues with programmable logic controllers. Recent product descriptions from leading suppliers will be included, along with research results Keywords: Machine control, Motors, drives, and motion control Dick Johnson

Back to Basics: Humidity sensing (also in Control Engineering Europe )
Humidity sensing technology is taking a larger role in process sensing and control. Here’s a look the basic technology and how it is applied. Keywords: Instrumentation and process sensors Dick Johnson

September

COVER: Integrating control and safety (also in Control Engineering Europe )
Control systems and safety systems use different hardware and software except in a few producer companies. This article will examine how these companies have applied the same hardware and software to safely operate control and safety systems and how what they have learned can be applied using off-the-shelf control and automation system products. Keywords: Process and advanced control, intrinsic safety Dave Harrold

Object-based automation
Use of software objects and components has grown significantly, offering increased power, code reusability, and less cost to control programmers. Also to be discussed are the effects of objects on hardware and overall system design. Keywords: Embedded control, software and information integration, object technology Gary Mintchell

Augmenting veteran networks
If you have a large, installed serial- or 4-20 mA-based network, the only way to upgrade to more useful, modern capabilities is to rip everything out, right? Wrong. Here are ways to secure new networking functions without starting from scratch. Keywords: Networking and communications, serial networks, RS-232, RS-485, 4-20 mA Jim Montague

Process sensors
A closer look at process sensing technology improvements reveals some unexpected results. Keywords: Instrumentation and process sensors Dick Johnson

Product Focus: AC adjustable-speed drives
Original Control Engineering/Cahners Research examines trends and user issues associated with ac adjustable-speed drives. Recent product descriptions from leading suppliers will be included, along with research results. Keywords: Motors, drives and motion control, machine control Frank Bartos

Integrator Update
This piece examines challenges and solutions in an application requiring system integration. Keywords: System integration, application Jim Montague

Back to Basics: Safety relays (also in Control Engineering Europe )
What are safety controllers and their functions, and when should they be used? Here are some insights. Keywords: Machine control, control components Jeanine Katzel

Fourth Quarter 2002 Preview

Cover: Adaptive control (and in Control Engineering Europe )
Commercially available controllers can adapt to conditions they haven’t experienced previously, gaining knowledge on the fly to make the process behave better. Hundreds of techniques for adaptive control have been developed; very few commercially available adaptive controllers can update their control strategies while the process is running. Keywords: Process and advanced control, Software and information integration Vance VanDoren (For more on this topic, see Techniques for Adaptive Control, a book by Vance VanDoren, Control Engineering consulting editor, to be published in October 2002 by Elsevier Science & Technology Books available via Control Engineering Bookstore , a button on the left navigation bar at www.controleng.com .)

Ultrasonic flowmeters (and in Control Engineering Europe )
Ultrasonic flowmeters are highly adaptable instruments. Not only are they usable with a wide variety of process media but they can offer a non-intrusive solution to flow measurement. Here is a look at the basics of ultrasonic technology and applications that demonstrate their expanded capabilities. Keywords: Instrumentation and process sensors Dick Johnson

Chip-based motor/motion control (and in Control Engineering Europe )
Under the banner of ‘smaller, faster, less costly,’ motor and motion control has progressed to the point where chip-level systems can be built from digital signal processor (DSP) and motion processor cores. Reduced parts counts and lower costs are the driving forces. The article will explore current developments of this emerging technology. Keywords: Motors, drives, and motion control, Embedded control Frank Bartos

Internet in process control
A broad class of software shows key performance indicators for manufacturing, design, sales, logistics, or whatever needs monitoring. Such a ‘digital dashboard,’ a human-machine interface or SCADA on steroids, can be rapidly customized to fit users needs and changing business goals. Here’s how to get the most from this software. Keywords: Software and information integration, Process and advanced control (Also the topic of a free Control Engineering webcast, Oct. 16-17; register at www.supplychainlinkexpo.com ) Mark Hoske

ISA Show ISA
Show in Chicago introduces a wide array of technologies at the Oct. 21-24 event. Keywords: Shows; conferences; news; trends; Process and advanced control; Instrumentation and process sensors Jim Montague

Product Focus: Control valves
Original Control Engineering/Reed Research examines trends and user issues with control valves. Recent product descriptions from leading suppliers will be included, along with research results. Keywords: Process and advanced process control, control valves Dave Harrold

Back to Basics: Sequential function charts
Information here will help readers understand how sequential function charts serve as a powerful program organization tool for IEC 61131-3 programming. Keywords: Machine control, Embedded control, Software Gary Mintchell

November

Cover: Robotics (and in Control Engineering Europe)
Up-to-date discussion of robotics technologies includes PC-based implementations, use of IEEE 1394 (Firewire), and integration with automation systems. Examples of practical applications of interest to control engineers will be presented. Keywords: Machine control and discrete sensors; Motors, drives, and motion control Gary Mintchell

Medium-voltage motors (greater than 1kV)
Most electric motors operate with input voltages under 600 V. This article will look at the technology of motors that run on higher supply-at so-called medium voltages. Advantages, downsides, and applications for these motors will be discussed-along with clarifying different definitions for medium voltage. Keywords: Motors, drives, and motion control Frank Bartos

Product Focus: Handheld test and measurement
Original Control Engineering/Reed Research examines trends and user issues with handheld test and measurement devices. Recent product descriptions from leading suppliers will be included, along with research results. Keywords: Human-machine interface, Instrumentation Dick Johnson

Embedded Systems Conference
Embedded Systems Conference, Nov. 18-21, in Boston, offers new technologies for use in embedded control and other areas of industrial automation. Keywords: Embedded control, shows, conferences, news, trends Jim Montague and Gary Mintchell

Integrator Update
This piece examines challenges and solutions in an application requiring system integration. Keywords: System integration, application Jim Montague

Back to Basics: Network connectors
Basic methods for connecting fieldbus, Ethernet, and other industrial networks will be explored, as well as a look at how some of these technologies are evolving and merging. Keywords: Networks and communications Jim Montague

December

Cover: HMI/SCADA software
A recent research report discussed the insurgence of integrated PLC-vendor supplied human-machine interface (HMI) over independent HMI software. Web browsers in a small computer can often be the complete HMI. This article discusses the latest software technologies, their impact on hardware platforms, and a glimpse of what the future holds for HMI software. Keywords: Human-machine interface, Software and information integration, Supervisory control and data acquisition Gary Mintchell

Control valve actuator intelligence (and in Control Engineering Europe)
Valve positioners keep getting smarter, but most of the embedded intelligence is not being used to optimize performance. This article will examine the latest features and identify the benefits intelligent valve positioners deliver. Keywords: Process and advanced control, control valves Dave Harrold

Product Focus: Operator-interface terminals
Original Control Engineering/Reed Research examines trends and user issues with operator-interface terminals. Recent product descriptions from leading suppliers will be included, along with research results Keywords: Human-machine interface (HMI) Dick Johnson

Back to Basics: Network diagnostics
The piece examines most useful ways to evaluate data communication traffic and other network activity with either handheld and/or other instrumentation. Keywords: Networks and communications Jim Montague

Mid-December: SPECIAL ISSUE

Control Engineering Automation Integrator Guide
More than 1,000 listings of system integrators and their partner companies. See online at www.controleng.com/integrators. Keywords: System integration Vance VanDoren ; Jeanine Katzel