Top 5 Control Engineering articles, June 9-15

Articles about things noncontrol people should know about control engineers, career and salary survey analysis, Google Glass, programming PLCs, and PID controllers were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from last week, June 9-15. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra June 16, 2014

1. 7 things noncontrol people should know about control engineers

A few basic differences between control engineers and others in the plant can hinder progress toward optimization. Start a conversation to improve communications and controls. See examples and career advice. Send a link to these seven things other people should know about control engineers, so they understand. 

2. Control Engineering salary and career survey, 2014

Control Engineering research: While slightly more is expected for salary and slightly less for bonuses in 2014 compared to 2013, concerns about shortages of skilled workers increased significantly, by seven percentage points since last year. 

3. Developments to watch: Google Glass

Intelligence in your eyeglasses: Readability, interface, and batteries may take some getting used to and could benefit from improvements. Still, the idea behind Google Glass has a lot of potential. Have you tried them? Do you have a pair? See photos, short video clip, and add your comments. 

4. Programming PLCs: Keep the documentation clear and simple

Poor programmable logic controller documentation and housekeeping can lead to unnecessary troubleshooting and downtime. Keep it simple in order to avoid the possible risks and confusion.

5. Fixing PID, Part 2

Proportional-integral-derivative controllers may be ubiquitous, but they’re not perfect.

The list was developed using CFE Media’s web analytics for stories viewed on controleng.com, June 9-15, for articles published within the last two months.

– Chris Vavra, content specialist, CFE Media, cvavra@cfemedia.com.


Author Bio: Chris Vavra is web content manager for CFE Media and Technology.