Jim Montague, CONTROL ENGINEERING

Articles

Machine Safety November 2, 2018

Ethernet Security, Safety Relies on Common Sense Networking

Networks and communication Ethernet Internet and intranet PC-based control Device-level networks. The price of freedom? A little less freedom. More users are seeking to gain Ethernet's interoperability and flexibility. However, the relatively greater openness of Ethernet can mean increased network vulnerability, especially when networks are linked via the Internet.

By Jim Montague, CONTROL ENGINEERING
Workforce Development September 1, 2004

Zeroing In

Cut to the chase? Long story short? Bottom line? OK, fine. ISA Expo 2004 will be more sharply focused than ever before on the direct benefits it can give users during its three-day run, Oct. 5-7, at the Reliant Center in Houston, TX. This fall's event will revolve around an estimated 500 exhibitors and more than 100 conference sessions in 10 tracks, which are is expected to attract more than th...

By Jim Montague, CONTROL ENGINEERING
Mechatronics and Motion Control July 1, 2004

New jobs, applications for wire, cable, connectors

Change may be the only constant, but, while many software-related changes happen fast and make only incremental changes, a few slowly emerging hardware advances can be pretty revolutionary. For example, recent improvements in wire, cable, and connectors are allowing these essential components to take on new tasks, serve in non-traditional settings, help retool existing networks, and deliver dat...

By Jim Montague, CONTROL ENGINEERING
PLCs, PACs October 1, 2003

Securing New Horizons

We can't see the future, but we can improve the probability of our survival and success with a little foresight, preparation, and willingness to explore new solutions. One way to do this is to attend ISA Expo 2003, Oct. 21-23, at the Reliant Center in Houston, TX. Expected to feature more than 500 exhibitors and attract approximately 15,000 visitors, this year's three-day event is organized by ...

By Jim Montague, CONTROL ENGINEERING
PLCs, PACs August 1, 2002

Ethernet hardware switches, connectors, and parade of other products

Ethernet is picking up steam, speed and force. Enabled, durable components are multiplying. Reliability and security are improving. Costs are decreasing. True interoperability is gaining ground against proprietary pressures. Standards are being developed. And, yes it's true, some information technology (IT) staffers and plant-floor engineers are actually talking and cooperating on networking pr...

By Jim Montague, CONTROL ENGINEERING
Workforce Development May 1, 2002

Spread the Word: Justify Investment in Fieldbus

One or two cables are better than bundles of 20 or 200. End of story. Okay, not end of story. More like beginning of story. Because belief in useful change logically carries the responsibility of making it happen, when one or more users become convinced of a fieldbus' advantages, they must also champion its evaluation and implementation.

By Jim Montague, CONTROL ENGINEERING
Mechatronics and Motion Control February 1, 2002

Inner Workings of Industrial Automation

It's great to be in the right place at the right time. However, getting in position can be difficult, especially in uncertain and tumultuous times.To help engineers and other technical professionals maintain or regain optimum equilibrium, organizers of the National Industrial Automation Show (NIAS), part of National Manufacturing Week (NMW) 2002, have rearranged thousands of exhibits to b...

By Jim Montague, CONTROL ENGINEERING
Process Safety October 1, 2001

Why Not Wireless?

Several forms of wireless communication, data acquisition, monitoring, networking and control are making inroads into control and automation. Wireless, like most new technologies, is fueled by the only force stronger than corporate inertia—the constant search for cost savings, efficiency, and competitive advantage.

By Jim Montague, CONTROL ENGINEERING
Robotics September 10, 2001

Special Show Coverage

Newly reunified ISA 2001, Sept. 10-13, in Houston, Tex., will feature more than 700 exhibitors, technical and emerging technology conferences, applied motion control and sensors-for-measurement symposia, and product pavilions.

By Jim Montague, CONTROL ENGINEERING
Robotics September 10, 2001

Mutual Attraction

Newly reunified ISA 2001, Sept. 10-13, in Houston, Tex., will feature more than 700 exhibitors, technical and emerging technology conferences, applied motion control and sensors-for-measurement symposia, and product pavilions.

By Jim Montague, CONTROL ENGINEERING
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