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.
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.
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
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– Compiled by Mark T. Hoske, CFE Media, Control Engineering, www.controleng.com.
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