I/O Systems, I/O Modules

Figure 3: Realizing the benefit of providing an easy upgrade path, Emerson designed the latest RX3i platform to have the same footprint as existing 90-30 systems and accept both legacy and new I/O modules. Courtesy: Emerson
PLCs, PACs January 7, 2020

Modern controllers ease upgrades

Legacy industrial automation systems must eventually be ripped and replaced or upgraded. See four challenges and five benefits of upgrades using modern controllers.

By Vibhoosh Gupta
The final solution, a control system upgrade, retrofitted with as little risk and downtime as possible, was a success. Courtesy: Concept Systems Inc.
System Integrators December 18, 2019

Partnering with Tillamook Creamery

Claiming the role of the system integrator in the digital transformation.

By Michael Gurney
Figure 3: The latest generation of remote I/O systems use Ethernet to replace expensive home-run wiring with a single network connection. Courtesy: Opto 22
I/O Systems, I/O Modules October 14, 2019

Top 5 Control Engineering articles October 7-13

Articles about I/O systems and the IIoT, SCCR safety tips, smart systems and increased productivity, the Engineers' Choice Finalists, and IIoT adoption programs were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from October 7-13. Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra
The compact Beckhoff Automation EtherCAT EJ boards reduce footprint on VMek hardware. Standard LED lights, which can be seen through a window on the Metrix and Element machines, provide EtherCAT diagnostic information for operators. VMek sorting machines include the Metrix Analytic Lab Color Sorter and Element Analytic Production Color Sorter. Courtesy: Kevin Blackburn
I/O Systems, I/O Modules October 11, 2019

High-speed vision sorting technology records rapid improvement with industrial Ethernet

VMek enhances networking hardware for color sorting with pluggable EtherCAT industrial Ethernet input/output (I/O) modules that reduce costs, equipment footprint and time to market.

By James Figy
Figure 3: The latest generation of remote I/O systems use Ethernet to replace expensive home-run wiring with a single network connection. Courtesy: Opto 22
I/O Systems, I/O Modules October 3, 2019

Connect I/O systems with the IIoT

Traditional wired input/output (I/O) connections are crucial for most automation systems. The latest generation of I/O systems bridges the gap to bring these connections into the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).

By Josh Eastburn
Courtesy: CFE Media
Motors, Drives August 16, 2019

Industrial drive specification criteria for success

The key to selecting an industrial drive is to understand how that drive has been designed and constructed to operate in conjunction with other machines and control systems.

By Paul Streatfield
Figure 2: Ladder logic programming example; LL is the most commonly used PLC programing, most closely resembling circuit diagrams used for relays. Courtesy: Frank Lamb, Automation Primer
PLCs, PACs August 1, 2019

Control Engineering hot topics, July 2019

Control Engineering's most clicked articles in July 2019 included stories about PLC programming languages, connecting a PLC to the internet, digitalization advantages, choosing the right enclosure, and more. Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra
Companies can mitigate project risk by following best practices such as leveraging existing technology on the plant floor and standardizing policies. Courtesy: Maverick Technologies
Production and SCM August 1, 2019

Five strategies to effectively manage and execute automation projects

Automation projects come with many challenges that seem daunting because of their complexity. Learn about six common automation project management challenges and learn about five tips to overcome them including planning ahead and leveraging available technology on the plant floor.

By Lee Swindler
Courtesy: CFE Media
I/O Systems, I/O Modules July 8, 2019

Specification for networks, IO-Link released

CAN in Automation (CiA) has released the CiA 463 series standardizing the gateway between CANopen responsible for CANopen FD networks and input/output (I/O)-Link.

By CAN in Automation
Integrated safety can extend beyond I/O terminals and implement safety logic directly in servo drives and other components in the field. Courtesy: Beckhoff Automation
Machine Safety July 2, 2019

Converging safety, non-safety systems increases scalability, flexibility

Integrating safety systems into a machine’s standard control platform simplifies operations, increases diagnostic capabilities and creates safer work environments for engineers and end users.

By Sree Swarna Gutta