Jeff Payne

latest from Jeff Payne

Back to the future of the PLC

Figure 3: With its extensive range of features and capabilities, the programmable automation controller (PAC) covers all of the middle ground between the programmable logic controller (PLC) and industrial IPC, with significant overlap into both categories

How to choose the best controller for each application

Figure 3 examines a second programming language: Once ladder diagram programming is removed, there are four options in the second tier of programming methods, with function block diagram as a strong choice for the second programming language. Courtesy: Au

PLM, Control Design

IEC 61131-3: What’s the acceptance rate of this control programming standard?

Figure 3: Only the largest and most complicated applications required the capabilities of the IPC, the most capable but also the most expensive of the controllers covered in this article. Courtesy: AutomationDirect

Convergence of PACs, PLCs, IPCs

Figure 2: High-end PLCs typically include a multitude of communication ports to support the wide variety of industrial communication protocols. Courtesy: AutomationDirect

Discrete Manufacturing

Future of the PLC

Figure 1: PC-based HMIs usually offer full functionality and advanced graphics, albeit at a higher price point than embedded HMI. Courtesy: AutomationDirect

Data Acquisition, DAQ

Integrating HMIs with PLCs and PACs

Figure 1: This diagram of a Web-based client network shows how thin clients greatly enhance the ability to access SCADA systems remotely while saving on network costs. Courtesy: AutomationDirect Inc.

Selecting the right SCADA technology

Control Systems

PLC vs. PAC