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Mechanical computer relies on kirigami cubes, not electronics
North Carolina State University researchers have developed a kirigami-inspired mechanical computers. See video.
Qubit array tuned for better quantum computing results
The advance developed by MIT scientists offers a way to characterize a fundamental resource needed for quantum computing.
Blueprint makes quantum computers easier to program
MIT researchers have produced a conceptual model for a more user-friendly quantum computer for the future.
Photonic chips advance electronic technologies
University of Colorado Boulder researchers are using integrated photonics to generate microwave signals for improved communications, navigation and sensing technologies.
The opportunities presented by quantum computing
USC ISI research teams to devise tests for quantum computers to inform Department of Defense (DoD) investment.
2D magnetic materials harnessed for energy-efficient computing
MIT researchers precisely controlled an ultrathin magnet at room temperature, which could enable faster, more efficient computers.
Technique could enhance quantum sensing device sensitivity
MIT researchers have developed a method that helps identify and control larger numbers of atomic-scale defects, to build a bigger system of qubits.
Benefits and characteristics of panel PCs for manufacturers
Panel PCs are often used to run HMI and SCADA software and are a key aspect of many manufacturing industries.
Qubit circuit enables quantum operations with higher accuracy
MIT researchers' advances help bring quantum error correction a step closer to reality and make them almost 100% accurate.
System combines light, electrons to generate faster, greener computing
“Lightning” system connects photons to the electronic components of computers using a novel abstraction, creating a photonic computing prototype to serve real-time machine-learning inference requests.
Automation upgrades reduce sortation system wiring and lower costs
NPI’s singulation and sortation solutions, which leveraged PC-based controls and EtherCAT, helped a California distribution center reduce difficult-to-fill labor requirements while increasing throughput and decreasing turnaround times.
Quantum computing development made with magnetic twist
Researchers detected signatures of “fractional quantum anomalous Hall” (FQAH) states, which is a step toward a fault-tolerant qubit, which is crucial for quantum computing.
Precise nanoLED arrays are grown, developed
MIT researchers have developed nanoLED arrays that could be beneficial for quantum light sources, and augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) displays.
Center to improve advance research for quantum computing, sustainability and more
University of Michigan center, with $18 million in funding from the NSF, is intended to builds a campus-wide ecosystem for designing and manufacturing materials of the future.
Optical light source for quantum computers developed
MIT researchers have developed a device that emits a stream of single photons and could provide a basis for optical quantum computers.
MIT engineers grow atomically thin transistors on top of computer chips
Low-temperature growth and fabrication technology allows the integration of 2D materials directly onto a silicon circuit, which could lead to denser and more powerful computer chips.
Lasers used to recreate twisted superconducting material
Researchers discovered a way to simulate superconductivity that occurs when two sheets of graphene are slightly twisted as they are layered, which could improve quantum computing capabilities.
Nano-sized materials for industrial computing
USC Viterbi researchers are developing new ways to observe the changes in the properties of nano-scale particle-like objects that can be used to make next-generation computers.
Wireless technique helps quantum computing systems keep their cool
MIT researchers have developed a wireless technique that enables a super-cold quantum computer to send and receive data without generating too much error-causing heat.
Engineers discover way to control nuclei to encode quantum information
MIT researchers can directly control a property of nuclei called spin using lasers, which can help them encode quantum information.
Boosting quantum computing signals while reducing noise
Squeezing noise over a broad frequency bandwidth in a quantum computing system could lead to faster and more accurate quantum computing measurements.
Vertical, full-color microscopic LEDs developed
MIT researchers have found that stacking light-emitting diodes (LEDs) instead of placing them side by side could enable fully immersive VR displays.
Randomness helps quantum machines verify their accuracy
Caltech researchers have discovered complex random behaviors naturally emerge from even the simplest, chaotic dynamics in a quantum simulator, which can help improve its accuracy.
Quantum computing architecture designed to connect large-scale devices
MIT researchers have demonstrated directional photon emission, the first step toward extensible quantum interconnects, which could help connect large-scale devices.
Atom-thin materials grown on industrial wafers
MIT researchers have developed a technique that could allow chip manufacturers to produce next-generation transistors based on materials other than silicon.
Semiconductor packaging integration center opened
A group of industrial and government partners announced the creation of a $32.7 million, Penn State-led Center for Heterogeneous Integration of Micro Electronic Systems (CHIMES).
Microlaser chip adding potential to quantum communication, computing
Penn University researchers have developed four-level qudits that enable significant advances in quantum cryptography, raising the maximum secrete key rate for information exchange from 1 bit per pulse to 2 bits per pulse.
Electron movements could help unlock next-level quantum computing
A technique could enable processing speeds a million to a billion times faster than today's computers and spur quantum computing progress.
Superfluorescence burst discovery has potential for quantum computing
Bursts of superfluorescence that occurred at room temperature and regular intervals could lead to the development of faster microchips, neurosensors, or materials for use in quantum computing applications.
Circuit board manufacturing relies on fast IPC control
DP patterning provides flexible conductive pattern technology by leveraging PC-based control, EtherCAT, and artificial intelligence (AI) to meet high-precision machining requirements.
Smart chip senses, stores, computes and secures data
A smart chip that has transistors made out of molybdenum disulfide will be able to better protect someone's data with less battery drain.
Optical switch could improve signal processing
Caltech researchers have developed an optical, rather than electronic, switch, which could aid efforts to achieve ultrafast all-optical signal processing and computing.
Soft computing in action with an intelligent battery pack
The intelligent battery pack can be made safer by using soft computing techniques to make process variables more reliable and consistent.
How to improve OT network visibility
The Dragos 2021 Year In Review highlighted four key findings on: OT network visibility, poor security perimeters, external connections to the industrial control systems (ICS) environments, and separation of IT and OT user management.
Quantum computing phase changes show tipping point
Researchers at Duke University and the University of Maryland have used the frequency of measurements on a quantum computer to get a glimpse into the quantum computing phenomena of phase changes – something analogous to water turning to steam.
Research team integrates machine learning into chip design
Texas A&M researchers are working on electronic design automation (EDA) technology with machine-learning techniques to keep pace with chip design complexity.
Laser pulse development paves the way for processing quantum information
University of Michigan researchers have found how quantum materials emit light as though it were only a positive pulse, rather than a positive-negative oscillation.
Quantum circuits developed for noise resiliency
Researchers are working on developing a technique that makes the quantum circuit itself resilient to noise to improve quantum computing's performance.
Magnets could lead the way to better quantum computers
Argonne National Laboratory scientists have achieved efficient quantum coupling between two distant magnetic devices, which may be useful for creating new quantum information technology devices.
Shrinking quantum computing qubits with 2D materials
Using 2D materials, Columbia University researchers have built superconducting qubits that are a fraction of the size of previous qubits, paving the way for smaller quantum computers.
Making a “computer” out of liquid crystals
University of Chicago researchers have developed a method using liquid crystals for computations, which could pave the way for applications in robotics and other applications using soft materials.
Quantum computing project launched in Germany
Fraunhofer IPMS is working on a quantum computer with improved error rates in a collaborative project QSolid coordinated by Forschungszentrum Jülich.
Product advice on tough industrial PCs
Next-generation industrial PCs (IPCs) that are genuinely industrial-grade are foundational for successful edge computing and analytics applications, according to a company with a Control Engineering Engineers’ Choice Award product. See seven attributes of a good IPC design.
Five-phase approach to improving operational technology PCs
Improving operational technology (OT) PCs is crucial as attacks against industrial control systems (ICSs) continue rising. Five strategies are highlighted.
Tiny materials lead to quantum computing advance
Using ultrathin materials to reduce the size of superconducting qubits may help make personal-sized quantum computing devices according to MIT researchers.
Integrated machine vision optimizes automated component assembly
German machine builder Aixemtec accelerates high-precision assembly of micro-optics with innovative automation solutions, reducing setup by a factor of eight.
Photonic chip for isolating light might help miniaturizing quantum devices
University of Illinois researchers have developed a compact photonic circuit that uses sound waves to rein in light, which could help miniaturize quantum computing devices.
High-performance computing research for clean energy
The DOE announced up to $3 million to connect industry partners with U.S. National Laboratory high-performance computing (HPC) resources for clean energy technology.
Quantum computing, AI prompts a smarter power grid
Cornell University researchers are using quantum computing and artificial intelligence (AI) to make a smarter power grid to reduce blackouts and other issues.
Correlated electrons ‘tango’ in a perovskite oxide at the extreme quantum limit
A rare quantum material has been found by the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, which could help accelerate quantum computing research and development.
The IPC requirements of complex control
As automation technologies and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) become more commonplace in modern manufacturing, the requirements of control hardware have increased.
Productivity increases with cloud-connected IPC
Glidewell Dental used flexible, scalable automation, EtherCAT, and IIoT solutions to modernize prosthetic tooth factory
Six steps to improve computer hardening
Computer hardening is about making systems resistant to cybersecurity attacks, which is something engineers are becoming more aware of. Six tips are highlighted.
Redundant and fail-safe controller CPU
The SIMATIC S7-1500 controller family is extended by a redundant controller which also allows to implement fail-safe applications.
New combination of materials provides progress toward quantum computing
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute researchers have demonstrated how the future of quantum computing may depend on the further development and understanding of semiconductor materials known as transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs).
Perovskite superfluoresces could benefit quantum computing
A commonly-studied perovskite can superfluoresce at temperatures practical to achieve and at timescales long enough to make it potentially useful in quantum computing applications.
Reducing quantum computing errors
MIT researchers demonstrate a way to sharply reduce errors in two-qubit gates, a significant advance toward fully realizing quantum computation.
Odd angles make for strong spin-spin coupling for quantum technology
Rice University researchers have found an orthoferrite material showing uniquely tunable interactions that could have a major impact on quantum technology and sensing.
Computer developed to act more in tune with nature
Purdue University engineers are building a probabilistic computer designed to act more like quantum computers rather than traditional computers.
Global silicon revenues rise in 2020
In spite of disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the semiconductor history had a strong finish to 2020, almost reaching the sales high achieved in 2018.
Semiconductor group urges support for manufacturing, research funding
SEMI, along with 16 other organizations, are pushing the Biden administration to bolster semiconductor manufacturing and research in the U.S., which accounts for an eighth of global production.
LED developed for direct integration into computer chips
Researchers have fabricated a silicon chip with fully integrated LEDs, bright enough to enable sensor and communication technologies, which could streamline manufacturing and also provide better performance for nanoscale electronics.
Optimizing materials design with minimal data
A computational approach to accelerate the design of materials exhibiting metal-insulator transitions (MIT) has been developed and it could lead to faster microelectronics and quantum information systems
PC control redefines intralogistics distribution center efficiency
How to move 67,000 garment shuttles, boost efficiency and communicate through EtherCAT
Hybrid process developed to produce larger quantum computer chips
MIT engineers have developed a hybrid process that connects photonics with “artificial atoms,” to produce the largest quantum chip of its type.
Portable system boosts laser precision for quantum computing
An MIT-designed miniature “squeezer” reduces quantum noise in lasers at room temperature, which could enable better laser precision for quantum computing and gravitational-wave detection.
Critical communications component made on flexible wooden film
University of Wisconsin researchers have constructed a functional microwave amplifier circuit on wooden film, which has the potential to decrease the size of control system devices and systems.
Excitons can be manipulated for electronic, quantum computing applications
Rice University researchers found that excitons can be manipulated in new and useful ways, which could be beneficial for electronic, spintronic and quantum computing applications.
Rapid testing production lines adapt to combat COVID-19 using PC control
Ginolis Ltd. in Qulunsalo, Finland, has converted existing rapid testing equipment lines to produce COVID-19 testing kits using automation technology and PC control.
Graphene twists could help engineer quantum computing devices
Results from MIT research could help designers engineer high-temperature superconductors and quantum computing devices.
Method for easier scaling of quantum computing devices developed
An MIT research team has developed a method to “recruit” neighboring quantum bits that may help researchers scale up quantum computing devices.
Microchip capabilities expanded with 3D inductor technology
University of Illinois researchers have expanded a microchip's capabilities by using 3D components on a standardized 2D microchip manufacturing platform.
Research center for quantum science and engineering established
Indiana University has established a new research center to pursue the rapidly developing field of quantum science and engineering.
Supercomputer launched to honor university’s 200th anniversary
Indiana University’s supercomputer, Big Red 200, launched for the university's bicentennial, has greater than 6 quadrillion floating-point operations per second, or petaFLOPS.
What kind of redundancy: Mirrored server or edge devices?
This advice will help with the decision between an industrial mirrored server or twin edge devices when designing a new computing system or control system architecture. Short video gives three edge computing tips.
Laser pulse creates frequency doubling in amorphous dielectric material
Georgia Tech researchers have demonstrated an all-optical technique for creating second-order nonlinear effects in materials that aren't normally supported, which could improve optical computers and high-speed data processors.
Machine-learning tool predicts code’s speed on computer chips
MIT researchers have invented a machine-learning tool called Ithemal, which predicts how fast computer chips will execute code from various applications.
University to collaborate on developing software stacks for quantum computers
The Georgia Institute of Technology announced its agreement to join the IBM Q Hub at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to help advance quantum computing research.
Many-core technology fills in the blanks for advanced machine control
Cover Story: As machines incorporate more complex components and software, many-core industrial PCs (IPCs) offer the processing and core isolation capabilities to realize smart factory and Industry 4.0 concepts. How many cores do certain applications need?
University receives grant to construct high-performance computing cluster
Clarkson University received an NSF grant to construct a new high-performance computing cluster to support data and computationally intensive projects.
Awards given for high-performance computing programs
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announces a $3.6 million investment in high-performance computing to help address key challenges in U.S. manufacturing, material, and mobility development.
Quantum technology seeks to control light with precision
Stanford University researchers have has built an integrated circuit to control the flow of light through a diamond chip, which could help create quantum processors that are faster than the fastest electronic computers today.
Graphene nanoribbons developed to increase computing power
Engineers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have devised a method to grow graphene nanoribbons directly on top of silicon wafers for more powerful and energy-efficient computers.
Diamond-based quantum sensor fabricated on a silicon chip
MIT researchers have fabricated a diamond-based quantum sensor on a silicon chip. The advance, called a nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center, could pave the way toward low-cost, scalable hardware for quantum computing, sensing, and communication.
Advanced microprocessor built out of carbon nanotubes
MIT researchers have developed an approach that harnesses the same fabrication processes used for silicon chips, offers key advance toward next-generation computers.
Tunable 2-D material developed for optoelectronics, advanced computing
Rice University researchers are developing 2-D transition metal dichalcogenides, which could be useful for optoelectronic applications and quantum computing.
Top 5 Control Engineering articles July 22-28
Articles about computer integration, data analytics, HMI safety, mobile devices, and smart manufacturing were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from July 22-28. Miss something? You can catch up here.
Research examines computer software code understanding and documentation
A team of researchers at Texas A&M University looked at the best way to document computer code by using samples and found that good naming, and comment were more important than good documentation.
Data-compression technique developed for faster computer programs
A technique developed by MIT researchers frees up more memory used by computers and mobile devices, allowing them to run faster and perform more tasks simultaneously.
Control Engineering hot topics, March 2019
Control Engineering's most clicked articles in March 2019 included stories about the Engineers' Choice Awards, edge computing advantages, manufacturing and process facility trends, Big Data analysis, and more. Miss something? You can catch up here.
Supercomputer developed to explore science and engineering breakthroughs
Argonne National Laboratory’s exascale computer, Aurora, will launch in 2021 and will support machine learning and data science workloads alongside traditional modeling and simulation workloads.
Four high-performance computing projects selected for steel, aluminum manufacturers
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced nearly $1.2 million for four projects to support American steel and aluminum manufacturers in improving energy efficiency, increasing productivity, and accelerating manufacturing innovation.
Gaining the edge in automation
Edge computing advances give users more options for architecting automation systems as well as flexible communication and programming choices.
Top 5 Control Engineering articles March 4-10
Articles about edge computing opportunities, the Engineers' Choice Awards, open architecture advantages, robotics 101, and manufacturing and process facility trends were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from March 4-10. Miss something? You can catch up here.
10 best practices for edge computing
When choosing, installing, and using an edge computing device for a manufacturing or process facility application, these 10 best practices can help.
Hardware capabilities impact edge computing success
Industrial PCs offer a range of processing capabilities, form factors, and certifications that engineers must consider when implementing edge computing strategies in new applications or legacy systems.
Edge computing for efficiency, quality
Edge devices streamline operations and offer many benefits including enhanced efficiencies and quality of service for industrial manufacturers.
Digitalization, Industrie 4.0, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) as market drivers
With the drive to digitalization, and trends such as Industrie 4.0, smart manufacturing, and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), industries face challenges such as improving production flexibility and reducing changeover time between production runs.
University to create college of computing to address current and future challenges
MIT announced a $1 billion commitment to address the global opportunities and challenges presented by the prevalence of computing and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) with the MIT Stephen A. Schwarzman College of Computing, which will be completed by 2022.
Automation interfaces advance
Human-machine interfaces (HMIs) and other operator interface devices are being pushed to the edge of rugged applications to combine the best features of classic interfaces with modern commercial technologies.
Cloud computing should be considered by companies of all sizes
A cloud-based smart manufacturing strategy is going to be driven by business needs, but it can offer major benefits regardless of the company's size.
How much control goes to the cloud?
Cloud computing is gaining ground as industrial plants become more efficient, but it’s important to recognize where computing is needed and where it should be taking place.
Chips developed for microcontroller unit applications
MediaTek announced it has collaborated with Microsoft to deliver the first of a family of ARM-based Azure Sphere chips, the MT3620, which is designed to create a secure microcontroller unit (MCU) powered devices for connected applications.
Microsoft investing in IoT technology, partner ecosystem
Microsoft will be revamping its Internet of Things (IoT) strategy over the next four years by setting aside $5 billion to grow its partner ecosystem, develop a more intelligent edge environment, and build on existing products and services.
Fog computing conference to address, IoT, 5G, other future developments
The second edition of the Fog World Congress in San Francisco will bring together industry leaders, technologists and researchers from around the world to discuss, explore and share fog computing insights, research, applications, and projections.
Cloud service models and responsibilities
Manufacturing organizations choosing to use cloud services must specify requirements for their software applications and data that satisfies the needs of their business processes.
Harnessing information to optimize asset utilization
Modern businesses can take command of the quantity and quality of information rather than process it robotically from databases with digitization and harness the data into useful streams of information to improve operations and efficiency.
Fog computing for industrial automation
How to develop a secure, distributed automation architecture in a data-driven world: Two examples and five advantages of fog computing are highlighted.
Defining the value of edge computing
Explore the three important factors of deploying an edge computing solution.
Key drivers and benefits of edge computing for smart manufacturing
Edge computing means faster response times, increased reliability and security. Five edge computing advantages are highlighted.
Energy efficient encryption for the IoT
Special-purpose chip developed by MIT researchers is designed to reduce power consumption of public-key encryption by 99.75% while increasing speed 500-fold.
Cloud computing challenges and fears for manufacturers
Cloud computing is changing the world of manufacturing, but many companies are concerned about visibility and security when it comes to their information and security.
Selecting an automation controller
Consider these criteria when selecting an automation controller for motion, robotics, machines, and other applications.
How to select the correct factory automation controller for your application
Picking the right hardware is critical, but users also need to make sure they include controller programming software in the evaluation process.
Autonomous systems need a degree of trust to work
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) unveiled a research program called Assured Autonomy that aims to advance the ways computing systems can learn and evolve as well as emphasizing the need for trust in autonomous systems as they become more common.
Top 5 Control Engineering articles August 21-27: PC-based controls, augmented reality, IIoT and cobots, more
Articles about PC-based controls, augmented reality and process control, IIoT and collaborative robots, robots on the assembly line, and reducing alert load were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from August 21-27. Miss something? You can catch up here.
Internet, edge computing groups sign memorandum of understanding
The Industrial Internet Consortium (IIC) and the Edge Computing Consortium (ECC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to partner on shared interests of advancing the industrial internet and edge computing.
Scientists developing atoms that could be used for quantum computers
A team of scientists at the University of Surrey have developed technology where single phosphorous atoms are trapped inside crystals of silicon and are positioning these atoms in a fixed grid structure could pave the way for reliable quantum computers.
Scalable fanless control cabinet PCs
Advantech’s UNO-3283G and UNO-3285G fanless PCs deliver high-performance computing.
Compact industrial computers for IIoT applications
The SmartAIO U7-300 series computers from EFCO offer gateway connectivity for IIoT applications.
Modularized industrial PCs for machine building applications
Advantech's ACP-2020 and ACP-4020 rackmount industrial PCs (IPCs) feature self-diagnosis, remote manageability, and modularized design and the IPC-603 and IPC-631 are designed to make cable routing and maintenance easier.
Control Engineering hot topics, February 2017
Control Engineering's most clicked articles in February 2017 included stories about the Engineers' Choice Award winners, safety instrumented systems, differences between PLCs and computers, matrix VFD technology, and multi-platform fluency. Miss something? You can catch up here.
Top 5 Control Engineering articles February 13-19: Engineers’ Choice, pick the right controller, PLC and computer differences, more
Articles about the Engineers' Choice winners, picking the right controller, PLC and computer differences, wireless and industrial applications, and reasons to be fluent in multiple platforms were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from February 13-19. Miss something? You can catch up here.
Six key differences between PLCs and computers
On the surface, programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and computers are similar, but PLCs can perform discrete and continuous control functions that a computer can't.
Top 5 Control Engineering articles January 30 to February 5: IIoT advice, matrix VFD technology, choosing the best controller, more
Articles about the IIoT and manufacturing, matrix VFD technology, choosing the best controller for each application, 2017 manufacturing technology predictions, and robotics software for the next generation were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from January 30 to February 5. Miss something? You can catch up here.
What controller fits your application?
Controllers available for modern applications include programmable logic controllers (PLCs), programmable automation controllers (PACs), distributed control systems (DCS), industrial PCs (IPCs) or PC-based control, and embedded (board-level) controllers. What criteria should be used to choose among them and why?
Control Engineering hot topics, January 2017
Control Engineering's most clicked articles in January 2017 included stories about control panel design, time-sensitive networking, the 2016 System Integrator Giants, choosing the best controller, and robotics software for the next generation. Miss something? You can catch up here.
Compact module processors for harsh outdoor environments
Kontron's COMe-cAL6 comprises modules with cost-efficient, dual-core configurations for indoor, digital signage applications as well as quad-core modules for deployment in harsh outdoor environments.
Embedded computing market projected to grow, but challenges remain
IHS Markit's projects that the embedded computing market, currently valued at an estimated $2.54 billion in 2015, will grow for the next 5 years at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.7%, but ATCA revenues have declined.
How a PC-based control system is an option for every application
Cover Story: As automation technology accelerates in the industry, PC-based control is an option for every application and for successful implementation for Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and Industrie 4.0 initiatives.
How to choose the best controller for each application
Cover Story: Consider the features and typical applications for industrial controllers to understand what type of controller fits each application. Do you need a programmable logic controller (PLC), programmable automation controller (PAC), or industrial PC (IPC)? See comparison tables for PLCs, PACs, and IPCs.
Panel PC for industrial applications
Advantech's PPC-6151C is a 15-in. true-flat resistive touch TFT LCD display modular configurable panel PC with a 2.5" SATA HDD bay and is designed for industrial applications in a wide range of environments.
Industrial PC for space-restricted application areas
Beckhoff's C6015 Industrial PC (IPC) is designed for application areas with pronounced cost or space restraints.
Solution-ready platforms, IIoT application expansion major focus at Advantech conference
Executives at Advantech’s 2016 IIoT World Partner Conference focused on solution-ready platforms (SRPs) and sharing platform business model to accelerate the Industrial Internet of Things’ (IIoT) application development. Energy and environment, smart manufacturing, industrial equipment manufacturing, and networking are among areas of focus.
Big Data analytics survey: Two-thirds of manufacturers continue investments
Control Engineering International: A recent survey of senior manufacturing executives says manufacturers plan to continue investments in data analytics, a key component of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), to help navigate difficult business conditions, avoid unscheduled downtime, and maximize revenue. Control Engineering Europe reports on an automation vendor survey.
3-D-printed structures shrink when heated
Engineers from MIT, the University of Southern California have manufactured 3-D printed structures that shrink when heated to an extreme temperature, which could lead to heat-resistant circuit boards.
Using automation to scare the neighbors on Halloween
Automation is used in ghoulish and frightful ways by one particular sales manager on Halloween who is determined to satisfy his children's urge and desire to scare. See video for more frights and scares.
Cybersecurity experts recommend a different approach
The cybersecurity mindset is still mired in the past, said expert Joel Langill at ICSJWG 2016, and companies need to take an approach that includes cyber and wireless security as well as physical.
EC: Industrial PC v800-P with touchscreen
Hardware — Integrated HMI controllers: Industrial PC v800-P offers a distinctive design with maximum functionality and a strong platform for demanding user interface concepts. A high degree of standardization guarantees maximum availability and protection of software investments. This is a Control Engineering 2017 Engineers’ Choice Awards Finalist.
EC: APAX-5580 hot-swappable industrial PC
Machine & Embedded Control — PLCs, PACs, industrial PCs: APAX-5580 is a PC-based control platform with comprehensive I/O modules, communication ports, and control software designed for integrating operation and information technology. This is a Control Engineering 2017 Engineers’ Choice Awards Finalist.
EC: CX8095 Embedded PC wih an EtherNet/IP connection to EtherCAT
Machine & Embedded Control — PLCs, PACs, industrial PCs: The CX8095 Embedded PC from Beckhoff links EtherCAT I/O to EtherNet/IP devices. This is a Control Engineering 2017 Engineers’ Choice Awards Finalist.
Software for mobile phones, tablets, and PCs in process applications
The FactoryTalk Batch View software from Rockwell Automation lets users to access real-time information and interact with their process from the plant floor to the production office through a consistent user interface.
Using modern computer and TV screens to enhance HMIs
Modern human-machine interface (HMI) computers are now often using more and larger monitors and 4K is becoming more common for users. When choosing a monitor to act as an HMI, there are many aspects to consider.
Embedded industrial PC series for harsh environments
Adlink Technology's MXC-6400 series of high-performance expandable fanless embedded computers is designed to meet intelligent transportation system (ITS) needs for rolling stock, maritime operations, in-vehicle infotainment, and high-speed data processing, and mission-critical industrial automation.
Computer-on-modules with embedded security
Kontron's COMe-bSL6 and COMe-bSL6R E2S are computer-on-modules (COMs) that are equipped with hardware-based embedded security solution approtect and can be used in harsh and rugged environments.
Panel PC for compact applications
Advantech’s PPC-3060S is a 6.5-in. industrial-grade panel PC that is designed for compact applications and has a flat display with no bezel.
Compact IPC platform for factory and machine automation applications
Advantech's MIC-7500 is a compact modular inter-process communication (IPC) platform is designed for factory and machine automation applications and can be used in harsh temperature conditions.
Industrial chassis for factory, building applications
Advantech's ACP-2020 is a 2U rackmount industrial chassis that enables self-diagnostics and remote monitoring of power, temperature, and fan speed status.
Fanless industrial PC for production applications
Lanner's LEC-7230-CT1 is a fanless small form factor (SFF) industrial computer that is designed for many applications such as production line automation, surveillance network video recorders (NVRs), home gateway, digital signage, and retail point-of-service.
Mobile HMI improves plant operations
Cover Story: Once a mobile device is connected to the IIoT and can access real-time manufacturing data, it can improve plant operations by helping decision makers when they need the information.
IoT gateway industrial computer with protocol library
Advantech’s UNO-1251G is a DIN-rail mountable IoT gateway industrial computer that features built in CANbus and is designed for networking intelligent I/O devices such as sensors and actuators.
Industrial PC for real-time motion control applications
KEB America's C6 Smart iPC is designed for applications requiring coordinated real-time motion control.
Chip design for faster parallel programming created
Researchers from MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) have developed a chip design called Swarm, that is designed to make parallel programs more efficient but easier to write.
Rackmount box PC for power substation deployment
Lanner's LEC-3231 is an industrial-grade, rackmount box PC designed for power substation deployment and is configured with multiple I/O ports with isolated protection to fulfill industrial control system requirements.
PC-based controls: Busting myths, revealing benefits
PC-based control systems provide many benefits and simplified solutions for industrial applications, including performance, decreased costs, and increased system lifecycle benefits. See five PC-based control myths and nine industrial PC benefits.
Multi-touch stationary panel for chemical, food and beverage applications
Advantech's SPC-1881WP is a widescreen multi-touch stationary panel is suitable for areas such as food and beverage or chemical manufacturing.
Streamlining assembly systems using PC-based control
Beckhoff’s Shane Novacek recently spoke with Adam Moyer, principal controls engineer at Itron, to discuss how the company has used PC- and EtherCAT-based automation technology to improve manufacturing efficiency and save costs at its Waseca, Minn. facility. Data acquistion is 15% to 20% faster in overall process cycle time. Machine programming takes one-fifth the time. Cabinet space is 25% less. Downtime is 5% less.
Industrial PCs and monitors for machine visualization
Lenze's v200-P Monitor, and v800-C and v800-P industrial PCs feature multi-touch for modern machine visualization and are designed for plant automation, material handling, and other industrial machine applications.
Embedded PC series for DIN-rail mounted controllers
Beckhoff's CX8190 Embedded PC series has a bus coupler format for TwinCAT 3 automation software and is designed for DIN rail-mounted controllers.
Fanless touch panel PC for industrial environments
Advantech’s PPC-3100S ultra-slim low power fanless touch panel PC features a diagnostic display as well as a die-cast aluminum alloy enclosure with IP65 protection.
Computing node for harsh and rugged environments
Kontron's VX3058 is a computing node designed for demanding military server and other high performance embedded computing (HPEC) applications such as virtual machine architectures.
Rising industrial PC market projected to stabilize by 2018
IHS reports that the industrial PC market is expected to stabilize by 2018 due to an expected improvement in the outlook for process industry investment and the continued use of industrial PCs in applications outside of industrial automation.
Manufacturer wins Hermes Award for second time
The Harting Technology Group won the Hermes Award for the second time at Hannover Messe Sunday night with its Harting Modular Industry Computing Architecture (MICA), which is a mini-industrial computer.
Single board computer for extensive IO support
Acromag's XVME-6700 is a 6U VME single board computer utilizes the Intel 8-Series QM87 QM87 PCH chipset for extensive input/output (I/O) support and has extended temperature models for harsh conditions.
Internet of Things solutions program launched
The Dell IoT Solutions Partner Program has been launched for the advancement of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies and solutions. The program will combine a global, multi-tiered network of experienced independent software vendors (ISVs) with a portfolio of IoT assets.
Fanless mini PC for wide range temperature operation
Stealth.com's LPC-175F is a fanless mini PC has a wide operating temperature range and operates from an external 12Vdc power adapter or can be connected to an external dc source making it ideal for mobile and remote applications.
PC gateway series for IoT, industrial applications
Dell's Edge Gateway 5000 Series are designed to connect users to the Internet of Things (IoT) as well as aggregate, secure and relay data from sensors and equipment.
Industrial PC for HMI, PLC communication
Lanner Electronics' LEC-6030 box PC is designed to operate and communicate with PLC (programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and human-machine interfaces (HMIs) and comes with isolated communication ports to protect against electrical surges in critical infrastructures.
Touch computer for harsh mobile applications
Janam Technologies' XT2 touch computer is an Android-powered mobile computer for workers in field service, automotive inspections, and transportation and logistic applications.
Control units designed for CANopen protocol slave devices
ICP DAS USA's CAN-8823 control units have 8 slots for I/O expansion and work with most digital remote I/O modules.
Core-isolation enables virtualization for industrial applications
For managing servers and other applications, virtualization has become a major tool in the IT space that provides huge benefits; core-isolation can minimize the amount of physical hardware that must be purchased as well as provide additional automation benefits to users.
Panel PC for automation and HMI applications
The UPC-V315-QM77 rugged panel PC from Logic Supply is designed for industrial automation, kiosk, access control, inventory management and other human-machine interface (HMI) applications.
Industrial panel PC and HMI touch panels
American Industrial Systems' (AIS) series of Industrial Panel PCs (IPCs) and HMI Touch Panels feature a multilingual user interface (MUI), which is designed to provide users a localized user interface for globalized applications and user interface language resource management.
Top 5 Control Engineering articles, February 29 to March 6: Engineers’ Choice, IIoT implementation benefits, free computer programs, more
Articles about the 2016 Engineers' Choice Awards winners, neural networks in process control, ladder logic, free computer programs, and mathematical models and process spill values were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from February 29 to March 6. Miss something? You can catch up here.
Creating a universal robot controller for Industrie 4.0
Control Engineering International: A controller designed for independent robot developers aims to help the Chinese robot market to continue to grow rapidly, according to Control Engineering China.
Embedded systems for remote operation in harsh conditions
Advantech’s ADAM-3600 remote terminal unit (RTU) can be used in any inhospitable region where devices need to be managed remotely.
Embedded box PC series for industrial environments
Dell's Embedded Box PC 3000 Series and 5000 industrial PC series are fanless machines designed for environments that require little noise and feature DIN-rail, VESA, and wall mount options.
Understanding fiber-optic network technology for SCADA
Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) networks have undergone significant changes, and the technological developments have made fiber-optic technology a viable solution for users looking to build a network.
PC-based control platform for integration IT, OT
Advantech's APAX-5580 Control Industrial PC (IPC) Is a PC-based control platform with I/O modules, communication ports, and control software. It is designed for integrating operation technology (OT) and information technology (IT) to take advantage of Industrie 4.0.
PC-based control drives global adoption of Industrie 4.0, IIoT concepts
PC-based control systems are at the front lines of automation technology and information technology convergence (AT/IT) as businesses find ways to funnel data into a useful, actionable form designed to empower decision makers as they look to stay competitive.
Collaboration on time-sensitive networking testbed announced
National Instruments (NI), Bosch Rexroth, Cisco, Intel, Kuka, Schneider Electric and TTTech are collaborating with the Industrial Internet Consortium (IIC) on a time-sensitive networking testbed.
11 free programs for your computer, part 1
These freeware programs are designed to be useful to any computer user regardless of experience that help enhance a feature or improve operational efficiency.
Embedded systems solution for industrial automation applications
Mentor Graphics' Mentor Embedded Linux (MEL) platform has been updated to Yocto 2.0 and expanded to include security enhancements that are designed to protect data and process interactions.
Standardizing, simplifying device to host FDI integration
Companies should expect to start hearing a lot more about FDI in 2016, as products that support this new device integration standard come to market. Control Engineering Europe reports on FDI's journey so far.
Industrial PC designed for harsh environments
Advantech’s ECU-4784 industrial PC is IEC-61850-3 certified and is designed to meet electromagnetic interference (EMI), temperature, and shock/vibration resistance requirements.
Industrial panel PC for controllers, motion applications
Beckhoff's C6905 control cabinet PC and CP6706 7-in. built-in panel PC are designed for use as small and medium-sized machine controllers, motion applications and complex graphic applications.
Networking group celebrates 15th anniversary
The CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA) marked its 15th anniversary since the founding of the organization and the birth of the family of CC-Link open automation network technologies.
Top 5 Control Engineering articles, January 11-17: Microsoft Windows XP Embedded, 2015 SI Giants, more
Articles about Microsoft Windows XP Embedded, the 2015 SI Giants, flow measurement challenges, and heat exchanger control strategies were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from January 11-17. Miss something? You can catch up here.
Top Control Engineering articles of 2015
Think Again: Salary survey and career advice, variable frequency drive help, process control tutorials, and help with programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and distributed control systems (DCSs) are among the top 20 Control Engineering articles of 2015. Also see the top 20 rankings for 2015 and prior.
Panel PC series for hygienic and extreme applications
Aplex Technology's APC-3X94P/R series of panel PCs are designed to operate in food and beverage, chemical and other applications where hygiene is a must and they feature projected capacitive touch and resistive touch panels.
Industrial PC with SCADA, HMI software
General Electric's SCADA Edge IPC is designed to deliver streamlined, real-time visibility and control and improve decision-making, increase operator effectiveness, and reduce downtime in small- and medium-sized industrial applications.
Industry forum event to focus on IIoT, information technology trends
The 20th annual ARC Industry Forum will focus on how developments such as Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Industrie 4.0 and the connected enterprise are moving to a stage where real solutions are emerging for manufacturers in a variety of industries.
An unsupported ICS is not an easy upgrade for end users
When it comes to an unsupported industrial control system (ICS), it isn’t enough to just be aware of a vulnerability. The user needs to take action and know which steps to take to keep their system secure.
Top 5 Control Engineering articles, December 14-20: Engineers’ Choice finalists, arc flash safety, electrical noise and EMI, more
Articles about the Engineers' Choice finalists; support arc flash incident energy analysis; electrical noise and EMI; fixing PID; and PLCs, PACs, or IPCs were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from December 14-20. Miss something? You can catch up here.
Top 5 Control Engineering articles, December 7-13: System Integrators of the Year; Engineers’ Choice finalists; PLCs, PACs, or IPCs; more
Articles about the System Integrators of the Year; Engineers' Choice finalists; PLCs, PACs, or IPCs; fixing PID; and System Integrator of the Year winner Matrix Technologies were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from December 7-13. Miss something? You can catch up here.
Top 10 Control Engineering articles, November 11 to December 10: Engineers’ Choice finalists; PLCs, PACs, or IPCs; PLC or DCS; more
Articles about the Engineers' Choice finalists; PLCs, PACs, or IPCs; choosing between a PLC and DCS; fixing PID; and critical decisions for selecting pressure transmitters were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from November 11 to December 10. Miss something? You can catch up here. Also see what ranked 6-10.
Matrix Technologies, Maumee, Ohio
A member of the Control Engineering System Integrator Hall of Fame, Matrix Technologies continues to build on its long history of service to the integrator community. While the company is proud of its growth in revenue, it also spent the last four years improving its internal employee relations program. See video discussion below.
Industrial PC series preconfigured with motion controller
Aerotech's Automation Motion Server products features the A3200 motion controller operating in a 64-bit Microsoft Windows operating system and is available in panel-mount and rack-mount versions.
PC-based software deploys, configures mobile robots
Adept MobileEyes software tool manages Adept Lynx mobile robot applications, helping with configuration, mapping, and deployment.
Top 5 Control Engineering articles, November 23-29: Engineers’ Choice finalists, PLC or DCS, pressure transmitters, more
Articles about the Engineers' Choice finalists; choosing between a PLC and DCS; pressure transmitter selection; PLCs, PACs, or IPCs for a project; and selecting a controller were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from November 23-29. Miss something? You can catch up here.
Industrial PC for mission-critical applications
American Industrial Systems' (AIS) Premium Industrial Box PC is designed to meet the demands of complex discrete or process control application and is suitable for demanding measuring, open-loop and closed-loop control tasks.
Software controller for industrial PCs
Siemens' Simatic S7-1500 software controller is designed to operate on industrial PCs and features include integrated system diagnostics with a mouse click, motion, and security functions.
Vehicle-mount computer for mobile applications
Zebra Technologies' VC80 is a vehicle-mount computer for mobile applications and it is designed to extend any PC-based application to material handling vehicle operators requiring mobile access to desktop applications that improve productivity.
Embedded computer module for machine learning
Nvidia's Jetson TX1 module is an embedded computer designed to enable machine learning and process deep neural networks-computer software that can learn to recognize objects or interpret information.
Top 5 Control Engineering articles, November 16-22: PLCs, PACs, or IPCs; pressure transmitters; Engineers’ Choice finalists; more
Articles about PLCs, PACs, or IPCs for a project; pressure transmitter selection; the Engineers' Choice finalists; choosing between a PLC and DCS; and arc flash safety measures were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from November 16-22. Miss something? You can catch up here.
Industrial IoT gateway for cloud, industrial applications
Advantech's UNO-1252G industrial computer is designed to act as a gateway for industrial applications and is designed to connect to legacy devices and has an array of integrated I/O ports.
Convergence of PACs, PLCs, IPCs
There are three common types of machine or process controllers: PLCs, PACs, and IPCs. Here’s how to select the best one for your application.
PLC vs. PAC vs. IPCs
Know the features, limits, and compatibilities to select the right controller: programmable logic controller (PLC), programmable automation controller (PAC), or industrial PC (IPC). Choosing the correct control platform from the beginning will increase the odds that the project will be a success. A system integrator can help with controller selection.
Industrial multi-touch panel computer is sealed to IP69K
Advantech’s IPPC-5211WS is a fully sealed IP69K, stainless steel, industrial multi-touch panel for food and beverage, manufacturing, and pharmaceutical applications.
Protection system with prediction data to improve reliability
Emerson Process Management’s CSI 6500 ATG protection system is designed to allow prediction monitoring of critical assets from the same systems.
EC: APAX-5580
Machine & Embedded Control - PACs, PLCs: The industry’s first modular DIN-rail IPC designed for integrating operational and information technology. This is a Control Engineering 2016 Engineers’ Choice finalist.
EC: C6670 industrial server
Hardware - Industrial PCs: The C6670 industrial server from Beckhoff Automation is an advanced industrial server that incorporates two powerful Intel Xeon processors, each with six, 12, or 18 cores for many-core machine control. This is a Control Engineering 2016 Engineers’ Choice Honorable Mention.
EC: EXPC-1519 industrial panel computer
Hardware - Industrial PCs: The EXPC-1519 is an extremely rugged, high-performance industrial panel computer with a 19-in. sunlight-viewable LCD capacitive multi-touch screen that can be operated with riggers gloves in hazardous and outdoor environments. This is a Control Engineering 2016 Engineers’ Choice Awards Winner.
Widescreen flat touch-panel computers have IP66 protection
Advantech's 10.1 in. and 15.6 in. flat touch-panel computers, the TPC-1051WP and 1551WP, feature an Intel HD graphics processor and a ratio of 16:9 and are designed for displaying more graphics on the screen and have IP66 protection.
Panel PC with flat screen has 4GB memory
Advantech's TPC-1751T is a 17-in. flat screen panel PC with I/O ports designed to operate in a wide range of applications. It includes 4GB DDR3L SDRAM memory and can be used with a variety of Microsoft Windows operating systems or Linux.
Industrial PCs and tablets: A new intersection of form and function
High performance graphics, advanced embedded processors, and evolving ruggedization requirements are transforming the look, feel, and functionality of industrial PCs.
Fanless industrial PC for automation, control tasks
Beckhoff's fanless C6915 control cabinet Industrial PC offers scalable computing power with one, two, or four processor cores and is designed for automation and control tasks.
Changes in automation software licenses, upgrades
Software upgrades: Industrial software users should take advantage of new features and innovations without subscribing to costly annual software maintenance contracts or paying for each individual software version release. With less expense and hassle, software manufacturers can increase customer satisfaction and loyalty and nurture innovation.
Panel PCs integrated with Power over Ethernet technology
American Industrial Systems' (AIS) Compact Series of touch panel HMIs utilize Power over Ethernet (POE) technology and are designed for industrial manufacturers, OEM machine builders, and system integrators.
How to update an HMI
Upgrading human-machine interface (HMI) hardware, software, and applications can be an efficient process with limited required development time if these recommendations are followed. See before and after HMI photos.
Top 5 Control Engineering articles, August 24-30: Wireless instrumentation security, safety instrumented systems, common VFD myths, more
Articles about wireless instrumentation security, safety instrumented systems, five common VFD myths, high-available computing, and SCADA cyber security were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from August 24-30. Miss something? You can catch up here.
Drive system with integrated web server
Siemens Sinamics S120 drive system features an integrated web server that allows the user to access the Sinamics S120 with any PC with a browser capable of Internet connectivity through an Ethernet interface to execute a variety of functions.
Building high availability into industrial computers
As mission critical applications become more commonplace, so will the need for high-availability computing.
Embedded systems hardware for IIoT applications
National Instruments' CompactRIO Controller, Controller for FlexRIO, and the Single-Board RIO Controller are embedded systems hardware based on the LabVIEW reconfigurable I/O (RIO) architecture.
Operating system upgrade for Microsoft Windows users
Microsoft Windows 10 is said to be designed to provide mobility for business owners and users with several apps and programs intended to help the user perform multiple tasks at once, as well as run apps on-site, in the cloud, or both, on a number of devices including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and PCs.
Panel PCs for HMI and control applications
Designed for mounting arm installation, Beckhoff's CP32xx Panel PC series delivers multi-touch functionality and high computing power in an all-in-one HMI and automation device.
Industrial PC for rugged, harsh conditions
Schweitzer Engineering Labs' SEL-3360S Computers are compact, rugged industrial computers designed for use in industrial applications with harsh conditions.
Embedded automation computer with multiple connectivity ports
Advantech's UNO-1372G small-size control DIN-rail embedded automation computer features has multiple connectivity, sensor, communication, and data transfer ports and can operate in harsh conditions.
Software solution integrates remote IO capability
Horner Automation's Cscape 9.6, Service Pack 3 (SP3) software solution is designed to allow users to customize their application with hundreds of available options, including onboard I/O capability and expanded remote I/O.
HMI touch panels with Industry 4.0 capability
American Industrial Systems' (AIS) HMI Touch Panels have Industry 4.0 capability and are designed to enable Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technologies and applications in discrete and process control industries.
Software CNC combines diverse processing workloads
By combining processing workloads and taking advantage of the standard PC platform architecture and embedded virtualization, CNC software allows operators to create programs consider the status of the controlled machine and real tool size, improve the machining by making small or large changes in trajectory or processing parameters, and immediately check the result.
USB smart hubs for swapping, bridging, and serial communication interfaces
Microchip Technology's USB5734 and USB5744 are USB3.0 smart hubs designed to enable host and device port swapping, I/O bridging, and other serial communication interfaces and are designed for applications in the computing, embedded, medical, industrial and networking markets.
Industrial touch-panel PCs designed for machine builders, plant engineers
Eaton's XP500 family of industrial touch-panel PCs are designed for machine builders and plant engineers and have no moving parts and are designed for use in harsh industrial environments, including hazardous applications.
Industrial Internet of Things, Industry 4.0
Cover story: Connected automation and analysis enable smart factories. How can Industrial Internet of Things and Industry 4.0 concepts help with your next automation, controls, and instrumentation implementations? Advice from industry experts follows.
Integrated CAN card for industrial computers
Kvaser AB's PCIEcan 4xHS is an integrated controller area network (CAN) card that adds four CAN channels to any standard or industrial computer board with PCI Express capability.
Mobile computer designed for harsh environments
Janam Technologies' XG3 rugged mobile computer offers Wi-Fi and support for VoIP for reliable voice and data across manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, plant floors, loading docks, seaports and other harsh environments.
Modbus couplers enabling communications within distributed IO architecture
Wago's 750-315/300 and 750-316-300 Modbus Couplers are designed to enable Modbus RTU or Modbus ASCII communications within a distributed I/O architecture and have been certified to operate in hazardous conditions as well as marine environments.
Panel PCs designed for industrial, manufacturing displays
Advantech's 15-in. PPC-8150 and 17-in. PPC-8170 Panel PCs are designed for a variety of industrial and manufacturing display needs and have enhanced processors along with the flexibility to add a card to control 3rd party devices.
Embedded computer with integrated PoE for harsh environments
MPL's PIP30 series combines a rugged embedded computers with an industrial Ethernet solutions into a vision server that can be used in harsh environments and comes with up to eight individual GigE ports on RJ45 or M12, and four of the GigE ports are available with PoE+.
Get ready for big data by getting the architecture right
Managing big data can be an issue for many manufacturers and other companies with a strong online presence that needs to be integrated into production facilities. This is easier when multi-threaded applications are introduced to the system. Use these architectures and open-source technologies used by Amazon and others to improve big data gathering and analysis.
Compact industrial computer with 10-year warranty
The SEL-3360S from Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) features Intel Core i7 processors, –40 to +75 C operation, no vents, and no moving parts, and can withstand up to 15 kV of electrostatic discharge and shock up to 15 g.
PC- and web-based HMI and operator interface panels
American Industrial Systems' (AIS) PC-based automation and operator interface panels and Web-based HMI operator interface panels are designed to interface with 3rd party HMI and SCADA software packages.
OPC server added to data acquisition and control system
Dataforth’s introduction of an OPC Server for the MAQ20 Industrial Data Acquisition & Control System ensures data collection and analysis using the MAQ20 is now significantly broader-based and easier to use.
Cyber security vulnerabilities are everywhere
The issue is not if an attack will occur, but when it will occur. The best way to prepare for the inevitable is to adopt an active defense, leaving passive defense methods for the decade gone by.
Will advancements in virtual reality technology shift how we see field service?
Virtual reality has become a new feature technology, causing many to question how it could affect the field service arena.
Industrial PC player for harsh environments
Logic Supply's Cincoze DS-1000 and DC-1100 industrial PCs are engineered for us in harsh environments and are built with remote surveillance, data acquisition, and rugged workstation use as well as a host of expansion options.
The rise of mobile devices and SCADA remote access
Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems are evolving so rapidly that many operators are having trouble keeping up with the growing software and its applications. Recently these systems have provided remote access to users.
Automation helps original equipment manufacturers innovate
Cover story: Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) show significant results for customers by applying modern automation to machine designs, reducing costs, improving throughput, and decreasing maintenance. Learn from three examples.
Automated distribution systems speed material handling
United Sortation Solutions (USS) organized automation into a consolidated platform for material handling applications using embedded PCs, human machine interfaces, I/O modules, programming software, and industrial Ethernet networking in their machines to help customers to pick, pack, and ship goods more quickly. This is part of the Control Engineering March 2015 cover story.
Robot programming for painting without coding
ABB Robotics' Simplified Robot Programming (SRP) combines the skill and craftsmanship of hand painting with motion tracking technology that recreate the human painter's motions exactly.
Redundancy box designed to support electrical substations
Moxa's PT-G503-PHR-PTP series of RedBoxes are compliant with the new IEC 62439-3 Clause 4 (PRP) and Clause 5 (HSR) standards and also support coupling and quadbox redundant protocols.
Embedded server software development kit is Embedded OPC server compliant
Version 2.0 of Matrikon OPC's Embedded Server Software Development Kit (SDK) has been certified to be compliant with the Embedded OPC Server profile and is configurable and scalable from microcontrollers to high-end embedded systems.
Industrial server for complex, machining processes
Beckhoff Automation's C6670 industrial server is a PC-based solution that can be equipped with 12, 24, or 36 processor cores and can be used for machine control function as well as advanced measurement technology, condition monitoring, and visualization.
3D gesture controller
Microchip Technology's MGC3030 3D gesture controller features simplified user-interface options focused on gesture detection and is designed to expand expands the use of 3D gesture control features to high-volume, cost-sensitive applications.
Embedded solution for industrial automation
The Mentor Embedded industrial automation solution is designed to help embedded product developers create powerful, safe, and efficient systems and uses a variety of runtime platform options, customized development tools, and system characterization tools.
PCIe Gen3 carrier board includes temperature sensor
VadaTech's AMC104 is a PCIe Gen3 carrier board that allows high-performance commercial video or other boards and features a temperature sensor, DIP switches for IPMI functionality, and a management RS-232 port.
Moving to the cloud with mobility technology
Human machine interface (HMI) applications and industry are connecting to the rapidly expanding cloud to cut costs, speed implementation, and provide worldwide access to data. To assist, use these simple series of steps to set up, operate, and maintain a safe and secure cloud-based data distribution system to improve efficiency through mobility.
Differences between SCADA and HMIs
For a system to qualify as a SCADA system, it should have elements of both control and data acquisition whereas HMIs often lack control capabilities within themselves.
Touch panel PCs for IIoT market
American Industrial Systems' (AIS) three series of touch panel PCs—Premium, Standard, and Value—are designed to solve control and monitoring requirements for IIoT, Industry 4.0 and M2M applications.
Touch panel computers include a flexible method to choose needed functions
Advantech's 12.1- and 15-in. TPC-1251T and TPC-1551T touch panel computers iDoor technology, which is a modular way of adding functionality to give system integrators the flexibility to choose the functions they need.
Products inside: Data center design-build upgrade is easier with process controls
M.C. Dean also was responsible for the controls portion that included mechanical process control, SCADA interface, designing and building the control panels, and designing the network infrastructure.
Multi-axis motion controller
Servotronix's softMC, multi axis motion control software and hardware package is designed to deliver programming capabilities for automation and robotic applications by running on an industrial PC.
Industrial PC series expanded, scalable, for industrial control
Kontron has expanded the KBox IPC series to include the KBox C-101-0, C-101-1, C-100, A-101, and A-201, which are scalable and designed for industrial control applications.
Automation panel with single-touch operation
B&R Automation's second generation Automation Panel displays feature 4:3 format with single-touch operation and can be combined with a module to create a panel PC.
Flexible panel PC for HMIs has IP65 rating
ICOP Technology's HMI-043T is an IP65 compliant flexible HMI panel that features an expansion I/O bus; it can also operate in harsh environments.
Motherboard selection for extended support of industrial computer systems
Choosing the motherboard for its long-term support requirements can ensure the best performance and lifespan for its extended industrial computer system.
Which platform should I use?
When I was able to choose a controls platform myself, there were 5 factors I would consider when evaluating a new system.
Forerunner to Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things
Service-oriented architecture programmable logic controller (SOA-PLC) is the forerunner to Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things. Large data quantities have to be exchanged, from the sensor to the IT level. The corresponding protocols and standards of PC-based control make it ideally suited for this task.
Type 2 modules with Intel processors
Adlink's Express-HL2 and cExpress-BT2 modules serve as a drop-in replacement to extend the service life of Type 2-based systems for another seven years.
Generic programming rules
Programming involves the entire process of design, coding, debugging and maintaining software. A computer program is a series of instructions that tells a computer or microprocessor to perform certain tasks. Regardless of the software development platform, the final program must satisfy some basic requirements.
Modeling and simulation platform
MapleSim 7 by Maplesoft is an advanced system-level modeling and simulation platform designed to explore and validate designs and compare multiple simulation runs at the click of a button, including simulations of a single model and simulations of different models.
PC-based SCADA software suite
Mitsubishi Electric Automation's MC Works64 is a PC-based supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) software suite designed to provide real-time data exchange on the factory floor and improve operational efficiency.
Embedded computer platform
Moxa's UC-8100 RISC computer is an embedded computing platform specifically designed for WAN applications in solar and other energy monitoring systems and has a variety of communication capabilities for users.
Lean automation offers higher product quality; less wiring, programming time
Inside Machines: OPA Consulting Services weaves modular manufacturing, higher controls performance, into high-end fabric production. The Quantum Group achieves 10%-15% improvements in woven product quality with 50% less I/O wiring time and 30% less programming time.
Ladder Logic 101: Where do I start?
For those who are just getting into writing ladder logic and have maybe taken a few classes or seen some examples, it is quite simple to write your own template.
EC: CP6606 panel PC
Hardware — HMI, Operator Interface, Thin-client: The ultra-compact CP6606 Panel PC for cost-sensitive machine builders and manufacturers combines a full color 7-in. TFT touch screen display (800 x 480 WVGA), 1 GHz ARM Cortex A8 CPU, and 1 GB DDR3 RAM. This is a Control Engineering 2015 Engineers’ Choice finalist.
EC: Honeywell Experion Orion Console
Hardware — HMI, Operator Interface, Thin-client: Honeywell's Experion Orion Console enhances the control room experience with a combination of ergonomics and advanced display technology that provides status assessments at a glance, reduces operator fatigue and increases operator effectiveness. This is a Control Engineering 2015 Engineers’ Choice award winner.
EC: Harmony eXLhoist
Hardware — HMI, Operator Interface, Thin-client: Harmony eXLhoist brings intuitive ease to remote control of cranes, while also helping to protect the operator and machine. This is a Control Engineering 2015 Engineers’ Choice finalist.
EC: CP22xx multi-touch panel PCs
Hardware — Integrated HMI Controllers: Designed for cabinet installation, the CP22xx series Panel PCs combine the advantages of a modern multi-touch interface with high-performance multi-core processors for automation and control applications. This is a Control Engineering 2015 Engineers’ Choice finalist.
EC: EZTouch EZ3 series HMI
Hardware — Integrated HMI Controllers: The next generation EZTouch EZ3 Series HMI or operator interface is an innovative and universal graphical touch screen used for operator PLC or machine control in all indoor or outdoor applications. This is a Control Engineering 2015 Engineers’ Choice honorable mention.
EC: UNO-2362G embedded automation computer
Machine & Embedded Control — PACs, IPCs: The UNO-2362B embedded automation computer features daisy chain capability and Advantech's new iDoor technology. This is a Control Engineering 2015 Engineers’ Choice finalist.
EC: Productivity3000 P3-SCM serial communications module
Machine & Embedded Control — PACs, IPCs: The Productivity3000 PAC is a compact logic controller that combines the features and capabilities of a PC-based control system with that of a typical PLC. This is a Control Engineering 2015 Engineers’ Choice honorable mention.
EC: NI sbRIO-9651 System on Module
Machine & Embedded Control — PACs, IPCs: The NI SOM combines an FPGA, a complete middleware solution, and Linux Real-Time into one integrated device. Combining software, FPGA programming, and prototyping capabilities significantly reduces development time, design risk, and time to market. This is a Control Engineering 2015 Engineers’ Choice finalist.
EC: Modicon M580 ePAC
Machine & Embedded Control — PACs, IPCs: The M580 ePac is a revolutionary automation controller that uses open Ethernet standards to enable a new level of process efficiency and flexibility and providing the highest level of cybersecurity through its Achilles Level 2 Certification. This is a Control Engineering 2015 Engineers’ Choice award winner.
Belden: Protect against yourself
If a manufacturer can protect itself against an inside attack, then that line of defense should be strong enough to withstand a chunk of outside attacks.
Stainless steel panel PCs, rugged fanless with touchscreens available
IVC Displays' NP-71x4S line of stainless steel panel computers are available in a 15-in., 17-in., or 19-in. display with a fanless design and an Intel Atom D2550 1.8 GHz processor. They use Microsoft Windows, Windows 7 Embedded or Windows 7 Pro Embedded operating systems.
Fanless panel PCs for harsh environments have slim form factor
Advantech's PPC-3150 (15-in.) and PPC-3170 (17-in.) fanless slim form factor panel PCs are designed to operate in the harsh environments while being able to expand their functionality for the user and can function in environments with unstable power output.
Multi-touch panel PC series has multi-core CPUs
Beckhoff's CP22xx Panel PC series with multi-touch functionality is ideal for applications with the most demanding computing power requirements and is equipped with multi-core CPUs.
Industrial automation control, HMI, OPC, database integration software
Opto 22's PAC Project 9.4 is a software application upgrade that provides control programming, HMI development, OPC connectivity, and database integration. It supports Opto 22’s HART protocol I/O modules and can log HMI data to SQL and other ODBC databases, and it supports multiple languages with Unicode (UTF-16) text.
Yokogawa signs contract with Dell for provision of dedicated Yokogawa PC models
Yokogawa Electric Corporation announces that it has signed a contract with Dell Inc. for the global provision of PC models that are selected and customized for Yokogawa use.
Analog to digital; now, digital back to analog
Technology Update: Returning to analog instrumentation and controls might offer more than nostalgic benefits. Higher reliability and fewer cyber security risks could result. Should some things that are new be old again? Look at the potential savings.
60th Anniversary: CE History from 60, 30, and 15 years ago on computers, better automation software, and open systems
Happy 60th, Control Engineering! Help us celebrate by looking at issues from 60, 30, and 15 years ago. Control Engineering magazine first published in September 1954. This monthly column in 2014 will review coverage in issues 60, 30, and 15 years ago. While technologies have progressed since then, topics below (digital computers, computer control systems, process control open systems) remain relevant today.
High-power amplifier
Microchip Technology's SST12CP21 high-power amplifier offers low EVM and current consumption for 256-QAM and IEEE 802.11n systems.
Ruggedized expansion cards for industrial computers
Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories'(SEL) EL-3390S8 and EL-3390E4 expansion cards can be used in harsh environments.
Mini PCs with four LAN ports
Stealth.Com's small PC models feature four LAN ports for embedded and industrial applications.
Engineering system design software receives upgrade
National Instruments' LabVIEW 2014 system design software upgrades help users acquire, analyze and visualize data sets and has software specific to automated test, embedded control and monitoring, and hardware-in-the-loop and real-time test. New LabVIEW programming and features are discussed and demonstrated at NIWeek, Aug. 4-7.
Panel PC has flexible processor option; add 2 more displays
Advantech's PPC-6120 is a 12.1 in. five-wire Panel PC that allows users to install any 4th generation processor of choice and comes with a wide voltage input range of 12 to 30 V to protect against unstable power conditions.
Panel PC features all-in-one HMI and controller
Beckhoff's CP6606-0001-0020 Panel PC features an all-in-one HMI and controller and is designed as a cabinet-mounted device for PLC and small motion control applications.
Can the legacy of fieldbus ever be replaced by industrial Ethernet?
While the fieldbus war may be over, the battle for industrial Ethernet vs. traditional fieldbus technologies is coming. The future looks strong for industrial Ethernet, but we probably aren't going to see the last of fieldbus for many years.
Unknown system attacks
At the 2014 Automation Summit, experts discuss the big areas of attack for hackers.
Industrial Internet solution data collection system for OEMs and end users
GE IP's Equipment Insight is designed to help OEMs and their end users securely collect and analyze machine data by collecting and managing long-term performance data and alarms and user access.
Ethernet for automation
Get network infrastructure help, choose the right Ethernet protocol, get along with IT, and integrate. This Control Engineering July print and digital edition article integrates five online articles offering industrial Ethernet advice; link to each article here.
Control platform with Profinet capability
PACSystems High Availability with Profinet by GE Intelligent Platforms is designed to enable quick decision-making between CPUs and I/O drops while providing one point of connection for system configuration.
PC-based network interface cards for robotic manufacturers, complex machine builders, system integrators
Molex's Brad PC Network Interface Cards are a PC-based control solution for machine builders, manufacturers, and integrators and feature configuration software and development libraries as well as an OPC data server in one package.
60th Anniversary: CE History from 60, 30 and 15 years ago on pulses, controllers, pneumatics
Happy 60th, Control Engineering! Help us celebrate by looking at issues from 60, 30, and 15 years ago. Control Engineering magazine first published in September 1954. This monthly column in 2014 will review coverage in issues 60 (or 59), 30, and 15 years ago. While technologies have progressed since then, topics below (pulses, computers and controllers, and pneumatic control) remain relevant today.
Miniature PC for processor intense applications
Stealth.com Inc's. (Stealth Computer) LPC-681 miniature PC is capable of driving three 1080p HD displays and is designed for most processor intense applications.
Panel PCs and HMI systems with integrated redundant storage and network devices
American Industrial Systems' (AIS) High Available HMI systems feature Ethernet, TCP/IP and IP-enabled technologies and built-in hardware redundancy features to optimize machine operations.
Modular HMI panel PCs can be upgraded and replaced in the field
American Industrial Systems' Modularized HMI Panel PCs are designed upgradeable and field replaceable and allow for flexible OEM/ODM manufacturing, system integration, and asset management.
HMI best practices in technology
Advances in connectivity, PC-based control and multi-touch functionality boost value of human machine interfaces (HMIs).
Advanced display console is designed for plant operators
Honeywell Process Solutions' Experion Orion Console is an advanced display technology for plant operators that features a high-definition display, an ergonomic workstation, and touch panel displays. Video: Andrew Stuart explains how the new system was developed and technologies involved.
Industrial monitor for factory maintenance environment
The 7685IM-15 industrial monitor by Advanced Technology Services Inc. (ATS) is designed to withstand the rigor of the factory maintenance environment and each unit includes touch screen drivers as well as a 6-ft serial and VGA cable.
Fanless panel PCs for machine builders and factory automation
Advantech's PPC-4211W and PPC-4151W panel PCs come with the Intel 4th Generation Core i processor as well as a projected capacitive touch (PCT) screen.
HMI services designed to meet electromagnetic standards
American Industrial Systems (AIS) operator interfaces and HMI panel PCs are engineered to meet electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards and certifications for industrial automation and process control applications.
Marine-grade panel computer for ship navigation
Moxa's DNV-rated MPC-2240 is a marine-grade 24-in. touchscreen LCD panel computer engineered specifically for ship navigation and has thermal engineering that allows the computer to withstand heat extremes common in industrial marine environments.
Embedded automation computer has daisy chain network capabilities
Advantech's UNO-2362G Embedded Automation Computer features a daisy chain network that allows the user to create networks without a switch; iDoor technology includes fieldbus protocols.
Stationary panel computers have 21.5 inch screens, multitouch, IP66 rating
Advantech's SPC-2140WP is a 21.5 in. widescreen multitouch panel PC has IP66 protection, which allows the device to withstand high water pressure and protection in humid environments. It also can connect to a VESA arm.
Industrial panel PC series with LED backlighting, Intel Core processors
The IPPC-6152A, 6172A, and 6182A industrial panel PCs by Advantech have TFT LED backlit displays and use Intel Core processors.
One strategy for the passing of Windows XP
Cyber security expert offers advice for finding one silver lining in the passing of support for Microsoft Windows XP. It might get companies to face larger realities.
Security stopgap for Windows XP users
The Edge7200i security appliance from Milton Security Group is designed as a stopgap for companies and customers who have not upgraded from Microsoft Windows XP.
Top 5 Control Engineering articles, March 30 to April 5
Were you out last week? Miss something? Here are Control Engineering's five most-clicked articles from last week, March 30 to April 5, including articles about Windows XP, robotics and motion control, safety, DCS upgrades, and cloud computing for manufacturers.
What if some machines still use Microsoft Windows XP after support ends April 8?
Ask Control Engineering blog: After April 8, Microsoft support for Windows XP ends. If you're still using it on April 9, there are extra precautions.
Multi-touch panel series, 7 inch HMI panel PC
American Industrial Systems' (AIS) 7-in. HMI Panel PC is a fully-integrated commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) unit that features a robust and lower-power TI ARM Cortex-A8 AM3354 Processor 720 MHz and comes with pre-installed Linux, Android, or Microsoft Windows Embedded Compact 7 operating systems.
Panel PC with multi-touch functionality
The Panel PC 900 by B&R Automation is available in a wide range of sizes and configurations and features multi-touch display that allow user interactions like zooming with two fingers and swipe gestures for moving forward.
Global mobile PC market underperforms in Q4 despite growth
Despite 9% growth, the global market for mobile PCs came in below expectations in the final quarter of 2013, according to a new report from IHS Technology
Top 5 Control Engineering articles, Feb. 10-16, 2014
Were you out last week? Miss something? Here are Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from last week, Feb. 10-16, 2014, including articles about temperature measurement, multi-function safety relays, time current curves, Microsoft patches, and safety engineering in mechatronic design.
Digital display data transmitter
B&R Automation's Smart Display Link 3 provides digital display data transmission of 100 meters between the PC and panel and all communication channels are transferred over an Ethernet cable.
Multi-touch panel PC series for PLC and motion control applications
Beckhoff Automation's fanless CP26xx Panel PC series has multi-touch functionality is designed for use in PLC and motion control applications in addition to running HMI software.
Top five Control Engineering stories, Jan. 20-26, 2014
Were you out last week? Miss something? Here are Control Engineering's five most clicked articles from last week, Jan. 20-26, 2014, including articles about Schneider Electric and Invensys, machine safety compliance, mobile apps, HMI guidelines, and serialization.
Serial link aggregator ICs reduce cable costs, power use
Texas Instruments' aggregator ICs, the TLK10081, and TLK10022, are designed to reduce cable interconnect costs, power consumption, and development time for serial link-based systems.
Industrial workstation for machine builders, factory automation
Advantech's IP65 certified industrial workstations, the AWS-8248 and AWS-8259, feature LED backlight displays, PICMG 1.3 slots, and membrane keypads that allow user to build systems to meet their requirements.
Terminals and controllers with touch screens
B&R's Power Panel T-Series terminals and C-Series controllers have touch screens and an intelligent cable outlet that allow them to save space.
CPU cards for industrial tasks
Advantech’s PCI Express DI/O cards, the 48 channel PCIE-1751 and the 96 channel PCIE-1753 are designed to improve industrial features like data accuracy as well as dry and wet contact.
Multi-touch monitor line expands
Kontron's OmniView multi-touch monitors aim to reflect a durable industrial design.
Multi-touch computer has multi-touch screen, fanless design, and is waterproof
AAEON ACP-1103 XGA multi-touch computer is an ultra-slim 10.1-in. fanless panel computer that is waterproof and has 7H scratchproof glass-covered borders.
Advantech acquires British company GPEG
Advantech aims to expand its European footprint with the acquisition of the British intelligent display company GPEG Ltd., expanding the Advantech Embedded Core Computing Group.
Industrial panel monitors for harsh environments
The ITM-51xx series of flat panel monitors by Advantech are designed for harsh machine and factory automation environments and feature a 5-wire resistive touch screen as well as VGA and DVI input interfaces.
Microsoft Windows: The evolution and where MS operating systems stand today
Since the 1980s Microsoft has been a leader in operating systems, but these days the competition with Android and Apple devices has them struggling to keep up.
Technical specification for universal laptop, notebook charger published
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) published a globally relevant standard for a single external charger for notebooks and laptops, which is designed to reduce waste for ICT devices.
2013 Product Exclusive roundup
Product Exclusives: Products introduced during 2013 in the Control Engineering Product Exclusive pages are listed below.
Intelligent automatic systems and software platforms
Control Engineering International: Control Engineering China interviewed Albert Huang, Advantech vice president for Industrial Automation Group, about how intelligent automatic systems and software platforms will help develop Internet of things and intelligent cities.
PLC Series for discrete and analog IO modules
The Do-more T1H Series PLC by AutomationDirect supports up to 256 I/O points in three stackable rows and allow the CPU to support Ethernet connectivity.
Hardware and software platform for remote monitoring systems
Moxa's UC-8100 Series computer and software platform is vendor-agnostic and can support remote communications over Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and cellular.
Flow computer and gas volume corrector
The ERZ-2000 NG Flow Computer and Gas Volume Corrector by Honeywell is designed for gas flow meters including turbine, vortex, and ultrasonic and uses two Ethernet plugs to communicate with separate IP networks.
EC: TPC-2140WP widescreen multi-touch panel PC
Hardware - HMI, operator interface, thin-client: The TPC-2140WP is a 21.5-in widescreen multi-touch panel PC specifically designed to provide easier operation and boost productivity in manufacturing control environments, building automation, and other HMI applications. This is a Control Engineering 2014 Engineers’ Choice honorable mention.
EC: ViewMarq Industrial LED Message Display
Hardware - HMI, operator interface, thin-client: ViewMarq industrial-grade LED message displays utilize the latest LED and communications technologies to help communicate important information in industrial environments. This is a Control Engineering 2014 Engineers’ Choice finalist.
EC: EZPanel PC HMI
Hardware - HMI, operator interface, thin-client: The new EZPanel PC HMI combines the easy to use EZTouch software known for its reliability and universal connectivity to all PLCs, with a compact and powerful Windows 7 Fanless Industrial Panel Computer. This is a Control Engineering 2014 Engineers’ Choice award winner.
EC: Monitouch Programmable Displays
Hardware - HMI, operator interface, thin-client: Fuji Electric's CE-certified Monitouch Technoshot programmable displays have an eco-friendly LED backlight in a slim structure. The HMI displays feature a CPU for faster response times with the industry's thinnest structure; measuring only 36 mm thick. This is a Control Engineering 2014 Engineers’ Choice finalist.
EC: Honeywell Experion Collaboration Station
Hardware - HMI, operator interface, thin-client: Experion Collaboration Station uses touchscreen technology to present displays and other information from control systems and other sources available on the users' business network for faster resolution of routine and abnormal situations at a site. This is a Control Engineering 2014 Engineers’ Choice finalist.
EC: Kontron OmniClient
Hardware - HMI, operator interface, thin-client: Kontron's HMI, OmniClient, is developed to optimize the factory floor by providing a single access point for factory production information. This is a Control Engineering 2014 Engineers’ Choice finalist.
EC: HMI5000HD
Hardware - HMI, operator interface, thin-client: The Maple Systems HMI5000HD is a compact, powerful HMI that turns any HDMI-Compatible display into a machine interface at a significant cost-savings over most standalone units. This is a Control Engineering 2014 Engineers’ Choice finalist.
EC: SIMATIC IFP1900 MT multi-touch flat panel monitor
Hardware - HMI, operator interface, thin-client: The SIMATIC IFP1900 MT is a Projected Capacitive Touch (PCT) multi-touch flat panel monitor for up to five fingers simultaneously. This is a Control Engineering 2014 Engineers’ Choice finalist.
EC: CX9020 Embedded PC
Hardware - Industrial PCs: The DIN rail mounted CX9020 is a compact Embedded PC with 1 GHz ARM Cortex A8 processor suitable for a wide range of PLC and motion control applications in small- to medium-sized machines and systems. This is a Control Engineering 2014 Engineers’ Choice award winner.
EC: EXPC-1319 Panel Computer
Hardware - Industrial PCs: The EXPC-1319 is one of the industry's most rugged and capable panel computers designed for use in oil and gas installations and other hazardous industrial locations. This is a Control Engineering 2014 Engineers’ Choice finalist.
EC: Designline Industrial PC
Hardware - Industrial PCs: Designline is a configurable, direct machine-mount industrial PC with IP65 protection and multi-touch capability. This is a Control Engineering 2014 Engineers’ Choice honorable mention.
EC: EZTouchPLC Micro
Hardware - Integrated HMI controllers: The EZTouchPLC Micro is a compact HMI-PLC combination unit featuring a 5.7-in. color LED backlit HMI with a powerful 48-I/O PLC built-in at ground breaking prices where the PLC and I/O are practically free. This is a Control Engineering 2014 Engineers’ Choice honorable mention.
EC: FT1A SmartAXIS
Hardware - Integrated HMI controllers: The FT1A SmartAXIS series includes IDEC Corp.’s exclusive FT1A Touch, a 3.8-in. HMI with 12 I/O PLC (HMI + PLC), as well as 12, 24, 40, and 48 I/O PLCs. This is a Control Engineering 2014 Engineers’ Choice finalist.
EC: UniStream Platform
Hardware - Integrated HMI controllers: UniStream from Unitronics is an all-in-one, modular system that combines powerful dual-core CPUs—faster scan time, up to 2,048 I/Os over 2 MB of operand memory—excellent HMI touch panels, and effortless local and remote I/O installation. This is a Control Engineering 2014 Engineers’ Choice award winner.
Booming market for touch-screen notebook PC displays hits speed bump in second quarter
Shipments for touch-screen panels for notebook PCs were down 4.9 percent in the second quarter for 2013, though the overall outlook for 2013 remains positive.
Packaging automation, scalable, modular
At Pack Expo 2013, B&R Industrial Automation is showing standards-based, scalable, and modular control systems integrating logic, motion, robotics, human-machine interface (HMI), safety, I/O and data acquisition in one software development environment.
Process automation system
The next-gen Invensys Foxboro Evo process automation system features a high-speed controller, field device management tools, and intuitive interfaces while reducing operating risk and enable greater visualization.
IT support of industrial control networks
Ask most plant personnel what they think of IT support for their industrial control systems (ICS) and you’re likely to receive a barrage of complaints in response. But why?
Embedded PC has Profinet interface
The CX8093 Embedded PC from Beckhoff Automation is equipped with a Profinet interface and is suitable as a stand-alone controller and can be used as a tie-in with larger Profinet systems.
Industrial automation equipment poised to grow stronger in second half
IHS reports that the industrial automation equipment market is expected to grow 6.2 percent in 2013 thanks to progress in China, Europe, and the United States.
Automation design software focuses on innovation
NI LabVIEW 2013 system design software helps users innovate rather than create infrastructure, National Instruments said. The Aug. 7 keynote presentation at NIWeek Worldwide Graphical System Design Conference will highlight NI LabVIEW features that facilitate the management, documentation, and debugging of increasingly complex systems, use of web services, and support for NI’s new Linux-based controller.
Marine display monitors
American Industrial Systems' COTS multifunction displays are designed for IPMS and IBS applications and meet Marine standards for harsh conditions.
Multi-touch flat panel monitor has more screen than many operator interfaces
The FPM-7181W by Advantech has four-finger multi-touch capabilities as well as dual-touch interface for USB and RS-232 that are designed to boost productivity for HMI applications.
Online mass customization for electronic design
Technology Update: Geppetto software from Gumstix enables the long tail of electronic devices. Users with basic computer knowledge can design every detail of a customized board, without prior framework restrictions
Flow computer uses liquid measurement system
Emerson's ROC800L flow computer uses Flow-Cal's Liquids measurement system to improve productivity and efficiency in field operations through a secure, binary format to retain data integrity.
PCs in the workplace: Will they survive?
Will the traditional computer hardware in your control room go the way of the floppy disk?
Compact embedded PC can serve as PLC, motion controller
The CX9020 Embedded PC by Beckhoff Automation features a 1 GHz ARM Cortex A8 processor and can become a PLC and motion controller with automation software.
Products use mechatronic design for manufacturing systems
Beckhoff Automation XTS modular linear motion control system integrates with industrial PC, TwinCAT 3, and delta-robot doing pick and place.
Mechatronics: Electromechanical manufacturing systems
A tightly integrated mechatronic system can reduce the machine footprint, shorten programming time, and eliminate dedicated hardware controllers.
DIN rail industrial PC market to grow quickly in 2013
For industrial PCs (IPCs), IHS projects a revenue compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12% between 2011 and 2016.
CNC advances: Monitor CNC wirelessly via tablets; CNC industrial PC HMI touch panel; motion control
Tablet devices monitor Fanuc Series 30i/31i/32i-Model B CNCs; Fanuc 19-in. industrial PC with touch panel provides fast, reliable, secure interface and control for machining; and Fanuc Power Motion i-Model A motion controller for general-purpose motion control.
Fanless industrial PC doubles performance
Product Exclusive: Siemens doubled performance capabilities of its embedded Microbox PC and Panel PCs. The industrial PCs, now fanless in all configurations, withstand 24-hour operating conditions within harsh environments.
New box PC with third-generation Intel Core i processor
Customizable Automation PC 910 from B&R can use Core i3, Core i5, and Core i7 CPUs.
EC: CX2000 Embedded PC
Hardware - Industrial PCs: Multi-core enabled embedded PC for high performance applications including advanced multi-axis machinery and powerful graphical user interfaces. This is a Control Engineering 2013 Engineers' Choice Award winner.
EC: PACSystems RXi
Hardware - Integrated HMI controllers: The PACSystems RXi control and computing platform, designed for the needs of the Industrial Internet, is based on leading-edge computing and network technology, and supported by an emerging ecosystem of cloud-based support tools. This is a Control Engineering 2013 Engineers' Choice finalist.
EC: iPC-Series
Hardware - Industrial PCs: The iPC-Series combines Intel i-Series processing power with SATA solid state drives, extensive I/O including HDMI, up to 64-bit Microsoft Windows operating systems, LED-backlighting with 12-in. to 19-in. displays, and Class I Div 2 approvals. This is a Control Engineering 2013 Engineers' Choice finalist.
Engineering industrial PC-based growth
Industrial PC-based controls in embedded PCs, HMIs, or integrated I/O modules will help manufacturing serve needs of expanding global middle class.
Inside the box
Think Again: Think out of the box, we’re told, but for many engineering applications, thinking inside the box might be more scalable. Learn what six pieces of automation design wisdom can mean for you.
PLC I/Os led the way in 2011, DCS I/Os lagged
The latest report on the world market for I/O modules shows the market, especially for PLC I/O modules, recovered quite strongly after the recession with double-digit growth in both 2010 and 2011.
Integrated security functions added to product families boost network hardness
Siemens introduces new Simatic CP and Scalance products with integrated security functions to help protect industrial networks.
Integrated HMI/PLC packages offer convenience, but only in the right applications
Choices of controllers that include an integrated HMI in one package are growing. These promise greater simplicity if the combination of elements works in your situation.
Borrowing from consumer electronics
Industrial users enjoy look-and-feel practices from consumer electronics, but device designers also benefit from processors and components borrowed from smartphones that add increased functionality and energy efficiency.
Potentiometer switch has dual control options
The SW44832 by Electro-Mech enables the user to specify a value with the SPST switch, allowing a circuit or channel to open automatically at the preset level.
2012 will be another strong year for PLCs, IPCs, operator terminals
According to IMS Research analysts, 2012 will be another strong year for PLCs, industrial PCs (IPCs), and operator terminals.
Control programming software strategies for industrial systems
Control programming strategies for industrial systems are changing because of the desire to reuse and adapt programming for PLCs, PACs, IPCs,and embedded controls.
Programming software turns IPCs into all-in-one HMIs, PLCs, NCs, PACs
Industrial programming software: IEC 61131-3 programming, plus C++, C#, and object-oriented extensions and third-party software modules can operate on industrial PCs (IPCs), serving as multipurpose programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and/or numerical control (NC) targets. This extends the IPC well beyond a human-machine interface.
Software gives machine controls more value, departs from traditional code
Controls development in automation applications has advanced beyond producing “code” to integrating mechanical, electrical, and control domains of the machine to create a mechatronic entity. A multidisciplinary development approach helps create controls designs that are easy to repeat, maintain, and enhance.
Ethernet for PC-based machine control blow-molding retrofit
Silvercom Solutions retrofit increases blow-molding machine throughput by 20% and reduces raw materials use by over 5% for plastic parts manufacturer. PC-based controls and an Ethernet protocol provided needed functionality. See photos.
Ultra-compact Industrial PC with RAID System
Control cabinet PC from Beckhoff features high data security and high-performance with space-saving design. Video: Roland van Mark explains capabilities of industrial PCs, and how to use multi-core processors.
Compact industrial PC meets extended temperature requirements
Phoenix Contact’s BPC industrial PC family has a fanless design in a compact, DIN rail-mountable package. An extreme temperature model is available.
PLC Family tackles wide array of machine applications
Rexroth’s new family of IndraLogic XLC PLC controllers combines all planning, configuration, programming and diagnostic functions in one single engineering environment. IndraLogic XLC can be connected into different communication networks thanks to SERCOS III and other common communication interfaces.
Panels as powerful as an industrial PC
New generation of Power Panels from B&R Automation handles applications that used to require full industrial PCs.
Machine control on the water via iPad
Ethernet UDP communications and marine certified PLCs provide state-of-the-yacht control.
PLCS, PACs, IPCs – Does it matter?
Get the right functionality and most-advantageous programming software for your next controller application, no matter what the technology. Here’s a sampling of controllers for your next set of applications. Watch for the January Control Engineering cover story on the future of industrial controllers.
Wireless helps plains exploration and production, 2 month ROI
Plains Exploration and Production (PXP) Company automated its steam injection metering and data acquisition systems with a large network of WirelessHART transmitters and industrial broadband radios for a 10-times increase in transmitter accuracy and return on investment in 2 months. Automation from ProSoft Technology and Emerson Process Management helped.
EC: Stealth Ultra Compact Industrial PC
Hardware - industrial PCs: Stealth.com Inc. (Stealth Computer), Stealth Ultra Compact Industrial PC. A small form factor PC featuring big processing power to run industrial, embedded and control applications. This is a Control Engineering 2011 Engineers' Choice (EC) Honorable Mention.
EC: C6930 Industrial PC
Hardware - industrial PCs: Beckhoff Automation, C6930 Industrial PC. Compact Industrial PC with a 3 ½-inch Beckhoff Motherboard designed for powerful Intel Core, Duo or Core 2 Duo processors, offering high data security through an integrated RAID system for mirroring hard disks. This is a Control Engineering 2011 Engineers' Choice (EC) Award winner.
EC: Control Panels and Panel PCs
Hardware - HMI, operator interface, displays: Beckhoff Automation, Control Panels and Panel PCs. Control Panels and Panel PCs are ideal for complex graphical user interfaces and for information that must be visible from a distance. This is a Control Engineering 2011 Engineers' Choice (EC) Honorable Mention.
Product Exclusive: Beckhoff 24-in. TFT widescreen display
Larger HMI: Industrial displays put automation and HMI on "the big screen." Beckhoff Automation has extended its Control Panel and Panel PC series with a larger 24-inch display. The new widescreen display, with its high resolution of 1,920 x 1,200 pixels, is ideal for complex, graphical user interfaces and for information that must be visible from a distance. The new displays can be equipped with an optional touch screen. The panels also can be customized. This is a Control Engineering September 2010 Product Exclusive.
Integrated Controllers Grow in Power
Rapid technology advancements in hardware and software for panel PCs and related devices are improving equipment design and performance, bringing savings in time, space, and money while maintaining a stable, reliable, and familiar work platform. September 2010 cover story.
Safe acceleration: Automating the world’s largest and fastest machine
Global Perspectives: The CERN accelerator and its safety is controlled and monitored by 130 control systems featuring ‘hardened’ automation technology.
High-speed analog input card
Analog-to-digital converter offers four channels of 12-bit data acquisition.
Updated industrial PC line
Series offers hybrid PC and PLC capabilities for real-time control applications. These industrial PCs have CoDeSys V2 software, Linux OS, IEC programming languages, and multiple onboard fieldbus protocols for real-time control applications.
Open, graphic, industrial HMI: Beijer Electronics iX HMI
New Beijer Electronics iX HMI solution is without barriers between design and engineering and is truly open, what the company calls the world's most graphic HMI solution.
Beckhoff Automation I/O Terminals have digital multimeter function
Cost-effective and flexible Beckhoff Automation EL3681 and KL3681 terminals replace stand-alone digital multimeters and are compatible with most fieldbuses.
New Advantech embedded IPCs use Intel Atom processor based embedded IPCs
Intel Atom processors help Advantech industrial PCs offer exceptional, cost-effective low power controller solutions.
Photo gallery: Industrial PC applications
Janz Automation Systems and Saelig: Industrial PCs used in robotics, oil industry product handling, off-road vehicles, and airport lighting applications deliver ease of use, ruggedness, and flexibility.
Industrial PC with integrated I/O from Acromag
Acromag introduces the I/O Server Industrial PC featuring an internal carrier card to interface with related plug-in I/O modules. Designed specifically to work together, the rugged, fanless box computer and more than 20 conduction-cooled I/O modules provide an integrated system for high-performance measurement and control projects.
Ultra-compact industrial PC with RAID system: Beckhoff
Beckhoff has introduced the new C6930 industrial PC, which adds a high data security RAID option to the compact, control cabinet mountable C69xx industrial PC line. Designed for demanding industrial automation applications where compact devices are a must, the C6930 includes a 3.5-in. Beckhoff motherboard using Intel Core Duo or Core 2 Duo processors.
From Consumer Electronics to your HMI
Machine builders, HMI designers and industrial PC users take note: Smart phones and other consumer electronics are changing the way operators expect to interact with machines - and how you will create interfaces.
PID control analogy, revisited
Readers also provide feedback regarding control system maintenance and the benefits of PC-based control systems.
How to choose a CANbus industrial controller
Initial price for an industrial PC is higher than a consumer equivalent, but long-term cost is lower for industrial control applications. Here's why.
Phoenix Contact single-pole circuit breakers
Phoenix Contact UT 6-TMC M series resettable, single-pole circuit breakers, with screw connection, combine advantages of fuse terminal blocks with benefits of thermal-magnetic circuit breakers.
European HMI/SCADA vendor expands into U.S.
Copa-Data's zenon HMI/SCADA software is already used by Coca-Cola, BMW, DuPont and others.
Industrial automation hardware, software products named ‘Engineers’ Choice’
Control Engineering announced winners and honorable mentions for its 2010 Engineers' Choice product awards competition. More than a dozen industrial PCs, HMI hardware and software, and other industrial automation software products were honored.
Hardware Winners, Engineers’ Choice Awards 2010
In hardware, Control Engineering gave 2010 Engineers' Choice Awards for HMI hardware, industrial PCs, and integrated HMI-controller.
Beckhoff Automation: Use PC-based control, not PLCs; here’s why
Machine builders and end-user specifications need to forget PLCs; PC-based controls are smaller, faster, more flexible, and more economical, Beckhoff Automation says.
Matrox partners with Goma Elettronica SpA; introduces PCIe x16 Octal graphics card
Matrox Graphics Inc.and Goma Elettronica SpA will develop custom workstations for defense, industrial, and transportation environments. Goma has validated the Matrox M-Series, P-Series, and Extio Series multi-display graphics solutions with its industrial PC product line.
Top 20 Control Engineering articles of 2009 at www.controleng.com
CNC technologies for aerospace, Engineers' Choice Award human-machine interface coverage, control panel design tutorial videos, and robotics used in the Terminator movie were among the most visited Control Engineering articles in 2009. Below are links to the top 20.
’09: What you liked online
Each year Control Engineering tallies posted article visits and provides a ranking. Top 10 online articles visited in 2009 reveal readers’ interests in robotics, professional effectiveness, wind power, and more. mhoske@reedbusiness.com
UPS increases industrial PC reliability, Phoenix Contact says
Phoenix Contact Trio-UPS automatically restarts an industrial PC in the event of an extended power outage. This uninterruptible power supply eliminates the need for maintenance personnel to physically restart the IPC on the factory floor.
Siemens: Wireless I/O, module IWLAN, saves time, money
Simatic ET 200pro IWLAN from Siemens Industry Inc. saves communication cabling and installation costs by delivering wireless connectivity from any distributed I/O station.
OPC Foundation: OPC Xi helps .NET clients, COM-based OPC Classic clients integration
OPC Xi enables .NET clients and existing COM-based OPC Classic clients to access OPC Classic servers at the same time.
OPC Foundation Express Interface: More real-time, historial, alarm information
OPC Xi from OPC Foundation is a new interface based on Microsoft .NET Windows Communication Foundation (WCF) technology. OPC Xi is designed for secure reliable access to real-time, historical and alarm and event-based information. It complements OPC UA and COM-based OPC Classic technologies.
PC-based control software with integrated safety functions
Siemens says it's a first.
Software Virtualization Environment Enhances Control
CNC system simultaneously runs a real-time operating system and MS Windows XP to gain multitasking capability and real-time determinism.
Machine vision: NI embedded vision system adds inspection speed with multicore processing
NI EVS-1464RT Embedded Vision System is multicore controller that can process images from multiple IEEE 1394 and GigE Vision cameras. System gives manufacturing engineers and system integrators the ability to build high-speed real-time machine vision systems for applications such as sorting products, verifying assembly and inspecting packaging.
Uninterruptible dc power supply
Siemens Energy & Automation Inc. Sitop UPS500S capacitor-based dc uninterruptible power supply (UPS) provides a 24 V dc backup without requiring a connected battery. It saves significant maintenance time and cost associated with battery replacement and power interruptions, company says. This is a Control Engineering North American print edition Product Exclusive.
Most supply chain executives don’t have real-time information
More than half of supply chain executives don't have real-time supply chain information; limited visibility into tier-two component suppliers hampers supply chain executives from making informed, cost-effective decisions.
Industrial PCs with Intel Core2 Duo, Quad processors
To increase PC-based control performance with flexible, user-friendly hardware, Beckhoff Automation announces its new C66xx series industrial PCs. This new series offers high processing power and compact device dimensions, company says. Two versions have either an Intel Core2 Duo or Core2 Quad processors on a Beckhoff ATX motherboard. This is a Control Engineering North American print edition Product Exclusive.
Tutorial: What is the GigE Vision standard?
GigE Vision is a camera interface standard developed using the Gigabit Ethernet communication protocol. Here's what it can do to improve your application. See photos, links.
Connect dozens of HMIs to one industrial PC
A new display and visualization concept from Beckhoff Automation provides for flexible connection of up to 255 Ethernet human machine interface (HMI) panels or panel PCs to one industrial PC. CP-Link 3 is based entirely on non-proprietary hardware and the IP protocol for transfer of images. Networking can be done using standard, cost-effective Ethernet cables (CAT 5), which are suitable for dra...
Intelligent Vision Stops Bypass of Quality Control
Operators sometimes employ clever and often low-tech strategies for bypassing a vision-based label quality-control system. Sometimes they simply shut off the system and let products go through. Other times, they place an image of a good product in front of the camera to allow the lesser quality labels to go by.
HMIs: Thin client milestone; new box-form industrial PC
Advantech celebrates 10 years of ThinManager partnership; introduces box PC hardware.
Report from Hannover-Daily Innovation Focus: sensors, Ethernet switches, safety, controllers
Hannover Fair 2009 product introductions include wireless intelligent sensors, IP67 gigabit Ethernet switches, a robotic controller, safety products, and some very rugged test gear.
Report from Hannover: Product focus is on innovation, energy, says Siemens executive
Views on energy efficiency, the global economic downturn, and capital expenditure value assessment are covered in an exclusive Control Engineering interview with Klaus Helmrich, CEO, Drives Technologies Division, Siemens. See photo.
Human-machine interface: Six factors help select the right HMI
The human machine interface (HMI) must be suitable for every class of user. How do you decide? The following considerations can help. See photos.
OPC Foundation releases draft ADI specification, aims to improve analyzer integration
Analyzer devices integration (ADI) helps pharmaceutical industry users exchange information.
Machine building: Embedded industrial computer makes fee-collecting flexible
Miti Manufacturing sought a solution that could ease client interfacing and remote terminal monitoring. The answer included an Advantech UNO embedded automation computer. See photo.
Winning Technologies, Engineers’ Choice 2008
The Control Engineering Engineers' Choice Awards highlight the most notable new products from the previous year. This year's competition names winners and honorable mentions in 25 product categories, from a field of 85 nominees. Who did you nominate and choose as winners?
2008 New Product Compendium: HMIs and Industrial PCs
The following products were introduced in 2008, and participated in the Control Engineering Engineers' Choice Awards competition.
2008 New Product Award Nominees
Applications POMStrace ** Honeywell Process Solutions www.honeywell.com/ps Wonderware IntelaTrac* Wonderware www.wonderware.com Data Acquisition DT9837A Data Translation www.datatranslation.com DXAdvanced R3 * Yokogawa www.yokogawa.com/us ReDAQ SLX920 ** Dataforth Corp. www.dataforth.com Design, Simulation Eplan Electric P8 v1.9 ** Eplan Software & Services www.eplan.us SimSci-Essor Inplant 4.1 Invensys Process Systems (IPS) www.ips.invensys.com SolidWorks 2009 * Dassault Systemes SolidWorks www.solidworks.com HMI Hardware EZSeries * EZAutomation www.ezautomation.net PanelMate ePro PS ** Eaton Corp. www.eaton.com ProVu Precision Digital Corp. www.predig.com SV-2400 LCD Touchscreen Stealth.Com Inc. www.stealth.com UV1000 Universal Verbalizer Omega Engineering www.omega.com Vision350 Unitronics www.unitronics.com HMI Software FactoryTalk View Machine Edition* Rockwell Automation www.rockwellautomation.com FactoryTalk ViewPoint ** Rockwell Automation www.rockwellautomation.com Genisis64 Iconics www.iconics.com Proficy HMI/SCADA - iFIX 5.0 GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms www.gefanuc.com Industrial PC APL3000 Series ** Pro-face www.profaceamerica.com Kontron Industrial Silent Server (KISS) Kontron www.kontron.com PowerPanelPC * Modular Industrial Computers www.mic.com Flowmeters Micro Motion 2-wire transmitter * Emerson Process Management, Micro Motion Division www.micromotion.com Optimass 2000 Krohne Inc. www.krohne.com SM Magnetic Inductive Flow Meter ifm efector inc. www.ifmefector.com ST51 Flow Meter ** Fluid Components International (FCI) www.fluidcomponents.com Process Sensors Fluke Ti25 Thermal Imager * Fluke Corp. www.fluke.com Saveris ** Testo Inc. www.testo.us Slurrytrac CiDRA ww.cidra.com Discrete Sensors Multi-Code Reader ifm efector inc. www.ifm.com/us OG-Cube ** ifm efector inc. www.ifmefector.com R-Gage QT50R Sensor * Banner Engineering Corp. www.bannerengineering.com Machine Vision In-Sight Micro * Cognex www.cognex.com IPD GigE VA61 Vision Appliance Dalsa www.goipd.com NI Smart Camera Family ** National Instruments www.ni.com PLC/PAC CX1030 Embedded PC * (tie) Beckhoff Automation www.beckhoffautomation.com Simatic ET 200S IM151-8 PN/DP ** Siemens Energy & Automation www.sea.siemens.com The Click PLC * (tie) AutomationDirect www.automationdirect.com Power CR6300 series ** (tie) CR Magnetics www.crmagnetics.com EPower * Eurotherm www.eurotherm.com Sitop ** (tie) Siemens Energy & Automation Inc. www.sea.siemens.com Safety Contactron Reversing Starter Phoenix Contact www.phoenixcontact.com SafetyEye * Pilz Automation Safety LP www.pilz.com Simatic Safety Matrix V6.1 ** Siemens Energy & Automation www.sea.siemens.com Drives AF-6 Series Drives * GE Consumer & Industrial www.geelectrical.com/drives ION 3000 Digital Drive Performance Motion Devices, Inc. www.pmdcorp.com MCA 121 EtherNet/IP Option** Danfoss Drives www.danfossdrives.com Motion Controllers Aries Controller Parker's Electromechanical Automation Division www.parkermotion.com IndraControl MLC with Robotics * Bosch Rexroth - Electric Drives and Controls www.boschrexroth-us.com MR-MQ100 Mitsubishi Electric Automation Inc. www.meau.com Q170MCPU ** Mitsubishi Electric Automation Inc. www.meau.com Motors, Motion 8KS series motor B&R Industrial Automation Corp. www.br-automation.com Electric Monorail System ** SEW-Eurodrive www.seweurodrive.com LaserTurn 1 * Aerotech Inc. www.aerotech.com Enclosures Net-Access Overhead Cable Routing System ** Panduit Corp. www.panduit.com Net-Access Server Cabinet and Cooling Door Panduit Corp. www.panduit.com Vortex A/C, Model #7770 * Vortec - ITW Air Management www.vortec.com Ethernet Hardware Compact Link Selector * B&R Industrial Automation Corp. www.br-automation.com EK1501, EK1521 EtherCAT ** Beckhoff Automation www.beckhoffautomation.com X20 Stand-alone hub B&R Industrial Automation Corp. www.br-automation.com Ethernet Switches 750-871 Ethernet Programmable Fieldbus Controller ** Wago Corp. www.wago.us EDS-G308 Ethernet Switch Moxa Americas Inc. www.moxa.com Lanolinx LNX-1802GN Aaxeon Technologies Inc. https://aaxeon.com/ Stratix 8000 * Rockwell Automation www.rockwellautomation.com I/O Systems HART-enabled migration solution Invensys Process Systems, Foxboro www.ips.invensys.com IO-Link Balluff www.balluff.com IP67 Ethernet I/O Module ** Molex www.molex.com Snap I/O for Allen-Bradley Systems * Opto 22 www.opto22.com Network Hardware MES Interface Applicance Mitsubishi Electric Automation Inc. www.meau.com SeaLink USB Serial Adapters** Sealevel Systems Inc. www.sealevel.com Versacard PCIe * Molex Inc. www.woodhead.com/ Signal Conditioning or Diagnostics eNetMeter DN Molex Inc. molex.com EtherStax Analog Input Modules ** Acromag www.acromag.com miniMoore * Moore Industries www.miinet.com Wireless, General ConnectPort X4 NEMA ** Digi International www.digi.com Ion Wireless Security Application * Apprion www.apprion.com OnCell G3100 Moxa Technologies www.moxa.com SAI Bluetooth Weidmuller www.weidmuller.com Wireless, IEEE 802.11 AWK-3121 Moxa Technologies Inc. www.moxa.com ILX34-AENWG * ProSoft Technology www.prosoft-technology.com Intrinsically Safe Power over Ethernet MTL Inc. www.mtl-inst.com MatchPort b/g Pro ** Lantronix www.lantronix.com Note: Engineers' Choice Award *winners and **honorable mentions designated below; all nominees product descriptions available online at www.controleng.com/awards Control Systems AC 700F * ABB www.abb.com/controlsystems Centum VP Yokogawa www.yokogawa.com/us Loop-Pro with NSS Modeling Control Station Inc. www.controlstation.com SmartSignal Plant PlantAPS** SmartSignal Corp. www.smartsignal.com.
HMIs and Industrial PCs Award Winners
HMI Hardware EZSeries HMI with remote Internet control EZAutomation EZAutomation provides a dedicated human machine interface (HMI) with remote Internet control by adding Webserver/remote control technology to its EZSeries line of touch panels. Company says the technology provides remote control via the Internet for PLC HMIs. Users previously had two choices for remote Internet control: 1) Use a dedicated operating system in a touch panel, which is faster, more reliable, and needs less memory, since the microprocessor only displays graphics and communicates to PLCs.
Honorable Mentions
POMStrace - Honeywell Process Solutions POMStrace reduces efforts to maintain and track inventory records for supplies used in clinical trials, as well as managing patient kits and supplies required to execute trials. www.honeywell.com/ps ReDAQ SLX920 - Dataforth Corp. ReDAQ supervisory control and data acquisition software combines with Dataforth’s isoLynx SLX200 data acquisition hardware to provide SCADA solutions for many rugged industrial applications. www.dataforth.com EPLAN Electric P8 v1.9 - EPLAN Software and Services Electrical CAD/CAE software for efficient and accurate controls design and documentation with integration to fluid power and process control design and third-party enterprise systems. www.eplan.us PanelMate ePro PS Classic Operator Interface - Eaton Corp. The PanelMate ePro PS is the next generation’s operator interface and features increased memory, better display, faster performance and a variety of model options. www.eaton.com FactoryTalk ViewPoint - Rockwell Automation Scalable, animated Web HMI applications remotely monitor plant-floor operations status: among the first commercially available, thin-client applications for manufacturing using the new Microsoft Silverlight technology. www.rockwellautomation.com APL3000 Series - Pro-face Industrial PCs that include Core Duo CPU performance plus advance data protection via exclusive integrated factory alert system, hot-swappable hard drives, and RAID-enable data redundancy. www.profaceamerica.com MCA 121 EtherNet/IP Option Card - Danfoss Drives The MCA 121 is a powerful networking tool that enables Danfoss VLT AutomationDrive users to deploy standard Ethernet technology in manufacturing applications, while also enabling Internet and enterprise activity. www.danfossdrives.com Q170MCPU stand-alone motion controller - Mitsubishi Electric Automation Inc. The new Q170MCPU is a high-speed, high-precision, stand-alone motion controller with a built-in PLC and 1 to 16 axes of motion for packaging, material handling, printing, and many other applications. www.meau.com Electric Monorail System - SEW-Eurodrive This intelligent Electric Monorail System (EMS) for overhead trolley systems saves floor space. It uses Movitrans contactless (inductive) energy transfer and wireless Ethernet. www.seweurodrive.com Net-Access Overhead Cable Routing System - Panduit It is a modular, 2 piece injection molded design that installs quick and easily to the top of the NET-ACCESS cabinet, eliminating need for other supporting infrastructure. It provides a high capacity data cable pathway directly over the cabinet. www.panduit.com EK1501 and EK1521 - Beckhoff Automation Fiber-optic EtherCAT Coupler and junction terminal for EtherCAT I/O networks enable extremely long distance networking up to 2 km (1.24 miles) with 100BASE-FX.
CE Engineers’ Choice: HMIs and Industrial PCs
Voting for the 2008 Control Engineering Engineer's Choice Awards is now closed.
Integrators play central role in packaging automation
Packaging is a specialty that manufacturers in virtually every industry must address. To some, it means skids, shrinkwrap and labels. To others, it includes complex "recipes" of materials, sizes, cartons and containers. Control Engineering and Packaging Digest set out to investigate this dynamic market through the Automation in Packaging Benchmark Study, a three-part, year-long research projec...
HMI: Family of uptime-maximized industrial PCs
Pro-face America’s APL3000 Series industrial PCs feature high speed Intel Core Duo CPU, hot swappable drives, integrated factory alert system, RAID-enabled backup, and easy-to-use HMI software.
Real-time Ethernet Applications
Seeing is believing, so they say. Perhaps these applications of Ethernet will provide comfort that Ethernet protocols can be used in real-time applications. Read on, then go online with this article to link to more details, applications, and photos. Texo Industries, EtherNet/IP Italy-based Texo Industries streamlined print-and-cut operations on its Excalibur rotary die cutter and printing line.
Automation and Ethernet Combine for 3D Disney Attraction
Toy Story Midway Mania debuts Disney's extensive use of automation and controls over Ethernet.
Embedded Control: CompactPCI board sports 45 nm dual-core processor
Company says board is designed for densely packed, thermally constrained CompactPCI systems that require outstanding performance in 50 W or less power envelope.
Packaging Automation Benchmark Study, Part 2: Machine builders influence, interpret packagers’ needs
Packaging is big business—and it's growing. Control Engineering and Packaging Digest set to investigate this dynamic market through the Packaging Automation Benchmark Study, a three-part, year-long research project conducted by Reed Research Group. This comprehensive view of the state of packaging automation reveals the technology, market drivers and business issues affecting packagers...
New product: I/O terminals for eXtreme Fast Control (XFC)
This I/O family has high data throughput and distributed clock synchronization. See photo.
IP30-rated wireless LAN access points
Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc. has introduced the Scalance W784 line of IP30-rated wireless LAN access points that offer high data security, deterministic control to prioritize client traffic, and flexibility of IEEE 802.11b/g/a open standards. An aluminum housing and a small footprint allow access points and client modules to be wall-mounted or panel-mounted on a 35-mm standard mounting...
Embedded controllers increase performance
National Instruments (NI) released three new Compact FieldPoint controllers that deliver increased performance, higher processor speed, and improved Ethernet throughput. The NI cFP-2220, cFP-2210 and cFP-2200 controllers include a 400 MHz PowerPC processor, Wind River VxWorks real-time operating system (RTOS) for greater processing power and faster data analysis, and Reliance file system suppor...
Inspection Systems Benefit from High-tech Components
Machine builders wanting to differentiate themselves are always looking for the best technology for the project at hand. Machine vision systems using state of the art hardware and software can help a machine builder gain an edge with regard to inspection systems. In this article, we’ll explore two different solutions for two very different quality control applications.
New NI controllers improve embedded performance
Three new National Instruments Compact FieldPoint controllers increase performance, processor speed, and Ethernet throughput; LabView Real-Time can help. One user says...
Industrial PC goes embedded
When industrial PCs first hit the market, they were only slightly modified from the consumer PCs used at home and in the office. In recent years, manufacturers of computer hardware have been paying closer attention to the needs of industry. One significant result of this attention is that reduced instruction set computer (RISC) processors have become the first choice of CPU for embedded applic...
IPC market: Will DIN-rail PCs with I/O revolutionize industrial PCs?
Market study reports that DIN rail PCs with incorporated I/O are going to have a lasting impact on the worldwide industrial PC market.
IPC evolution leads to embedded systems for industry
Since equipment failures can cost companies thousands of dollars even for stoppages lasting just a few minutes, industry has adopted a zero tolerance mindset toward industrial PC reliability.
PCs Cover Coating System Control
Semicore Equipment Inc, based in Livermore, CA, manufactures vacuum coating and etching systems for the electronics, optical, solar energy, medical, automotive, military, and related high technology industries. Semicore vacuum sputtering and thin-film evaporation systems provide coatings for a variety of materials including plastics, glass, ceramics, metals, and hybrid substrates.
Portable computing: Operators can be mobile with rugged HMI
Rexroth includes dedicated Shift key for one-handed data input, more.
Report asks: Will DIN-rail PCs with I/O revolutionize industrial PCs?
What region of the world is showing the interest in this technology? Answers revealed….
Packaging Automation Study: Future Prospects
The Internet boom of the 1990s and the subsequent bust in the early days of the 21st Century had an undeniable effect on the way we conduct business today that can be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, the rapid proliferation of Internet-related technologies helped to “open up” the plant floor and made Ethernet and other forms of machine-to-machine communication possible.
Beijer, Wonderware partnership delivers Windows CE operator panels
Terminals running the Microsoft Windows CE operating system are an increasingly available option for basic operator terminal products and industrial PCs. Beijer Electronics and Wonderware, a division of Invensys, have signed a strategic agreement that increases user options further: high-end Windows CE-based touch panel hardware from Beijer combined with a runtime license for a subset of Wonder...
Packaging Automation Study: Opportunities For Improvement
Despite challenges presented by today’s market conditions, automation technologies deliver substantial opportunity for enhanced synchronization, process optimization and bottom-line improvements across the board. Maximizing the performance and productivity of packaging operations is predicated on ensuring that packaging equipment does not exist as individual “islands of information ...
Softing provides embedded OPC technology for Lenze product line
Solution reduces DCOM configuration issues, which were a leading cause for support calls
VIA Pico-ITX in new industrial control PCs
In first industrial design win for the Pico-ITX form factor, DeLock chooses it for use in its industrial control PC.
Windows CE open operator panels from a new source
Beijer, Wonderware partnership gives machine builders more options.
HMIs: Microsoft Windows CE terminals find acceptance
Relatively strong growth in open operator interface terminals continues through 2011; which operating systems?
Control Engineering 2007 Engineers’ Choice Award Winners
At Control Engineering, our job is to keep you informed of the latest trends and technologies. It is in this spirit that the Engineers’ Choice program was created. Awards and honorable mentions were given in 21 subcategories of products. Eligible products were those introduced in North America and available for purchase between Jan. 1, and Nov. 1, 2007. See who you chose.
Winners: Human Machine Interface and Industrial PCs
Winners of 2007 Engineers' Choice awards - HMIs and industrial PCs
Technology Leaders
The industrial automation space is one of constant change. At Control Engineering, our job is to keep you informed of the latest trends and technologies, and we have a responsibility to provide an opportunity to share your thoughts and insights with editors and peers. It is in this spirit that the Engineers’ Choice program was created.
Winners: Process and Advanced Control
Sidebars: Honorable Mentions Advanced control: Rockwell Automation Offered as an add-on option to RSLogix Version 16, the RS Logix 5000 Fuzzy Designer allows users to create fuzzy logic algorithms for use in any of the Logix PACs. FuzzyDesigner offers a fuzzy logic design environment, which helps create advanced control capabilities through a rule-based decision making process, eliminating the usual detailed programming process. This reduces development time, improves maintainability and eases fuzzy logic control setup.
Graphics options: Near, far, multi-display
Technological advances in graphics hardware and software in recent years have introduced many new possibilities for process control and automation systems, including supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), human-machine interface (HMI) and distributed control systems (DCS). Graphics options for operator consoles have grown considerably, providing a range of options to consider for con...
PC/104-plus card connects multiple embedded system cards
Mesa Electronics introduced the 4I71 stackable PC/104-plus card that combines a 100BaseT Ethernet MAC with a 9-port switch. The card makes it easy to connect multiple embedded system cards without the awkward power or mechanical problems with consumer type Ethernet switches.
Comark Corp. introduces EnduraTouch front access industrial PC
EnduraTouch 1700FX front access NEMA 4X PC system
Signal Conditioning for PC-Based Control
When you’re using a standard control solution such as a programmable automation controller (PAC), says Bob Nelson, business manager for controller I/O and software at Siemens, “the manufacturer takes care of the inner-workings of that controller, so the user doesn’t have to worry about them.
Secure HMI/SCADA software supports handheld, desktop thin clients
Austin, TX — InduSoft Web Studio now supports two types of remote application viewers: a dedicated viewer for plant-floor operations—where navigation must be restricted to specific HMI/SCADA applications—and a Microsoft Internet Explorer-based browser that enables full access to any authorized IP address or application. Up to 128 simultaneous viewing clients of each type are supported.
Analysis: PLCs vs. PACs
Control Engineering wondered if PLCs were going the way of the buggy whip and eight track tape players given that their newer counterparts, programmable automation controllers (PACs), seem to be all that vendors want to talk about.
Industrial computers: Advantech to grow into vertical market solution provider
Shanghai, China–Advantech corporate executives were pleased to show off their home country of China during their annual World Partner Conference in Shanghai this year. But the bigger news was how they are positioning themselves to grow beyond their success as a Taiwanese maker of general purpose industrial computers and automation equipment. The plan extends beyond results already delivered.
Advantech upgrades UNO industrial PC line
The Industrial Automation Group of Advantech has recently upgraded its line of UNO embedded industrial computers. The UNO-3074 now features an Intel Pentium M 1.8 GHz CPU and 1 GB RAM, and is one of the fastest industrial computers available from the company.
Opening the Process Window: Intel®’s multi-core technologies power Human Machine Interface innovation
Process Control Visualization: Evolved Before the computer and controls revolution of the 1960s and '70s, a control manager’s window into their industrial process was quite literally a glass window from their office onto the site’s pipes, valves and reactors. (And that window was often obscured by years of dirt and grime.
Simulation widens mechatronics
Mechatronic design has come into its own over the past decade. Today, mechatronics means more than integrating the best of mechanical and electronic design worlds, because control and software engineers—and other project team members—also participate. In particular, software has had a profound effect on making mechatronics successful.
2007 Engineers’ Choice Awards: Call for entries from Control Engineering
To highlight those automation, controls, and instrumentation products which have made the greatest impact on industry, Control Engineering is proud to announce an open call for entries for the 2007 Engineers’ Choice Awards. Nominate a product by Nov. 2, 2007.
Pack Expo Las Vegas 2007
Automation and packaging intersect at Pack Expo Las Vegas 2007, Las Vegas Convention Center, NV. Exhibits and conference sessions focus on the latest developments in packaging technology and will showcase state-of-the-art advances in packaging machinery, converting machinery, materials, packages and containers, and components.
2-core industrial PC
The newest generation of industrial PCs from B&R Industrial Automation adds new products to the Automation PC product line at the top of the performance range. The APC810 is based on the newest Intel Dual-Core technology, which combines two processor cores in one housing, for a performance boost over processors with only one processor core.
Virtualization Brings Real Benefits
Intel® Virtualization Technology, or Intel® VT, enables the integration of two or more autonomous applications. Exploiting the company’s multi-core microprocessors, Intel VT offers industrial automation users the performance of multiple separate processors in a single chip. This multitasking brings some significant benefits.
RFID: Tower system integrated, scalable; counts badges for Siemens, CSIA
Siemens Energy & Automation Inc., in collaboration with URS/EG&G's Systems Development & Engineering Services, formally unveiled what it calls the next generation of supply chain radio frequency identification technology, RFID PathMinder.
Networking: EtherNet/IP support added to TwinCAT software
Beckhoff Automation has announced full EtherNet/IP compatibility with TwinCAT, its the real-time control software.
Upgrade without downtime
As a subsidiary of CSM, a global player in the food-ingredients industry, Purac is a leading producer of lactic acid-based biochemicals used in foods, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and other products. The company strives to improve the efficiency of its production and customer service in its facilities in the U.
Chip power for industrial PCs
Silicon chip power was on display at some fair exhibits. Several new board-level and computer products from Kontron AG featured the latest multi-core microprocessors. Intel (www.intel.com) Core Duo processor powers Kontron’s compact ThinkIO fanless “top-hat rail” PC, as well as its latest NotePAC Ultra notebook computer.
Fieldbus cards for industrial PCs
Mini PCI fieldbus cards for Profibus, CANopen, DeviceNet, and Ethernet networks are part of Beckhoff Automation’s push to create the smallest possible industrial PC.
Stand Out Technologies
Every year, hundreds of new products are introduced, but only a few go on to greatness. At Control Engineering, we try to predict which those will be. The Control Engineering Engineers’ Choice Awards seek to highlight and honor the many automation, instrumentation, and control products introduced in the previous year, and give readers a chance to revisit some they may have missed.
CX1020 Embedded PC raises performance bar
Beckhoff Automation Beckhoff Automation’s CX1020 is a major enhancement to its high-end embedded PC. Where the original CX1020 design had a 600 MHz Intel Celeron M CPU, all models now feature a 1 GHz Intel Celeron M ULV processor. The fanless embedded PC’s heat sink was redesigned and enlarged to ensure system stability and eliminate the possibility of overheating.
C69xx industrial PCs are smaller, faster
Beckhoff Automation C6920 and C6925 industrial PCs feature 3.5-in. motherboards to make it possible to use Intel Celeron M or Pentium M processors up to 1.8 GHz. The C69xx line is small, the largest measuring 2.6-in. W x 9.1-in. H x 4.6-in. deep, and made with thick aluminum plating. Features a flash disk as the boot and memory medium to provide a solid state PC with no moving parts.
Opto 22: automation hardware, software needs to get simpler
Temecula, CA — 'Products that serve the automation industry are confusing to understand, complex to use and expensive to buy,” says Benson Hougland, vice president of Opto 22 , 'but they don’t have to be.' The occasion was the launch of a redesigned and simplified suite of Opto 22 hardware and software that is easier to understand, simpler to select and configure, and less expensive to install. The more than 20 revamped products include project, simulation and connectivity software; I/O processors, modules and racks; and the Snap Motion Control Subsystem. The result, says Benson, simplifies .'the [creative] process for people who want to act on their ideas.' Even before the black armbands that employees wore to proclaim the demise of PLCs more than 18 years ago, Opto 22 had positioned itself as different.
Not your Father’s RTOS
Embedded real-time operating systems keep planes, trains, and automobiles—as well as factory floor equipment—running on time. At the heart of an embedded RTOS is determinism, the absolute guarantee that when the clock ticks or an interrupt arrives, the system will respond appropriately. But today that’s not enough.
Engineers’ Choice 2006 – HMI
Engineers Choice CompetitionNew Products for 2006: Human-Machine Interfaces and Industrial PCs Control Engineering — February 15, 2007The annual Control Engineering Engineers Choice Awards highlight significant new products from the previous year as selected by readers of Control Engineering print publications and electronic newsletters. The following new products are nominees for that competition. To be eligible, a new product must have been introduced to the U.S.
Networking: Ethernet stars in network growth
Growth in the world market for industrial networking is being driven by a substantial increase in the use of Ethernet-based technologies, according to a new report from IMS Research. Four product groups were analyzed in detail for the report; PLCs, operator terminals, variable speed drives and motion controllers. Of these, variable speed drives are predicted to experience the highest growth of use within industrial networks. The report predicts average annual growth in installed Ethernet nodes of 13% in the next 5 years in terms of nodes installed.
Exclusive: Power panel performs like PC
New Power Panel 300/400 generation expands B&R Industrial Automation Corp.’s Power Panel 100/200 product line.
Let your choice be known
Just as Time Magazine’s Person of the Year is “you,” you are also one of our best resources for identifying the most innovative and useful hardware and software products for the jobs you do. The annual Control Engineering product awards competition is upon us, and we are seeking nominations.
Power panel performs like PC
New Power Panel 300/400 generation expands B&R Industrial Automation Corp.’s Power Panel 100/200 product line. Devices are said to provide more than twice the computing power of the previous generation and cover a performance range once reserved for industrial PCs. Power Panel 300/400 also implements the product lines of BIOS devices (Power Panel 300) and embedded devices (Power Panel...
Control Engineering: Continuing 20 years of recognizing product excellence
After spotlighting the industry’s best products for 20 years, Control Engineering is revising the process and timeline for its 2006 product awards. The Editors’ Choice Awards, previously scheduled for publication in January 2006, are migrating to April 2007 and becoming the Engineers’ Choice Awards. Eligible products are those introduced in North America and available for purchase between December 1, 2005, and December 31, 2006, in the areas that Control Engineering covers: Process and advanced control; Machine and embedded control; Motors, drives, and motion control; Human-machine interfaces and industrial PCs; Instrumentation and control components; Application and programming software; Networks and communications hardware and software. Following the success of the first System Integrator of the Year awards (see the Automation Integrator Guide , mailed with the December 2006 issue), Control Engineering ’s Engineers’ Choice Awards will use a no-fee nomination/application process. Products will be judged on three criteria: technological advancement, market impact, and service to the industry. Applications are available online at www.controleng.com/awards and are due Jan.
Joint effort: Acquisitions enhance Beckhoff development capabilities
Enhancing its already strong capabilities as a maker of PC-based automation and controls, Beckhoff Automation GmbH , based in Verl, Germany, has acquired two Münster, Germany, companies: BeDeHa GmbH and Embedded-Logic Design & More GmbH (ELDM). Both are developers of embedded PC technology with long-standing experience. ELDM specializes in the development of PC motherboards, while BeDeHa distributes and adapts BIOS software. "We are now better positioned to offer Beckhoff industrial PCs and embedded PCs in all performance classes with motherboards that are fully developed and manufactured in-house," said Hans Beckhoff, managing director of Beckhoff Automation.
Smaller, faster PCs, up to 1.8 GHz
C6920 and C6925 industrial PCs from Beckhoff Automation feature 3.5-in. motherboards that use Intel Celeron M or Pentium M processors up to 1.8 GHz.
Service notifies engineers of part changes
Engineers need to wade through a sea of part-change notifications from various manufacturers and vendors, looking for end-of-life notifications for parts in their designs, a process that can be time consuming and error prone. EMA Design Automation, which provides electronic design automation (EDA) solutions, announced availability of products and services provided by PCNAlert for component eve...
Industrial PCs gain in developing regions
Market for industrial PCs in developing regions is predicted to grow significantly, reaching Euro 740 million by 2010, a report from IMS Research forecasts. Developing areas such as Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Russian Federation are expected to experience annual growth rates in excess of 13%.
Market update: Strong growth forecast for industrial PCs in developing regions
Wellingborough, UK— The market for industrial PCs in developing regions is predicted to grow significantly, reaching€740 million by 2010, a report from IMS Research forecasts. Developing areas such as Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Russian Federation are expected to experience annual growth rates in excess of 13%. Contributing to the growth, says IMS, is the increasing number of manufacturing companies relocating to these areas because of their comparatively low labor costs. Many of the countries are also benefiting from strong economic expansion. "Regional growth is driven by the predicted economic performance of each region and the number of machines and systems which are expected to be manufactured within the region over the forecast period," said Mark Watson, IMS market analyst and report author.
Illuminated ring keys improve readability
Illuminated ring keys from B&R Industrial Automation offer a high degree of readability, generous pressing area, and long life span. Illuminated ring keys are intended to improve visual components and boost security on operator panels. Composed of a short-stroke key, a source of light, and high-performance LEDs, the devices feature a luminous ring developed by B&R Industrial Automation .
Wireless family secures LAN outdoors, inside
Siemens' Scalance W provides weather proof LAN infrastructure Siemens Energy & Automation entered the enterprise network market with their Scalance W wireless LAN, a family of rugged, wireless LAN products that reportedly make it simple to install, operate, and manage a secure enterprise WLAN-indoors or out. Scalance W wireless product family provides access points, client modules and management tools, with the enterprise-ready security features for WLAN customers. Siemens designed the family for industrial use on the factory floor, where configurations demand flexibility in deployment. As such, Scalance W access points are self-enclosed devices. These networking products support a range of WLAN WiFi standards, including: 802.11a, for operation up to 54 megabit/second in the 5 GHz band; 802.11b, for speeds up to 11 mbit/s at 2.4 GHz; and 802.11g, for speeds up to 54 mbit/s at 2.4 GHz. The family supports WiFi Protected Access (WPA) specification and the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), for 128-bit encryption, along with MAC address filtering.
In-rack PC for ControlLogix is backplane-compatible
High-speed, in-rack PC for ControlLogix from ProSoft Technology features a high-speed CPU (500 MHz), is backplane compatible, and can be customized easily. Bakersfield, CA— High-speed, in-rack PC for ControlLogix from ProSoft Technology is backplane-compatible and customizable so that the module can be integrated easily into an existing network without any modification to the ControlLogix controller program. PC56-LX800 is suited for a number of industries, including packaging, oil and gas, and water and wastewater. Applications range from HMI and SCADA integration and e-diagnostics to relational database management with SQL and automated process quality and optimization.
I/O Implementations
Replacing I/O connections is often seen as the least-desirable automation upgrade in the facility. Those regularly involved in implementations can offer advice to ease the pain in replacing the I/O glue between manufacturing processes and control systems. And, in some cases, the I/O system even can become the control system.
RF-shielded coax cables
C&M Corp.’s CM-HPC low-loss coax cable family features overall tinned copper braided shield and is intended for indoor and outdoor use.
PCI waveform digitizer
ATS660 16-bit PCI waveform digitizer from AlazarTech is designed for OEMs and researchers involved in RF signal analysis, biomedical imaging, ultrasonics, and radar, among other applications.
Water plant analyzer, controller
Water analysis and control system uses AquaSensors DataStick sensors networked over DeviceNet to a Beckhoff CX1000 DIN rail mounted industrial PC to provide a complete control system for any water industry application from full plant to skid-mounted OEM installation.
Industrial PCs with HMI software
Wonderware, a business unit of Invensys, bundles thin client computer and Box PC industrial systems with HMI software to be plug-and-play ready for a variety of manufacturing and industrial settings.
Worlds in Collision — or Cooperation?
The major barrier to integrating automation with enterprise systems is nottechnological. True, there are technological issues involved, some quite intricate. And it doesn't take a rocket scientist to appreciate the need to leverage real-time data to strategically drive manufacturing performance. The real barrier is no longer how or why, but who.
Embedded PC with greater energy efficiency
CX9000 from Beckhoff Automation puts PC-based control technology into a compact, I/O bus coupler-size housing. It features a 266 MHz Intel IXP420 CPU with XScale technology that runs Microsoft Windows CE. CX9000 embedded PC works with Beckhoff’s I/O bus terminals (fully Ethernet compatible) or high-speed EtherCAT I/O terminals to provide a “cost effective and compact Ethernet controller for PLC and motion control applications,” says the company. It requires no external storage media.
European food, personal computer markets show continued growth
Wellingborough, UK— European markets for food and beverage processing equipment and for industrial PCs show steady and continued growth, according to recent studies by IMS Research . Demand for food and beverage processing equipment will increase steadily to more than€9.2 billion by 2009, growing at around 4% per year, says one report. In separate research, the EMEA (Europe, Middle-East, Africa) market for industrial PCs is projected to experience a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 8% through 2010 to reach nearly €750 million. In the food and beverage area, developing regions such as the Russian Federation and Eastern Europe are expected to register the strongest growth, says IMS, with annual rates of around 6%.
Control cabinet PC is compact
C6920 and C6925 industrial PCs for control cabinet installation are robust and ultra-compact, and feature an aluminum housing.
CNC Programming
The machine tool world is working with a 50-year-old programming paradigm (based in G code) that needs an update to take advantage of interoperability capabilities to allow easier data exchange with other software, rather than re-entering or recreating information. Plus, there's no standard means to quickly optimize tool usage via design parameters that decide which machine(s) can run the job m...
Put the Brakes on Proprietary Controls
You don't have to be a Fortune 500 CEO to know that few companies with "take it or leave it" strategies can succeed. As the number-one press brake manufacturer by machine volume in North America, Accurpress understands customer needs and isn't afraid to make changes including to its control platform.
Server uses dual-core processors
Eching, Germany—KISS-Short next-generation industrial server from Kontron features RoHS compliance, small installation depth, long-term availability, quiet operation (&35 dBA), and rugged design.
HMI hardware market grows fastest in Asia Pacific
HMI hardware market is growing fastest in the Asia Pacific area, a recent IMS Research study indicates. World market for operator interfaces is expected to increase to more than $1.9 billion by 2009, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4%, says the report. The strong increase is attributed to significant growth in China and India, coupled with slower growth in G...
HMI hardware market growing fastest in Asia Pacific
The human-machine interface (HMI) hardware market is growing fastest in the Asia Pacific area, a recent IMS Research study indicates. World demand for operator interfaces is expected to increase to more than $1.9 billion by 2009, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4%, says the report.
Protocol converter integrates digital systems, client functionality
Emerson Process Management and OSIsoft, performance management software developer, announced availability of the PI Protocol Converter (PPC), which continues connectivity of OSIsoft PI System and client applications to Emerson’s DeltaV digital-automation system, a key component of the company’s PlantWeb digital plant architecture.
Controlling Austria’s largest biomass power plant
After only a year of construction, Austria’s largest biomass power plant became operational at the end of October 2005. With the Timelkam biomass power plant, Energie AG will be able to supply 26,000 households with environmentally friendly energy and an additional 6,000 households with district heating from CO 2 -neutral biomass. This biomass power plant is equipped with a modern fluidized bed boiler that will take in roughly 115,000 tons of biomass for the 8,000 operational hours expected per year.
Open-platform PC has TFT display, touchscreen
EPX PowerStation from Parker Automation-CTC includes an 8-in. TFT display, analog resistive touchscreen, and unlimited-tag runtime software. Milford, OH —Open-platform EPX PowerStation package from Parker Automation-CTC consists of an industrial PC with an 8-in.
XperTune and Ipcos partner
ExperTune Inc . and Ipcos have an agreement to provide performance-supervision and process-optimization solutions for Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. Ipcos has over 200 man-years experience in advanced control applications. “The combination of expert talent, leveraged with best-in-class software, has been proven to accelerate optimization efforts,” says John Gerry, president and founder of ExperTune Inc.
OPC remote communication
ONB, Integration Objects OPCNet Broker, is said to ensure fast, reliable, and secure OPC remote communication by overcoming DCOM bottlenecks. Easy-to-deploy, maintainable software tracks client/server communications and limits the number of open ports within firewalls to minimize security holes; configures communication schema with less complexity; and connects OPC components from different dom...
Data acquisition critical to booster-stage debris reentry
European Space Agency's heavy space-launcher, Ariane 5, is designed with two solid-fuel boosters, a main cryogenic stage, called EPC, and a storable propellant upper-stage. EPC is left on a controlled reentering-orbit after its burnout to avoid any risks of uncontrolled reentry over inhabited areas.
Data acquisition critical to reentry of booster stage debris
Ariane 5, the European Space Agency’s heavy space-launcher, is designed with two solid boosters, a main cryogenic stage, called EPC, and a storable propellant upper-stage. EPC is left on a controlled reentering orbit after its burnout to avoid any risks of uncontrolled reentry over inhabited areas. In order to improve the reentry model, and to more accurately characterize the physical phenomena that occur during reentry, CNES (French aerospace agency) on behalf of ESA, decided to conduct observation missions of the EPC reentry. System Planning Corp. (SPC) of Arlington, VA, undertook the challenge of observing and measuring the reentry from orbit of the EPC of the Ariane 5.
TI acquires supplier of transceivers, system-on-chip devices
Dallas, TX — Texas Instruments Inc . plans to acquire Chipcon, a leading company in the design of short-range, low-power wireless RF (radio frequency) transceiver devices. The move is expected to enhance TI's ability to offer complete short-range wireless solutions for building automation applications and strengthen its position in ZigBee, the global standard for wireless monitoring and control applications.
Palm-sized PC is fanless, rugged
LPC-401FS Fanless LittlePC delivers a noise-free computer system small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. Its robust anodized aluminum chassis from Stealth Computer measures just over 2-in. tall, has an overall footprint of 10 x 6.1 x 2.17 in., and weighs under 6 lb, depending on configuration. Chassis acts as a passive heat sink dissipating internal heat.
Touchscreen technology, compact footprint
Family of Telemecanique industrial PCs expands with the Magelis Smart iPC, a thin client for Ethernet architectures. The industrial computer targets OEMs and industrial end-users looking for PC and touchscreen technology in a compact footprint.. Compact iPC from Schneider Electric is just 100-mm deep and features a high-quality graphic interface and easy installation and integration.
Management views at SPS/IPC/Drives 2005
Continued growth and success of the European electric automation show SPS/IPC/Drives has previously been reported in Control Engineering , for example, in Daily News for Nov. 22, 2005 . New records were again set for the Nov.
Sercos III products at SPS/IPC/DRIVES show
Nuremberg, Germany —November 22–24, eleven members of Interests Group Sercos interface e.V. (IGS) participated in a joint booth at the SPS/IPC/Drives trade fair in Nuremberg. Several companies introduced their first products for the new Ethernet-based Sercos III interface. Automata GmbH exhibited the A1 Industrial PC with an integrated Sercos III interface, plus a Sercos III PCI card based on the SERCON100 controller, including driver software.
HMIs with built-in LabView environment
Line of HMIs from National Instruments includes FPT-1015 flat-panel touchscreen, TPC-2006 touch panel computer, and PPC-2015 panel PC. Flat-panel touchscreen, touch panel computer, and panel PC HMIs from National Instruments come with LabView graphical development environment to develop user interfaces. Interface development environment offers royalty-free deployment for the interfaces with LabView Application Builder; each touch panel interface includes a LabView PDA module deployment license.
PLC use to increase; collaborative systems effective for discrete Manufacturers
More people are expected to use programmable logic controllers, and collaborative systems are useful for more effective discrete manufacturing environments, according to separate studies by ARC Advisory Group. (For more PLC research, see the December 2005 Product Research article, at www.
Easier connectedness
Efforts continue to expand connections among plant-floor systems, the rest of the enterprise, and beyond. Many plants contain patchworks of custom code tying one system to another, which discourages upgrades, for fear something no longer will work. Others haven't bothered with such connections, but increasingly feel pressured to put information to better use.
ARC: more PLCs, collaborative discrete manufacturing
More people are expected to use programmable logic controllers, and collaborative systems are useful for more effective discrete manufacturing environments, according to separate studies by ARC Advisory Group . (For more PLC research, watch for a December 2005 Product Research article, at /archive .) Greater demand from various emerging markets created robust growth for programmable logic controllers (PLCs), ARC reported, with compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.9% globally over the next five years. In 2004, the PLC market was nearly $7 billion with more than $9 billion expected by 2009, according to “Programmable Logic Controller Worldwide Outlook.” PLCs have become more attractive by including many elements of modern information technology (IT) the study says.
PC, display in one unit
Panel PC combines industrial PC and display in one unit to fit where space is limited.
Phoenix Contact expands in U.S., China
Phoenix Contact (www.phoenixcon.com) developer and manufacturer of specialized electronic components and connection systems, is expanding design, engineering, manufacturing, distribution, and support activities in the U.S. and in China, company executives announced to media here on Sept.
Industrial PC systems for harsh environments
Rugged Impact PCs have steel housings and are designed to work in a 5-50 °C temperature range. A new series of compact, long-life industrial PC (IPC) systems with mini-ITX form factor (11 x 10.5 x 2.6 in.) has been introduced by Saelig Co. Inc.
Eight-port PC/104 RS-485 module
SIO-104+8.485 eight-port PC/104 RS-485 module is designed to meet core needs of PC/104 applications requiring high reliability, small size, and long-term availability. Board conforms to PC/104 specifications and includes UARTs with 128-byte FIFOs for fast, error-free communication up to 921.6 kbs. It automatically handles the RS-485 driver enable, allowing RS-485 ports to be viewed by operating...
Siemens: new CNC platform, services, contract
Elk Grove Village, IL —Siemens Energy and Automation Inc. introduced a new CNC system platform, as well as new traditional and electronic-based services, and announced a new CNC-related contract, in an Aug. 11 press event near Chicago. The “Sinumerik solution line CNC system platform,” new to the U.S.
Hirschmann releases Gigabit Ethernet workgroup switch
Hirschmann Automation and Control GmbH, located in Neckartenzlingen, Germany, has extended its product range to include the GigaLion-24TP Gigabit Ethernet workgroup switch.
NI controller communicates with IEEE 1394, CANopen intelligent drives
Austin, TX; Rochester, NY—National Instruments (NI) reports that engineers can now use its LabVIEW graphical development environment to create distributed motion applications with its SoftMotion controller for Copley CANopen and Ormec IEEE 1394 intelligent drives.
Compact, fanless embedded control PC stands up to tough environments
Tough, compact equipment is a must for rugged embedded applications. Aaeon Electronics Inc. has recently introduced its AEC-6810 Embedded Control PC, said to be a multi-function, high-performance industrial controller with features superior to similar industrial PCs, yet compact in size.
PC-based Control Delivers the Right Mix
We may all scream for ice cream, but ice cream vendors don't want people yelling for the wrong reasons. In turn, vendors want to deliver what customers want without casting a chill on the bottom line. Achieving that balance is getting more challenging as dairy and ingredient prices rise. However, some vendors are exploring greater use of automation to reduce equipment costs and operating expens...
London Underground using Wonderware’s application server to manage 150 stations
Lake Forest, CA—Wonderware reports that its industrial automation and information software was selected by Thales to provide station management systems at 150 London Underground stations.
Worth reading: PC-based instrumentation, chipmaking demystified
Professionals working in embedded and PC-based control are continually looking to update their reference sources.
APC, Rockwell launch UPS for industrial control
American Power Conversion (APC) and Rockwell Automation have introduced a jointly developed, uninterruptible power system (UPS), Allen Bradley Bulletin 1609 Industrial AC UPS, which is designed for use in factory environments. This system provides backup power to critical devices in the control scheme in the event of power interruptions.
PC/104 board market growth expected in embedded, real-time applications
Natick, MA—The global market for “stackable” form factor boards in embedded and real-time applications is expected to grow to just over $204 million in 2008 from $140.5 million in 2004, according to new research by Venture Development Corp. (VDC).
PC/104 market update from VDC
PC/104 technology is alive and well, according to a recent Venture Development Corp. (VDC) study of the global market for ”stackable” form-factor boards.
Industrial communication card
PCI-1610CU industrial-grade universal PCI communication card features four RS-232 ports with solid isolation and surge protection. Card is compatible with 3.3-V and 5-V PCI slots. Design provides 9-wired RS-232 signaling, 2,500 V dc optical isolation, and 2,500 V dc surge protection to keep host computers from damage from unexpected voltage spikes.
Fanless computer fits in palm
LPC-401FS Fanless LittlePC delivers a fanless, noise-free computer system small enough to fit in the palm of your hand.
Open-system HMI market expected to triple
The worldwide market for open-system human-machine interfaces (HMIs) will more than triple over the next five years, according to a recent study by IMS Research. The market is projected to grow at a 25.4% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from an estimated $48.8 million in 2003 to approximately $151.
AVG recovers from fire to launch eight product lines
A year ago on Feb. 21, AVG Automation's Uticor manufacturing and engineering center went up in smoke, halting production. Thanks to state and local assistance, activity resumed a few days later in a nearby closed food store. Now, after millions of dollars in new investment to rebuild and expand the plant, and hire more staff, AVG is launching its new EZAutomation division...
Schneider Electric puts HMI in a browser, expands industrial PC family
Schneider Electric’s Telemecanique brand has introduced several new products with enhanced HMI capabilities.
Open-system HMI market expected to triple by 2008
Wellingborough, U.K.—The worldwide market for open-system human-machine interfaces (HMIs) is projected to more than triple, and grow at a 25.4% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from an estimated $48.8 million in 2003 to approximately $151.3 million in 2008, according to a recent study by IMS Research.
Real-time communications by time slicing
Ethernet Powerlink is a decentralized real-time communication system for automation and motion control, which originally was developed by B&R Industrial Automation Corp.'s Austria-based parent company, Bernecker & Rainer Industrie Elektronik GmbH. B&R's innovation reportedly helped make Ethernet deterministic for real-time industrial applications.
Schneider Electric introduces compact, thin-client PCs
Schneider Electric recently expanded its family of Telemecanique industrial PCs by introducing its Magelis Smart iPC, a thin client for Ethernet architectures, and the Magelis Compact iPC, designed for embedding in small machines or enclosures. The firm says its new compact-footprint industrial PCs with touchscreens are aimed at OEMs and industrial users.
Industrial PC bridges automation, IT
Wago Corp. says its industrial PC with embedded PC technology, Wago-I/O-IPC Series 758, integrates standard PC functions, including network and fieldbus interfaces, to quickly and easily achieve decentralized control, sub-networking with popular fieldbuses, as well as recording, analyzing, and measuring even large amounts of data.
Schneider Electric introduces thin client, compact PCs
Palatine, IL—Schneider Electric recently expanded its family of Telemecanique industrial PCs by introducing its Magelis Smart iPC, a thin client for Ethernet architectures, and its Magelis Compact iPC, which is designed for embedding in small machines or enclosures.
Software tool enhanced
Automation Studio adds many new functions and improvements in its latest version. Package allows for seamless integration of controllers, drives, visualization (HMI), communication, and software using a single development tool, from controllers to distributed-axis drives and from fieldbus to Ethernet.
Nyquist: ‘One box’ motion control system reduces integration costs
Nyquist Industrial Control has extended the range of its products with NYCe4000—a rugged, high-end, industrial motion control system with integrated drive technology.
SPS/IPC/Drives 2004 is just around the corner
The successful European electric automation show, SPS/IPC/Drives, makes its next presentation on Nov. 23-25 in Nuremberg, Germany—with record bookings in place for more than 1,000 exhibitors and display area of 64,500 sq meters (more than 694,000 sq ft).
In, out, and about HMI: software, custom OIs, LCDs, mouse
On the new products horizon this month are a variety of offerings related to human-machine interface (HMI).
RFID: ROI more than 2 years; high-speed bar-code matching
Vast majority of electronic product code (EPC) applications of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology expect return on investment greater than two years, a recent ARC Advisory Group study of 24 companies suggests.
Bernecker+Rainer, Altera form partnership to add automation flexibility
Bernecker+Rainer Industrie-Elektronik GmbH (B&R) and Altera GmbH recently created a partnership to develop programmable components for industrial PCs, controllers, drive systems, and industrial networks based on the Ethernet Powerlink protocol.
Rugged/industrial PC market to reach $1.9 billion by 2006
Natick, MA—North America and Western Europe’s demand for rugged/industrial computer systems is expected to grow at a 4.4% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during 2003-06, and reach $1.9 billion by 2006, according to recent research by Venture Development Corp. (VDC).
Hannover Fair: Modular, compact industrial PCs
APC620 and APC630 industrial PC generation features space-saving modular construction, varying number of slots, durable materials, and a main system separated from the display interfaces to handle the most varied industrial applications. One, two, or four PCI slots can be chosen. Display interfaces are designed as plug-in modules so that future technology can be integrated into the system.
Hannover Fair: Machine-level PC
Simatic Microbox PC 420 industrial PC is compact, robust, and adaptable. It can reliably handle measuring as well as open- and closed-loop control tasks in an industrial environment. Designed to withstand high temperatures, vibrations, and shocks, and meet increased electromagnetic compatibility requirements, PC can operate for long periods in ambient temperatures up to 50 °C without a fan.
Is Linux at the Gates of the Factory?
Open solutions represent an increasingly clear direction for industrial controls. So it's not surprising that something as vital as the "master regulator" of software in a computer—the operating system—attracts enthusiastic supporters for an open-source operating system (OS) like Linux. Originally developed and patented by Linus Torvalds in 1990, Linux has indeed made great waves i...
A Programmable I/O System with the Power of a PLC
A custom advertising newsletter from Control Engineering & WAGO| April 29, 2004 WIN A WAGO PFC WAGO is giving away 10 Programmable Fieldbus Controllers. Click here for your chance to win the smallest, modular, fieldbus independent, programmable I/O system with the power of a PLC. When a PLC is not what you expect Control engineers are very familiar with the concept of the programmable logic controller (PLC). Since its introduction nearly 40 years ago, the PLC has become a standard tool in manufacturing control and automation.
Control Engineering Eaton Cutler custom newsletter for April 21, 2004
A custom advertising newsletter from Control Engineering & Eaton Cutler-Hammer| April 21, 2004 Introducing PanelMate PanelMate ePro PS Operator Interface-High performance, cost-effective OI solution-8", 12", 15" display options-Ethernet & serial communications ePro Canvas Configuration Software-Supports ePro ES and PS-Easy to use and learn-Features re-use and collaboration Email Epro_Information@eaton.com to request more information. Hybrid Operator Interface Devices BridgeControl and Information Needs Electronic operator interface products are moving beyond simply replacing pushbuttons and pilot lights. With increasing demands on operators to support more complex processes, the need for more advanced graphic capabilities, process diagnostics, and communication with both plant control equipment and business systems is leading to a new generation of "hybrid" devices. Since the 1970s, the use of electronic operator interface (OI) devices has grown substantially. Based on recent surveys, including a November 2003 Control Engineering Product Focus study ( click here for more ), electronic operator interface use and adoption continues to grow.
Dedicated I/O Delivers Faster Communication
We are all aware of how important it is to choose the right combination of hardware and software to deliver optimal results in a manufacturing automation application in specific circumstances, even though we may not always apply it. Putting this piece of well-worn wisdom to the test, Metro Weighing and Automation (MWA) discovered that a new I/O based system with logic and communications perfor...
MEN Micro: New ESM handles harsh environments of trains, planes…
Intended for deeply embedded industrial PC applications aboard trains, airplanes, buses, and other transportation vehicles, MEN Micro showed its new Embedded System Module (ESM) at the 2004 National Industrial Automation Show in Chicago.
Hannover Fair 2004 widens its scope, adds Interkama
Hannover, Germany—Hannover Industrial Fair is widening is scope this year by adding Interkama to its eight-shows-in-one format scheduled for April 19-24 at the Hannover Fairgrounds.
Solidifying Gains; Diversifying Methods
Networks are continuing to move beyond traditional communications into all areas of control and automation, mostly due to adding networking and intelligence to devices, migrating toward digital communications, and tying plant-floor to enterprise and administrative systems. Serial and 4-20 mA communications will see fewer new installations; some digital networks are expected to increase.
Hannover Fair 2004 widens scope, adds Interkama
Each year, Hannover Industrial Fair brings together multiple tradeshows covering a gamut of automation technologies. In 2004, the fair widens its scope by adding well-known process automation show Interkama+ to its "eight shows in one" format. Interkama and the seven other shows are scheduled for April 19-24 at the Hannover Fairgrounds.
Omni Automation introduces OmniCAN/DeviceNet PCI adapter
Gilbert, AZ—Omni Automation Inc. reports that its newly released OmniCAN/DeviceNet PCI 7202B adapter provides a flexible solution for accessing CAN/DeviceNet networks.
Upswing Underway
When does a new world begin? The moment you start to create it. Control and automation engineers know this only too well, and are keenly aware of the technical innovations required to meet today's mounting economic pressures. To give technical professionals the specific tools needed to compete worldwide, the National Industrial Automation Show (NIAS) at National Manufacturing Week (NMW) 2004 wi...
Nematron shareholders OK sale to third party; AMEX delists company
Ann Arbor, MI—Nematron Corp. reports that its shareholders have overwhelmingly approved a plan to sell the company’s assets to an undisclosed third party for $12.6 million, including an assumption of its liabilities.
PC control runs Continental Tire plant
Proving that PC control is no longer a niche product, Continental’s tire plant in Timisoara is controlled by over 230 Beckhoff Industrial PCs running TwinCAT Motion and PLC control software. The plant has been running this way since 2000.
In, out and about HMI: New systems, terminals; upcoming forum
A number of developments in areas affecting HMIs are worth noting this month. The range of items runs from new HMI systems, touchscreens and workstations to an upcoming forum target-ing operational excellence. Here are summaries of the offerings along with links to Websites that provide more in-depth information.
HMI system eases development, deployment for OEMs
InteractX from Parker Hannifin Electromechanical Automation—CTC is an innovative Microsoft Windows-embedded HMI system developed to meet the needs of machine control and OEM applications. InteractX runs on Windows98/2000/ NT/XP and Embedded NT/XP operating systems. InteractX includes an OEM-friendly "Pack and Load" feature that simplifies project management, making it easy to deploy HMI a...
Rugged industrial PC
PC7 rugged, all-in-one industrial computer is housed in a compact EMI-protected, dust and water-resistant metal enclosure. Suited for machine control, data acquisition and processing, communication, and other embedded applications that expose electronics to harsh environmental conditions, PC7 features flexible processor, memory, and operating system configurations and expandable and configurabl...
OEM-friendly HMI
InteractX version 1.8 OEM-friendly HMI system runs in Microsoft Windows on any office or industrial PC.
IPC designed to bridge automation and IT
Wago Corp. has introduced a new industrial PC with embedded PC technology—the Wago-I/O-IPC 758 Series. Wago claims this IPC integrates all standard PC functions, including network and fieldbus interfaces, to seamlessly tie the industrial/process automation and IT worlds together.
November Product Focus: operator interfacesMore capabilities meet more demands
This is an expanded version of November Product Focus To Read the printed version click here . FOCUS: operator interfacesMore capabilities meet more demands Operator interfaces(OI)—more elaborate, more efficient, more powerful. Today’s OI systems are more complex than ever before, bringing more precise monitoring and control to the processes they oversee.
DVT 2003: Alliances formed with Iconics, Phoenix Contact, CTC Parker
Phoenix, AZ—DVT Corp. announced agreements with CTC Parker, Iconics, and Phoenix Contact at a Nov. 4 press conference here during DVT 2003 Global Business Conference and User Group Meeting.
14,500 visitors at ISA Expo suggest market rebound
Preliminary estimates indicate that more than 14,500 people attended ISA Expo 2003, Oct. 21-23, at the Reliant Center. Visitors were from 70 countries and a range of industries, including petrochemicals, power generation, research and development, water and waste management, software manufacturing, and industrial networking.
ISA Expo 2003: Wago releases terminal block, I/O system expansion
Houston, TX—The new TopJobS series of DIN rail mount terminal blocks from Wago (Germantown, WI) incorporate its Cage Clamp S spring pressure connection technology.
Panel PC with detachable unit
ARP-1717 Panel PC Series includes a detachable computer unit to allow for easier maintenance and upgrade. Panel PC features an intuitive touchscreen interface suitable for industrial environments and complies with NEMA 4/12 and IP65 requirements. On-screen display control buttons can be located on the front or rear of the panel.
Historian-sourced loop performance
PlantTriage monitors control-loop performance directly from a plant’s data historian.
Control Engineering HMI eNewsletter for May 2003
AutomationDirect offers EZTouch touch panels in 8, 10 and 15-inch slim bezel sizes. Panels start at $419 and are available in color or monochrome. Certain models can also be purchased with built-in Data Highway Plus capability and Ethernet option cards are available for use with some models.
ICS Triplex buys ISaGRAF technology from AlterSys
Maldon, U.K.—ICS Triplex recently bought the assets and technology of AlterSys, including ISaGRAF, as part of its strategy to broaden its offerings and become an even more essential automation technology supplier.
One is Wide Open The Other is Open Wide
What does "open control" currently mean for control engineers and their widening sphere of influence? The meaning of open control varies widely, depending on time and application. It can involve standard interconnections among hardware and software and reach across the enterprise and supply chain. It also can refer to preservation and easy scalability of programming across platforms, and includ...
Mitsubishi launches complete industrial PC line, partners with AVG
Vernon Hills, IL and Carol Stream, IL - Mitsubishi Electric Automation (MEAU) introduced MC Series industrial computer products including sizes available from 8- to 17-in. SVGA LCD flat panel touch displays and configurations of standard rack mount stand alone nodes, panel mounted thin clients, or workstations. Other features include ATX board technology, Flash ROM, Chip On Disk, and USB integration.
Connectivity and information key recent products released for HMI/SCADA applications
HMI/SCADA software is more than a display replacing pushbuttons and pilot lights, or even process visualization. Data logging for simple trend analysis now provides the grist for a larger information management mill. This expanded online extra provides enhanced HMI/SCADA product information to accompany the December 2002 cover article.
Xycom Automation launches ”new generation” of industrial PCs
Saline, MI - Xycom Automation, a subsidiary of Pro-face America Inc., has released the 3612T compact, flat panel computer.
Control Engineering HMI eNews for November 2002
ADVANTECH - Founded in 1983, ADVANTECH AUTOMATION is the only complete PC-based Industrial Automation Solution Manufacturer offering products such as Industrial PCs, Workstations, Flat Panel Monitors, Customized PCs,Data Acquisition & Control Devices and Web-enabled products for communication and HMI monitoring and control. ADVANTECH offers a family of scaleable Windows-based computers for almost any industrial application offering Environment Facility Monitoring, Factory Automation, Machine Automation, and a variety of other total solutions. For more information, visit Advantech or contact Angela Schlesinger at angelas@advantech.com or 513-742-8895 x 236. Reader feedback, OMAC, users demand A tale of two shows: ISA and Pack Expo AAT, Omron partner on bundled units Tablet PC could replace some laptops FFTs revisited, tutorial offered Publish reports on the Web Why Web-enable a machine or process Coming in November Control Engineering Reader feedback, OMAC, users demand Referring to the note from Jürgen Bischhaus, managing director of Beijer Electronics, regarding remotely updating software in my October HMI newsletter, a reader took exception to suppliers concerned with constantly updating software. He writes, 'For those end-users whose regulatory constraints (e.g.
ISA 2002: Status report on Interkama 2004
Chicago, IL - During the ISA show, on Oct. 22, 2002, organizers of Interkama-''the world's No. 1 trade fair for the process industries''-reviewed the status and progress on staging the next Interkama fair, slated for early 2004 in Düsseldorf, Germany.
Control Engineering Embedded Control E-News for October 2002
Advantech - Founded in 1983, ADVANTECH AUTOMATION is the only complete PC-based Industrial Automation Solution Manufacturer offering products such as Industrial PCs, Workstations, Flat Panel Monitors, Customized PCs, Data Acquisition & Control Devices and Web-enabled products for communication and HMI monitoring and control. ADVANTECH offers a family of scaleable Windows-based computers for almost any industrial application offering Environment Facility Monitoring, Factory Automation, Machine Automation, and a variety of other total solutions. For more information, visit Advantech.com Thinking about thinking Motors and motion chips, embedded channel, webcasts Chips, the silicon variety Linux still makes news Embedded asset management Future of PLCs Programming -- Embedded components Products Thinking about thinking A recent cartoon in the Dilbert Calendar by Scott Adams (Andrews McNeal Publishing) started me thinking about thinking. Pointy-haired boss: Wally, you're invited to my new 'after-5' club. A select group of employees will meet after work to think of creative ideas.
ISA 2002: Entivity partners with Phoenix Contact; Posco touts $6.25-million savings
Chicago, IL - Entivity announced nearby that Phoenix Contact will bundle PC-based solutions with Entivity Software; Entivity customer Posco (Pohang, South Korea) detailed $6.25-million in savings resulting from upgrades to its steel operations that included Entivity software. Company representatives gave the information Oct. 22 at during the ISA show in a press conference in the adjacent Hyatt Regency McCormick Place. Phoenix Contact (Harrisburg, PA) and Entivity (Ann Arbor, MI) agreed to a ''major partnership involving joint product development, marketing, and sales for PC-based control solutions,'' combining Entivity VLC and Entivity Studio with Phoenix Contact PCs, Microsoft Windows CE-based computers, embedded controllers, and I/O. David Skelton, director of automation systems, Phoenix Contact USA, said the agreement answers customer calls for a more complete solution and a more rapid launch when an upgrade or new automation is installed.
Arista Adopts ETX Standard For Use In New Systems Design
Fremont, CA - Arista Corp., an industrial PC solutions provider and system integrator, announced October 1 it has chosen to adopt the ETX (Embedded Technology eXtended) standard as the basis for their new embedded solution.
Parker Automation-CTC to launch Windows HMI
Milford, OH- To ease system requirements, complexity and cost, Parker Automaton-CTC ing OEMs to use expensive platforms or IT services. 'Windows capabilities make machine controls easier to use and integrate, but they've been anything but easy on OEMs,' says Jerry Koch, CTC's product manager. 'OEMs have been reluctant to commit to the Windows HMI environment. They've seen Windows adding complexity and cost, forcing them to use less reliable hardware platforms, as well as higher-level programming and IT services.
Control Engineering HMI eNews for September 2002
AutomationDirect- AutomationDirect offers EZTouch PLC touch panels with a built-in Data Highway Plus (DH+) interface, or Ethernet option cards for use with certain EZTouch panels. Data Highway Plus versions of the EZTouch panels are available in color or monochrome 6-inch models, and 8 and 10-inch color regular or slim bezel models. EZTouch panels with the DH+ card pre-installed start at $1,159 for the 6-inch monochrome version.
Coreco offers free frame grabber with software purchase
Montreal, Quebec, Canada - Coreco Imaging is offering a free PCVisionplus analog frame grabber with every purchase of the company's WiT visual programming software package. This special offer is effective through December 31, 2002.
Beckhoff embeds PC in I/O block
Verl, Germany-Apparently, no form factor is considered too small for Beckhoff's industrial PCs. A few months ago the company launched at Hannover Fair a `top hat' rail Windows computer CX1000.
Impulsesoft, National Semiconductor demonstrate Bluetooth support
Bangalore, India - Impulsesoft Private Ltd. announced July 30 the availability of simultaneous audio and data support for National Semiconductor's Bluetooth chipset. This is a direct outcome of the partnership between the two companies to enable customers to develop unique wireless applications using Bluetooth.
Citect’s SCADA software to bundle with Xycom’s PCs
Charlotte, N.C. — Citect Inc. announced June 20 that it has agreed with Xycom Automation (Saline, Mich.), a subsidiary of Pro-face America Inc., to bundle its CitectSCADA software with Xycom's industrial PCs.
Control Engineering’s E-News Letter for Embedded Control – June 2000
In this issue: Post-PC Era Microsoft Responses Embedding Linux and other stories Other interesting links Windows CE v 3.0 Released Disruptive Change Response Maintaining perspective in a hectic, technological world June in Control Engineering Post-PC Era Are we entering a Post-PC Era? Is this something like the Age of Aquarius? Sometimes it looks more like an anti-Microsoft comment made by wishful competitors. I really don't think that the fantastic market growth will continue in big PCs. Look for various types of Web-enabled appliances to usurp the market share as more power is packed into smaller chips and real-time operating systems continue to grow.
Control Engineering HMI eNewsletter for November 2001
In this issue: Windows XP embedded Pocket PC 2002 Hosted asset management software Sun introduces servers Leadership: What it Takes Antarctica for finding your way on the Web Cool products and news Question of the month Windows XP embedded When Microsoft decided that it needed to enter the embedded software space, Windows CE was born. Originally designed for products like "set top boxes" for home internet browsing, it was seized upon by the automation industry for both control and HMI applications. In fact, many HMI products have been released in the last two years taking advantage of cost and size benefits, as well as the ability to boot from ROM eliminating hard drive requirements.
Control Engineering HMI eNewsletter for November/December 2000
In this issue: What is HMI? Results of survey working with IT departments Operator workstation reliability AvantGo Thin Clients In Control Engineering November Products to watch What is HMI? Human-machine interface perhaps should be called 'automation interface' or 'enterprise-machine' interface. Push buttons and pilot lights were the original means for operators to communicate with machinery. Graphic terminals provided a better view of what was happening in the machinery.
Control Engineering HMI eNewsletter for February 2002
In this issue: HMI hardware trends Servers Labview upgrade, information integration Ruggedized computers Quality assurance tool Cool products HMI hardware trends Dan Benson, vice president of Ann Arbor Technologies , stopped by last week to show some new products and talk about the state of the HMI market. Although much of the interest in how Microsoft Windows CE and NT Embedded work at the kernel level has died off, these operating systems are offering computer makers a chance to offer users a platform capable of wide variety of uses. A computer can be a thin client, full industrial PC, control platform, or operator interface panel.
It’s automatic: automation shifts transmission assembly into high
A recent assembly system for Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs) by Ingersoll Cinetic Automation Corp. (ICA, Farmington Hills, Mich.) shows how a tightly integrated control architecture based on open standards can move a major project along more smoothly. ICA is the former automation division of Ingersoll Rand, which was acquired by Cinetic IndustrieIs S.
Analyze control system electrical inconsistencies
The vast majority of control systems in use today are electrical. Not only do they require electricity to operate but they also use electrical circuits to affect control over associated operations or processes. Taken for granted, dependency on electrical power is often accompanied by the assumption that if the system is "powered up" all is well.
RVSI introduces label verification system
Canton, Mass. - Robotic Vision Systems Inc. (RVSI) introduced April 19 Visionscape I-Pak Express, a two-camera inspection system designed to meet pharmaceutical industry requirements for accurate, validated inspection of human readable, date/lot, NDC, label ID, bar codes, and Data Matrix symbols.
PLDA release CompactPCI vision board
Aix-en-Provence, Cedex, France - CXSYS from PLDA Applications is a dedicated frame grabber for real time image processing in embedded applications in CompactPCI environment.
EBX displacing PC/104-plus in embedded shipments
Natick, Mass. - In a recent study entitled "2001/2002 Merchant Computer Boards in Real-Time and Embedded Applications," Venture Development Corp. (VDC) noted that board vendors projected substantial growth in shipments of EBX form factor motherboards during the period from 2001 through 2006. Vendors also projected that shipments of PC/104-Plus CPU modules would remain flat over the same period. These projections indicate a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 20% for EBX shipments.
Seven shows in one at Hannover Fair 2002
Hannover, Germany—The 2002 edition of the "world's largest industrial fair" will consist of seven individual trade shows, including its Factory Automation centerpiece. The other six shows are: MicroTechnology, CeMAT, SurfaceTechnology, Energy, SubconTechnology, and Research & Technology.
IBM, MontaVista to strengthen Linux ties to IBM PowerPC processors
East Fishkill, N.Y. and Sunnyvale, Calif. - IBM and MontaVista Software announced on January 22 a technology agreement under which MontaVista's embedded Linux platform will expand its support for the IBM PowerPC microprocessor.
Beckhoff North America goes direct
Minneapolis, Minn. - Beckhoff is expanding its North American direct sales and support force and simultaneously terminating its commercial relationship with distributor Interlink BT.
SPS/IPC/Drives 2001 show exceeds expectations
SPS/IPC/Drives, the growing, "special interest" electrical automation show, just concluded another successful run, Nov. 27-29, 2001, in five exhibition halls at Nuremberg's Exhibition Center.SPS/IPC/Drives focuses on PLC/ industrial PC technologies, electric drives, as well as fieldbuses, communications, software for control and visualization, sensors and informat...
Control Engineering HMI eNewsletter for December 2001
In this issue: Demise predictions premature Reader response to 'doing engineering' InHand's Handheld Platform Integrates GPS and Bluetooth XL Reporter launched RSView Supervisory Edition Hitachi to resell Stratus servers Cool products Control Engineering in print SCLE presentations archived for viewing Demise predictions premature Rumors abound in this industry, especially rumors about the demise of one company or another. Several rumors are floating about the impending demise of Rockwell Automation ( https://www.rockwellautomation.com ) as the market leader in North America. Well, the annual Automation Fair, held this year November 14 - 15 in Atlanta, was packed with interested and inquisitive attendees.
SPS/IPC/Drives 2001: European electric automation show exceeds expectations
Nuremberg, Germany - SPS/IPC/Drives, the growing "special interest" electrical automation show, just concluded another successful run, Nov. 27-29, 2001.
Terminals connect people to processes with functionality, flexibility
In the 1955 movie, "The Ladykillers," Sir Alec Guinnes playing Professor Marcus, the leader of a gang of robbers posing as classical musicians, relates the line to his landlady Mrs. Wilberforce, played by Katie Johnson, "And didn't someone say, 'The eyes are the windows of the soul?'"I don't really know," answers Mrs.
Plan Ahead to Build the Perfect HMI System
Does this still sound familiar? A machine, packaging line, or other process is defined and mechanical designers charge ahead. When mechanical design is almost complete, I/O points are counted. The control engineer figures out what model PLC will handle the load and begins writing ladder logic. Now the project is running behind and someone says, "We need to throw a display in there for ope...
Kepware introduces a universal conduit for OPC server and client components
Yarmouth, Me. - Kepware Technologies, a worldwide supplier of OPC server technology, unveils the release of LinkMaster.
Quatech announces Windows CE support for serial PCMCIA cards
Akron O. - Quatech Inc., a manufacturer of data communication and data acquisition products for PC-based systems, has introduced Windows CE support for its entire line of RS-232 and RS-422/485 asynchronous serial PCMCIA cards.
SPS/IPC/Drives 2001: Major European electric automation show coming
SPS/IPC/Drives, the growing "special interest" Electrical Automation show, is heading for another run on Nov. 27-29. Five exhibition halls at Nürnberg's Exhibition Center will be used for the first time to accommodate the event.Besides the show's mainstays of PLC/industrial PC technologies and electric drives, SPS/IPC/Drives will focus on wider, related...
Control Engineering unveils Embedded Control channel
Oak Brook, Ill. — Move over "PC-based Control," welcome "Embedded Control." As the control and automation market continues to evolve, technologies developed and honed by PC-based control suppliers are finding their way into a diverse range of platforms sometimes far from the "white box" PC envisioned by pioneers. These platforms are referred to as "embedded." Control Engineering has expanded its coverage of this area over the past three years and has decided to rename the PC-based Control channel to Embedded Control to acknowledge this expanded coverage.
Contec introduces Panecon PT 600 rugged PC, 15 single-board computers
Microelectronics USA Inc.
Web-enabled HMI software
Eatontown, N.J. —Infilink HMI software's 32-bit program code runs on Microsoft Windows 95/98/NT and includes drivers for all major automation software. It can be preinstalled on the company's industrial PCs. Features include OPC client, e-mail server, and web enabled. It can be a DDE server or low-cost HMI for any DDE server.
Pro-face America to purchase Xycom Automation
Pro-face America (Glendale, Heights, Ill.), a majority owned subsidiary of Digital Electronics Corp. (Osaka, Japan), recently agreed to buy Xycom Automation. The deal is expected to close in mid-February 2001. Terms were not disclosed. Because Xycom has already been through a "right-sizing" over the past year, no further staff reductions are expected in the near future.
PC likes explosive situations
Waynesboro, Pa.— HMW 9800W wall-mounted industrial PC contains X- and Z- purging options for explosive atmospheres up to Class I, Div. 1 in a NEMA 4/4X water-cooled enclosure. Active matrix TFT flat panel displays range from 15- to 18-in. Configuration options include processors from Intel Pentium 133 to Pentium III at 1 GHz, RAM up to 256 MB, floppy disk, hard disk, and CE drives.
In Business – 2000-12-01
The Foxboro Co. (Foxboro, Mass.) will provide field instrumentation, I/A Series control systems, and associated services for an expansion project at the Aracruz Celulose eucalyptus pulp mill in Espirito Santo, Brazil. Foxboro will also implement advanced process control solutions for continuous pulping, washing, oxygen delignification, bleach plant, evaporators, and causticizing at the $620 million, 780,000 tons-per-year capacity mill. Red Hat (Research Triangle Park, N.C.) announced Oct.
New flat-panel industrial PC
Charlottesville, Va .— GE Fanuc's Marathon Series industrial flat-panel computer systems feature a modular design and open-system capability for easy installation, upgrade, and maintenance. Available with a 533 MHz Celeron or 800 MHz Intel Pentium III processors, they also include 4.0 G IDE hard drive, 1.
Automated paint experiment pays off for Audi
There's nothing like a custom paint job to make a car stand out. With the help of new automation tools, paint technicians at Audi's plant in Neckarsulm, Germany, are trying different ideas to make the company's most head-turning automobile designs really shine. This pilot plant performs special paint effects on prototypes, show cars, and very limited production cars to test various pigmen...
Displays’ Future Looks Flat – Panels That Is
As greater responsibility and authority gravitate to operators in manufacturing, information must be available to them quickly in an easy-to-understand format. Software suppliers continue to improve information presentation in more ways than just the famous tank-filling example. Multiple windows with highlighted error messages that automatically boot a screen containing control logic requ...
Beckhoff brings PC-based control products to U.S.
Minneapolis, Minn.—Beckhoff Automation LLC now offers its PC-based control solutions in the U.S. TwinCat, for "Total Windows Control and Automation Technology," software is a real-time control package for PCs that includes I/O access for 11 fieldbuses and TCP/IP, programming tools, and HMI interfaces.
Orbital buys Foxboro’s PCG product line
Orbital Sciences Corp. recently purchased The Foxboro Co.'s (Foxboro, Mass.) Process Gas Chromatography (PCG) product line. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Foxboro will continue to be a worldwide reseller of the PCG products, which are used by refining, petrochemical, natural gas, chemical, and other industries to measure composition of process streams.
Open Factory Bolt-On package offers Open CNC functionality
Charlottesville, Va. - GE Fanuc Automation, in conjunction with its new acquisition CimWorks Inc., has assembled a bundled hardware and software package, Open Factory Bolt-On. The product enables open CNC capabilities, including networking and productivity tools, without investment in a new CNC and without the technical difficulties typically associated with add-on products.
Open computing sparks growth in ruggedized stationary PCs
Increasing demand for more productivity and integration with enterprise-level systems will drive an 11% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in worldwide shipments of ruggedized/industrial stationary PCs, according to a recent study by Venture Development Corp. (VDC, Natick, Mass.), conducted in cooperation with Control Engineering.
Hannover Fair Leads the Way to Expo 2000
How quickly another edition of "the world's largest industrial fair" rolls around. And this year it's no illusion because the fair comes a month earlier than usual—part of rescheduling several shows to accommodate Expo 2000, the World's Fair, starting its five-month run on June 1, in Hannover, Germany.
MIT’s Bouncing Baby Robot?
S ci-fi movies are full of them. Walking, talking, human-like robots. In fact, as long as the field of artificial intelligence has been around, people have dreamed of creating robots that not only look like humans but can think, feel, learn, and make mistakes-just like the real thing. MIT's Artificial Intelligence Lab has succeeded in turning science fiction into fact with Cog, a humanoid robot that's been in development since the early '90s.
One-chip data acquisition gives elbow room to analog signals
You can talk about digital fieldbus and wireless Ethernet. But there's nothing like good old analog signal over a 4-20 mA loop for transmitting data between process and control equipment—though engineers are using some unusual tools to help them create ever smaller and more powerful analog peripheral boards and boxes.
Flat Panels, Touchscreens Lead HMI Hardware Trends
Increasing options for designers and users of control systems are driving almost every supplier of control system components. This concept is seen in such areas as controllers, networking, I/O modules and devices, and now in hardware for human-machine interface (HMI). Cathode-ray tube (CRT) monitors borrowed from the computer industry followed little electroluminescent alphanumeric displa...
LabView “everywhere” at NI Week ’99
On the road to making real-time more real, James Truchard, National Instruments' (NI) president and ceo, says running graphical software in real-time—independent of hardware devices—is the future platform for building computer-based measurement and automation systems.
Touchscreens equipped with CE
Farmington Hills, Mich.—Pilz Machine Interface (PMI) touch terminals are said to combine the flexibility of an independent operating terminal with the advantages of an industrial PC. The units use the Microsoft Windows CE operating system and feature resistive touchscreens in sizes ranging from 5.
PC-based control runs on Embedded NT
Ann Arbor, Mich.—A new embedded product incorporates Steeplechase hard real-time control software running in a Microsoft Windows embedded NT environment on an SBS Technologies (Raleigh, N.C.) PC5 industrial, DIN rail-mounted Pentium PC. Steeplechase developed an embedded NT image of its VLC using Component Designer and Target Designer tools from Microsoft.
Automation Intelligence picks VenturCom’s RTX
VenturCom Inc. announced July 6 that Automation Intelligence Inc. (Duluth, Ga.) will port its 32-axis Advanced Motion Language (AML) software to VenturCom's RTX. Engineers can now implement AML-based real-time motion control systems across Windows-based platforms using RTX, which provides determinism to single-box, NT-based motion control systems.
ARC reports Nematron is rebounding
A renewed focus on hardware combined with software is bringing customers back to Nematron Corp. (Ann Arbor, Mich.), increasing sales, and returning the company to profitability, says an ARC Insights report released June 30 by ARC Advisory Group. Following a major restructuring, Nematron is once again concentrating on its hardware platform and combining it with softwa...
Industrial PC shipments to grow through 2003
Worldwide shipments of industrial PCs reached $650 million in 1998 and are expected to increase by 10% annually to more than $1 billion by 2003, according to a new report by ARC Advisory Group. The study, "Worldwide Industrial PC Outlook-Market Analysis and Forecast through 2003," says constant price pressure in this competitive market will fuel 15% annual increases ...
Thin industrial PC
Roswell, Ga. —Modular Provit 5600 industrial PC has a sealed front panel designed for NEMA 4 environments with the convenience of front access to CD-ROM and floppy disk drives. The front panel is 1.25-in. deep and detachable from the CPU for mounting remotely from applications. Full-function keyboard with user function keys and either touchscreen or touch mouse is integrated in sealed fr...
Classy chassis
San Diego, Calif.—TR2 is a 2U-high industrial Pc rack-mount or desktop enclosure. Standard features include one 300 W ac power supply; a shock-mounted drive bay supporting a 5.25 drive and a 2.5 in. drive; two front-accessible and removable 49.4 cfm fans; a power-on LED; and a hard-drive activity LED.
Embedded NT on industrial PC
Ann Arbor, Mich.— Steeplechase Software, Inc. has announced the release of its Visual Logic Controller with embedded NT on an industrial PC. This new solution combines the Steeplechase Visual Logic Controller NT software with the PC-5 industrial compact DIN-rail-mounted Intel Pentium PC from SBS Embedded Computers.
PCs with Pentium II and III
Columbus, O.—D7L Series industrial PCs offer Intel Pentium II and Pentium III CPUs, and a 100 MHz host bus. Users also can choose method of data storage among hard drives, Super Disks, floppy disks, tape backup, or Zip drives, which can be built into one of three 3.5 in. option bays. D7L Series has six available card slots for any combination of three ISA, two PCI, and one shared card to ...
Shrinking in size but not out of sight
An old proverb states a little body often harbors a great soul. The same may be said for the tiny, and oft overlooked terminal block. But, "Like any other control, in order to save money, users need to reduce panel and enclosure sizes, especially if they're custom made," says John Nussbaum, staff marketing engineer for Square D (Palatine, Ill.
Window CE Moves From Pocket to Control
Serious consideration of Microsoft Windows CE as an operating system for industrial applications began slightly over a year ago. First referenced in January 1997 Control Engineering, most mentions since have occurred in the last six months. In a short period of time, this real-time operating system (RTOS) has managed to focus attention on the little-known embedded RTOS market and has domi...
5Machine Control Size, Connectivity Drive Hardware Strategies
PLC or PC? If that were the only question facing engineers, then it would be easy. If PC (personal computer) is the choice, then what type of PC? If PLC (programmable logic controller), then should I/O modules be on a backplane or distributed? Add to this the impact of Microsoft Windows CE and Ethernet.
Ready-to-go PC
Cumming, Ga.— The IC505-12 and IC505-12TS are two new industrial PCs with pre-installed Think & Do development and runtime system, Microsoft Windows NT, and a 3Com Ethernet card. Both models come with an Intel Pentium 133 MHz processor and a 12.1 in. color TFT display. The IC505-12TS touchscreen version has an analog resistive touchscreen with 49 premapped function keys, the IC505-12...
Merger creates Xycom Automation
To reflect their unified market position, recently merged Xycom Inc. and ASAP Inc. announced Dec. 1 the new name for the company will be Xycom Automation Inc. Both immediately began using this name. Xycom's industrial PCs and workstations continued to use their existing product names, but the "ASIC Control Suite" was renamed "ASAP Control Suite.
Users Seek Color, Flat Panels, High-Light Readability
Color, touchscreens, visibility in high-light conditions, and environmental protection are features a majority of users find important for operator-interface terminals, according to a recent Control Engineering survey. Use of flat-panel screens for operator interface terminals is growing, from 40% in the present purchase to 50% for the next purchase.
Industrial PC is low power, compact, and fanless
Dattwil, Switzerland— PIP (Packaged Industrial PC) 5 is a series of compact, robust, low power, and fanless industrial PCs which fit either on a DIN rail or wall. PIP 5 is equipped with an AMD5x86-133 processor and is 100% PC/AT compatible. Processing speed is said to be far above industry standard, allowing the device to be used with Microsoft Windows 95 or NT software.
Windows CE Embeds Itself in Automation, Control, and Instrumentation
Windows CE, the thinnest among Microsoft Windows operating systems, works as fast as PLCs, is moving to real time, and offers developers of automation, control, and instrumentation software the advantages of the Microsoft development world.Windows CE is compatible with existing Windows products, can look like Windows NT to the user, and has reduced memory requirements, less than 1 MB, so ...
Siemens’ new Simatic MP270 based on Windows CE
Siemens Automation and Drives Group has chosen Microsoft Windows CE as the operating system for its new Multifunctional Platform (MP) products. MP is aimed at automation tasks with functionality needs between those offered by industrial PCs and application-specific dedicated devices, such as programmable logic controllers or operator control panels.
Automation Hardware Guide
Corrections and additions to the Control Engineering 1998 Automation Hardware Guide follow.
MonitorMice for touchscreens
Fremont, Calif. —MonitorMice for NT takes advantage of the multiprocessing capabilities of Microsoft Windows NT so that a network of up to 32 touchmonitors can be run from a single PC. Previously, each touchscreen needed its own PC to operate while only one monitor could be used to view output from an NT application.
First PLC for Windows CE
It's not often you see the price leader in a market snare the role of technology leader. Yet this is the case with PLCDirect's (Cumming, Ga.) introduction of two new control platforms for the Microsoft Windows CE operating system (OS).The WinPLC and RuntimePC combine PC-based control software, Ethernet ports, PLC I/O, and flat-panel display hardware with Windows CE.
Real-time, PC-based control installed at U.K. plant
Ford Motor Co.'s Halewood Transmission Plant (Merseyside, U.K.) recently launched its iB5 transmission assembly line—a 70-node modular system using Steeplechase Software's Visual Logic Controller (VLC) PC-based control software. Currently in full production, the custom-made line features in-process testing, press force monitoring, and torque control to opera...
PCs Lead the Way in Operator Display
The past decade has seen enormous changes in human-machine interfaces (HMIs). At the low end, electronic operator interfaces (OIs) have successfully replaced many hard-wired panels as the interface of choice. Priced under $2,000, with some as low as $500, electronic OIs provide more functions at lower costs than hard-wired controls.
Flat-panel industrial PC
Farmington Hills, Mich. —Pipanel is a computer and flat-panel display family for process visualization. This group of compact personal computers has open, graphic-capable information systems for commercial visualization software and the corresponding driver software for connected PLCs. Pipanel can be built out as a control PC and to function as a master in fieldbus concepts.
NT is real-time enough
We're pleased Control Engineering continues to provide extensive coverage of PC-based control and its increasing popularity in automation applications.In the April 1998 Control Engineering cover story, "PC-based Control Goes Real-Time" (p.54) the chart describes the Allen-Bradley open controller as software running the QNX operating system.
Sensors and data acquisition gain sensitivity
Sensors and data acquisition products at NMW are likely to give PC-based systems data they need to succeed in automation and control fields.BEI Sensors & Systems Co. (Sylmar, Calif.) launched its LIE5 Series linear incremental encoders in North America following its recent strategic alliance with Carl Zeiss (Jena and Oberkochen, Germany) to market the latter's pr...
PLCs Adapt, but Will They Withstand Assault of PCs?
Rumors of the death of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) may be—as Mark Twain said—greatly exaggerated. Originally called programmable controllers ("PC"), the PLC has been the foundation of factory control for almost 30 years.But technological battle lines have been drawn. Only a few years ago, few engineers would have considered using a personal computer (PC) for machine ...
Machine controls evolve to meet new demands
The capabilies of many machine control products at NMW are clearly being enhanced and expanding to meet the needs of new applications.Cognex Corp. (Natick, Mass.) introduced Checkpoint 900 Dual an integrated machine vision system consisting of an industrial PC and two Checkpoint 900 boards.
Industrial PC with Windows CE
Delta, British Columbia, Canada— Dynapro has announced the availability of what is said to be the first Microsoft Windows CE-based industrial PC. The ET4500 is a diskless system offering features that previously required a full computer to support. It is a TFT flat panel computer that features a 486 DX5 processor, two ISA and one PCI expansion slots.
cSiemens increases world PC, PLC market share
Following recent gains in market share for its PLCs in Europe, America, and Asia, Siemens currently accounts for 28% of the DM 8 billion world market, according to Hubert Ovenhausen, director of Siemens' Industrial Automation Systems Division. "We attribute our additional profits to the success of the Totally Integrated Automation system introduced last year, wh...
National Industrial Automation Show shines at National Manufacturing Week
Expected to draw more than 21,000 visitors and about 215 exhibitors, this year's National Industrial Automation Show (NIAS) may have eclipsed its own expectations. Final attendance figures aren't available yet, but many aisles were jammed during much of the event, especially on March 17 and 18 when control and automation professionals swarmed the south building at McCormick Place, Chicago.
32X bandwidth boost for PCI bus
Los Gatos, Calif.— Using a dual counter-rotating ring with automatic shortest-path-first architecture to provide a fault-adaptive routing and protocol, this chip quadruples throughput and halves latency compared to single-ring PCI bus designs. This new ring connection chip provides aggregate bandwidth of 4.
Chrysler drives new assembly line with PCs
'We wanted to maximize machine up-time, move away from PLC technology, and greatly reduce floor space requirements for the system," says Chrysler's Kokomo, Ind. plant manager Ken Moore.To meet these requirements, Chrysler chose Cutler-Hammer's (Westville, Ohio) Open Automation Computer, Steeplechase's (Ann Arbor, Mich.
Nematron expects growth, seeks president, coo
Nematron's (Ann Arbor, Mich.) growth and new leadership were emphasized during a review of $75 million in major contracts won by the industrial PC-based hardware and software company in a March 17 statement by company officials at National Manufacturing Week here March 16-19.
GE Fanuc Buys Rest of AFE Holdings, Forms Integration Team
More than year after buying 70% of AFE Holdings in late 1996, GE Fanuc Automation North America Inc. recently bought the remaining 30% of AFE.A manufacturer of operator interface (OI) and software products with subsidiaries in the U.K., U.S., and Canada, AFE's products are now sold under GE Fanuc's family of Cimplicity OI products.
Redundancy in Control
How is redundancy implemented for PC-based control? The first step is defining a physical interface to the real world that will provide multiple computers controlling the same I/O system.One way to provide multiple "controllers" is to implement a "mirroring backup" so that another system also collects all data.
Modular Instrument Open Spec
Austin, Tex.—PCI eXtensions for Instrumentation (PXI) specification delivers a modular architecture that leverages the PCI bus in the CompactPCI form factor for a wide range of PC-based control and measurement applications. The PXI also leverages the CompactPCI specification for industrial computers, defining a rugged form factor for PCI that offers superior mechanical integrity, easy i...
PC&automation Conference Will Aid Factory Floor-Management Ties
A growing working relationship between three standards—the PC, Windows, and Interbus—is becoming the basis of a new open infrastructure for connecting the management office with the production floor. To help participants handle this trend, Interbus Club recently joined with IBM and Microsoft to launch a new international conference called "pc&auto...
