I/O Systems, I/O Modules

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
I/O Systems, I/O Modules 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
I/O Systems, I/O Modules 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
I/O Systems, I/O Modules 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
I/O Systems, I/O Modules 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
Figure 3: An HTTP instruction, such as this HTTPCMD block in an AutomationDirect BRX PLC, enables a PLC to initiate a request to an internet website API to obtain data. AutomationDirect Do-more Designer Software has the necessary instructions. Courtesy: AutomationDirect
I/O Systems, I/O Modules July 1, 2019

Benefits of connecting a PLC to the internet

Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are now gaining information technology (IT) abilities to interact directly with the internet, creating new automation and information possibilities.

By Bill Dehner
The Raspberry Pi allows for simple connectivity for communication and data collection and can serve as a useful and inexpensive alternative in the manufacturing space. Courtesy: Avanceon
I/O Systems, I/O Modules June 29, 2019

Using mobile devices for communication, data collection

Mobile devices like Raspberry Pi are an inexpensive alternative for controllers in the manufacturing space and can be useful for particular input/output (I/O) applications.

By Brian Fenn