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Read the online version if links don't work in this Programmable Automation Controller (PAC) Update. |
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September 2008 |
Sponsor: National Instruments |
Go Wireless for Industrial Remote Monitoring:
Explore simple, secure NI Wi-Fi data acquisition (DAQ) devices. The new Wi-Fi DAQ devices combine IEEE 802.11g wireless or Ethernet communication, direct sensor connectivity, and the highest commercially available network security to simplify remote monitoring of mechanical vibration and industrial processes. Stream wireless data at more than 50 kS/s per channel with 24 bits of resolution.
View technical resources and solutions for wireless industrial remote monitoring.
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Sponsor: GE Fanuc |
PAC Productivity Workshops
As today's competitive pressures continue to mount, manufacturers need to expand their systems to increase performance - typically adding significant complexities to their infrastructure. The PAC Productivity Workshop will demonstrate how the PACSystems™ RX3i controller and Proficy Machine Edition software tools can help you to significantly increase productivity without increasing the complexity of your current system.
Click here to learn more
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Our Automation Portals organize information by topic and include new products, company news, articles, white papers, application stories, training, resources, events, and more. |
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| In this Issue |
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| Featured Articles |
Don’t Rip Out Your Old Automation Just Yet
Automation World, July 2008
By James R. Koelsch
Tearing everything out and starting again from scratch is not always an option. Some manufacturers are devising strategies for upgrading their installed automation over time in an orderly way. One example involves PACs.
What Does an Automation Computer Look Like?
By Mike Berryman, Advantech
This is the age of embedded computing. From wristwatches to cell phones to industrial process control devices, computers control everything. But these devices do not look like computers. So what does an automation computer look like?
Will This Machine Work?
Control Design, June 2008
By Dan Hebert
There are many different ways to test and verify that your machine and its automation system will perform as intended prior to final fabrication, installation and commissioning. Includes examples of PC, PLC and PAC-based controls.
Custom Controls Survey - Complimentary assessment, tips and tricks
We are conducting a brief survey on custom controls — that is, board-level controllers used in place of standard PLCs or process controls. If you use custom controls in your automation applications, please take a minute to tell us why you use them and what challenges you face. You may be eligible to receive a complimentary controls assessment, plus tips and tricks on how to lower your control costs.
State of Manufacturing & Automation in the U.S. Looks Good
Could it be that high fuel prices, the weak dollar and crises in the U.S. manufacturing industry are creating opportunities? Andy Chatha of ARC Advisory Group thinks so. He says the U.S. industry has suddenly become competitive on the world market, and companies are no longer moving operations overseas. Instead, many are expanding their facilities, and he predicts a boom in automation right here in the U.S.
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| Browse more articles and white papers on the Programmable Automation Controller (PAC) portal. |
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| Resources & Literature |
Latest Version of EMC2 Available for free download
EMC2 is a software system for computer control of machine tools such as milling machines, cutting machines, robots, hexapods, etc. EMC2 is free software released under the terms of the GNU GPL (General Public License). EMC2 is a descendent of the original EMC software, which is in the Public Domain.
UEI publishes Cube and RACKtangle catalog
Catalog details Cube and RACKtangle I/O chassis and how they may be deployed as PACs, Ethernet I/O systems, standalone data loggers, Simulink targets, and Modbus TCP slaves.
Embedded hardware and OS technology empower PC-based platforms
By Advantech
Embedded computing devices have changed the world of industrial automation. Users need to be careful when selecting a device that the company they are buying from can support their development platform, regardless of the form factor the user selects for each individual device. This tech paper will assist in this process. Registration required.
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Browse more resources and literature on the Programmable Automation Controller (PAC) portal.
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| Application Stories |
Gateway to process automation
Control Engineering, September 2008
Valspar Corp. is the third largest paint and coatings company in North America. To handle its paint blending process, MMCI uses Emerson Process Micro Motion flowmeters, a Rockwell Automation process automation system, Ethernet communications, and a ControlLogix PAC.
Sweetening Ethanol, Sugar Mix
Control Engineering, September 2008
By Brandon Henning, GE Fanuc
One of Brazil's largest sugar producers GE Fanuc's Proficy Plant Applications efficiency module provides a comprehensive view of key factors including equipment downtime, quantity, and event sequences. The system also uses Proficy HMI/SCADA Cimplicity, PACSystems controllers, and Series 90-30 PLCs.
Giving Chocolate its Crunch
Control Engineering, June 2008
By Mike Jamieson, Rockwell Automation
Mars Austria uses an integrated control environment to monitor the exact status of all system components — such as servo drives, I/O, and HMIs—in its new control system in a chocolate plant.
PCs Cover Coating System Control
Control Engineering, June 2008
By Norm Hardy, Semicore
To automate its vacuum coating and etching systems, Semicore installed an HMI and control package based on Beckhoff's C6330 industrial PCs, CP7802 control panels, TwinCAT automation software, distributed I/O networked over Ethernet TCP/IP via bus couplers, Ethernet switches, motors, and servo drives.
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Browse more application stories on the Programmable Automation Controller (PAC) portal.
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| Featured Training |
OPC: The Windows of the World are Open
October 27-30, 2008 Research Triangle Park, NC
Newly revised, this course will introduce you to open connectivity in control systems. This course shows how OPC (OLE [Object Linking and Embedding] for Process Control) works to solve real world automation problems. Price: $1195.
Introduction to Building Automation Systems
October 28-30, 2008 Burbank, CA
In this course, you will survey the world of BAS including: Future of BAS; Digital Direct Control (DDC) Basics; Field Devices; The Human Machine Interface (HMI); BAS Design and Specification; Energy Conservation Control Strategies; and System Maintenance.
Practical Applications of SCADA Systems Integration
November 4, 2008 Atlanta, GA
This seminar exposes you to practical SCADA applications that have been successfully implemented. It will help you understand the features of SCADA that allow it to benefit industry. Price: $495.
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Browse more training and seminar opportunities on the Programmable Automation Controller (PAC) portal.
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| Product Announcements |
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Browse more Product Announcements on the Programmable Automation Controller (PAC) portal.
Search all Products by keyword, category, manufacturer or release date. |
| Company & Organizational News |
ABB Q2 Net Income up 34%
ABB reported record orders, revenues and earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) in the second quarter of 2008, with net income reaching $975 million.
SCADA market in Oil & Gas industry to reach $1.3 Billion in 2012
The worldwide market for SCADA Systems for the Oil & Gas industry is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.3% over the next five years.
ProSoft Technology mourns loss of President/Founder, assigns successor
Douglas Sharratt, lost his life in a plane crash in Sunriver, Oregon. ProSoft Technology names CFO, Gary Joke, his successor.
ABB appoints Joseph Hogan CEO
Hogan is currently CEO of GE Healthcare and is a member of the GE Senior Executive Council. He will join ABB on September 1, 2008.
InduSoft achieves Microsoft Gold status for fifth straight year
InduSoft attained Gold Certified status in ISV/Software Solutions, Mobility Solutions, Business Process and Integration, and Custom Development Solutions.
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Browse more company and organizational news on the Programmable Automation Controller (PAC) portal. |
| Application News |
Barix controls Fountain of Life Center in New Jersey
Church has faith in Barix products for control, automation and security applications.
Kepware provides communications for Online Development's ControlLogix Gateway
Kepware will provide communications for a communications Gateway for use with an Allen Bradley Control Logix controller.
GM Targets Scalable Automation
Automation World, August 2008
GM plans to launch a pilot project in an Asia-Pacific plant that relies on a reduced-footprint control system based on Rockwell Automation ControlLogix PACs, for which GM engineers have written scaled-down code based on GM’s common software specification, and a Windows CE-based module that resides in one of the ControlLogix controllers.
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| Browse more application news on the Programmable Automation Controller (PAC) portal. |
| Featured Events |
The Exhibition for Processing and Packaging Machinery
September 30 to October 2, 2008 Birmingham, UK
The PPMA Show is the UK’s annual showcase for processing and packaging machinery. The exhibition provides the best opportunity to source, evaluate and purchase machinery, equipment and ancillary products & services for all your processing & packaging requirements.
The Wonderware WonderWorld Global Industry Conferences
WonderWorld global industry conference series, co-sponsored by Microsoft and Mitsubishi Electric, will kick off the week of October 6 in Las Vegas.
Automation Fair 2008
November 19-20, 2008 - Nashville, TN
Rockwell Automation's Automation Fair® provides an excellent opportunity for them to stay aware of the latest and best that automation technology has to offer. Automation Fair is the premier industry event focusing on advanced automation products, integrated control and information architecture — and value-add services and solutions.
OMAC Integration Symposium
December 3-4, 2008 Charlotte, NC
Presentations and demonstrations will focus on the theme of “Total System Evolution: Emerging Technologies for the Advancement of Machine Automation and Control.”
ISA EXPO 2008
ISA EXPO is your source for in-depth technical coverage of topics critical to automation and control success. Participate in a single exchange and immerse yourself in that technology, or attend offerings from multiple exchanges for a more global automation and control view.
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Browse more industry events on the Programmable Automation Controller (PAC) portal.
Add an event to our calendar. |
I hope you enjoyed this Programmable Automation Controller (PAC) update. If you have any comments or suggestions regarding the content in this e-newsletter or on Automation.com, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Rick Zabel
Vice President, Publisher
Automation.com
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