Frank Lamb, Automation Consulting LLC

Picking the right discrete sensor for a machine application

There are many considerations for picking a discrete sensor for a machine application. These include if the sensor is being used for position detection or part detection or if the application is hazardous. See four factors for industrial sensor specification.

Distributed controls, smart IO

With processing power increasing, controllers tucked in input/output (I/O) communication blocks make distributed controls easier than ever. With the increased controller capabilities, higher speed/more open communication protocols and more powerful, lower cost microprocessors, more distributed and autonomous systems seems likely.