Control Engineering's most clicked articles in January 2018 included stories about PID controllers, modular control systems, control and instrumentation results, 2018 technology trends, and VFD management. Miss something? You can catch up here.
Hot topics in Control Engineering, for January 2018, included PID controllers, modular control systems, control and instrumentation results, 2018 technology trends, and VFD management. These are based on the top 10 most read articles online in Control Engineering December. Links to each article below.
1. Not all PID controllers are the same
Variations in the proportional, integral, derivative (PID) algorithm from one controller to the next can be confusing. Here are considerations when applying PID to your next implementation.
2. The benefits of a modular control system design approach
Cover Story: A new automotive production facility used a modular controller design to reduce startup challenges and optimize plant operations for Mitsubishi Chemical Performance Polymers (MCPP).
3. How to select the correct factory automation controller for your application
Cover Story: Picking the right hardware is critical, but users also need to make sure they include controller programming software in the evaluation process.
4. Hot topics in Control Engineering for 2017
Think Again: Control Engineering readers choose hot topics of 2017 based on online traffic at the automation industry website. What can you learn from these top Control Engineering articles of 2017? Also see the top three covers of 2017.
5. Seven tips for better control and instrumentation RFP/RFQ results
A good request for proposal (RFP/RFQ) project should use qualified results, have a defined scope, an architecture overview, and a strong consideration for risk.
6. Bluetooth connectivity makes VFDs safer, easier to use
Variable frequency drive (VFD) manufacturers are introducing a wide range of product advances that improve performance, simplify installation and operation, and increase safety.
7. How to select the correct factory automation controller for your application
Cover Story: Picking the right hardware is critical, but users also need to make sure they include controller programming software in the evaluation process.
8. Five technology trends for 2018
With advancements in automation, industries need to stay on top of the challenges ahead.
9. Four trends in VFD management
Variable frequency drive (VFD) advances enable users to do more with less.
10. Role of CNCs and PLCs in the factory of the future
As automation in manufacturing increases, industrial controllers and control systems are becoming more complex and efficient, which will change the role of computer numerical controls (CNCs) and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) in the factory of the future.
The list was developed using CFE Media’s web analytics for stories viewed on controleng.com, January 1-31, for articles published within the last two months.
On Mondays, see the top 5 articles of the prior week. In January, see the hot topics for the prior year.
Chris Vavra, production editor, CFE Media, [email protected].
