The total market for distributed and remote I/O devices used with distributed control systems (DCSs), PC-based control, and programmable logic control (PLC) is expected to grow 8.3% per year to $2.8 billion in 2003 from $1.9 billion in 1998, according to a recent report by Venture Development Corp.
Natick, Mass. -The total market for distributed and remote I/O devices used with distributed control systems (DCSs), PC-based control, and programmable logic control (PLC) is expected to grow 8.3% per year to $2.8 billion in 2003 from $1.9 billion in 1998, according to a recent report by Venture Development Corp.
The report, ‘Global Markets and User Needs for Industrial Distributed/Remote I/O,’ states the market for remote and distributed I/O products used only with PC-based systems is projected to grow by 19% per year from $201 million, or 11% of 1998’s total market, to $476 million, or about 17% of 2003’s total market. This growth is expected to displace many current DCS and PLC systems.
Though use of PC-based control for real-time process and machine control has been often limited by nondeterministic operating software and perceived unreliability, user interest in the openness of PC-based systems is growing. This openness lets users buy components from multiple sources, which helps lower prices and improve service; select optimal products for applications; use products from different suppliers without extensive retraining; and interface more easily with other systems for data collection.
The report adds that increased adoption of PC-based control systems is aided by software suppliers providing soft PLC and soft DCS solutions on PC-based architectures and open-networking protocols. Much of this software is being written for Microsoft Windows NT and Windows CE operating systems.
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