| Sponsor: Opto 22 |
New Wider Voltage Range for Power Monitoring

Monitor 3-phase power up to 300 VAC with improved power monitoring modules from Opto 22. Module calculates true power, volt amps, and sums from voltage and current inputs.
See SNAP Power Monitoring Modules.
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Sponsor: Parker Hannifin |
Tailor your control solution’s performance & cost

ACR9600 programmable automation controllers support an intuitive IEC 61131 development environment, tight integration with our Interact Xpress HMI, and simplified integration and commissioning with our Aries EPL Xpress drive solutions.
Click here for more information.
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| Sponsor: automationtechies |
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| Sponsor: ISA |
54th Annual ISA POWID Symposium June 5-10, 2011

This event will provide power generation industry leaders with information on the latest innovations in controls, instrumentation, cyber security, SmartGrid, regulatory issues and variable energy technologies, which impact the power generation delivery systems.
More information.
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| Sponsor: Automation.com |
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| Featured Articles |
DCS and PLC/SCADA – a comparison in use
Control Engineering Europe, March 2011
It may surprise you to know that PLC, HMI and SCADA implementations today are consistently proving more expensive than a DCS for the same process or batch application.
A Look at PLCs, Yesterday and Today
Control Design, March 2011
By Jeremy Pollard
The art of bit-flipping: although you can point to many changes in the PLC world over the past 25 years, much is still the same.
Hyper-Secured PLC…and other curious combinations
Control Engineering, March 2011
To make life easier for automation engineers, and less costly for OEMs and end-user companies to build control systems, clever companies are converging previously separate products.
Tips and Tricks for Legacy Hardware
Control Design, January 2010
By Danny Budzinski
Finding information on old industrial hardware isn't easy. There are dozens of legacy brands out there, but chances are that if you have something really old, it was made by Allen-Bradley, GE, Modicon, Omron or Siemens. But even if something is labeled as a Modicon, you might actually have to go somewhere completely different to find the support you need.
Balancing PLCs, PACs, IPCs
Control Engineering, January 2011
By K. Pietrusewicz and Ł. Urbański, W Pomeranian Univ of Tech
Do you need a PLC, PAC, or IPC for your next control application? Will programmable logic controllers (PLCs) evolve into programmable automation controllers (PACs) or industrial PCs (IPCs)?
Browse more articles on the Programmable Automation Controllers (PAC) portal. |
| Product Announcements |
B&R adds FDT/DTM to Automation Studio
Automation Studio software now has a universal FDT container (Field Device Tool) for linking any Device Type Manager (DTM) using a plug-in interface.
Beckhoff releases IP 67 EtherCAT Box with Analog IO
EP4374 I/O box is a flexible, moisture and dust-resistant EtherCAT I/O solution that combines two analog inputs and two analog outputs into one device.
Other Product Announcements
Browse more Product Announcements on the Programmable Automation Controllers (PAC) portal.
Search all Products by keyword, category, manufacturer or release date. |
| Resources |
AutomationDirect Technical Product Reference
AutomationDirect’s volume 13 catalog offers thousands of industrial automation products for a wide range of applications. The latest two-volume edition features product descriptions, technical data, and photos for PLCs, touch screen monitors, AC and DC motors, sensors, switches, drives and more.
Omegamation Complete Automation Handbook
The handbook offers detailed information, technical reference and specifications on thousands of products including Wireless Devices, HMI, Motion and Pneumatics, Relays and Timers, Wire Connection, Power Products, PLCs, Control Modules, Limit Switches, Drives and Motors, Photo Sensors, Process and Proximity Sensors, Pushbuttons and Stack Lights, Enclosures, and much more.
SweetWilliam offers free ScadaMobile ONE SCADA software
ScadaMobile SCADA/HMI app for the iOS platform supports main PLC brands, including Allen Bradley Logix and Micrologix, Schneider Electric, Automation Direct, Wago and Omron.
Browse more resources on the Programmable Automation Controllers (PAC) portal. |
| Application Stories |
Paint Manufacturer Turns Up Volume
IMPO, February 2011
Dunn-Edwards, a paint manufacturer, uses a slurry system and PcVue SCADA software that automates the process. The software is integrated with three PLCs based on ISaGRAF, which are fully compliant with both IEC 61499 and IEC 61131 industrial control standards.
Pick-by-light system implemented in a panel PC
What’s New in Process Technology, February 2011
By Kontron Australia
The i-Pick system consists of pick-by-light (PBL) rails with pick faces; line controllers that can handle up to 200 pick faces; and the panel PC that is in direct interaction with a central SQL database, serving XML data files via USB, wireless or wired LAN.
Powerful PAC Upgrades Wastewater Treatment Centrifuge
Control Engineering, January 2011
By Jeremy Poarch
PAC and HMI from Automation Direct help Moccasin Bend wastewater treatment plant improve operations, increase redundancy, and save time and money.
Technologies cooperate to control critical mixing operation
Control Engineering, January 2011
By Adrienne Lutovsky and Danetta Bramhall, ProSoft Technology
Mixing ablative coating for space shuttle rocket boosters requires very high levels of precision and repeatability. NASA uses PLCs, PACs, and Modbus communications.
Control platform inks the deal
Process & Control Engineering, January 2011
By Jason Thelander
The ink cartridge filling machine developed by Precision Mechatronics fills five 50 ml ink cartridges every 20 seconds. A PC- and EtherCAT-based Beckhoff control platform with integrated Motion Control functionality controls it.
Browse more application stories on the Programmable Automation Controllers (PAC) portal. |
| Company & Organizational News |
AutomationDirect to resell KEPServerEX
AutomationDirect will sell KEPDirect OPC Server for use with its controllers and remote I/O.
China‘s PLC and PAC Market to grow
ARC predicts strong growth of the PLC and PLC-based Programmable Automation Controller (PAC) market through 2014 in China, but provides no numbers.
Jody Markopoulos named President & CEO of GE Intelligent Platforms
Markopoulos, who will report to GE Home & Business Solutions President and CEO Charlene Begley, succeeds Maryrose Sylvester who was recently named as president and CEO of GE Lighting.
WAGO 2011 Innovation in Automation Tour Underway
Consisting of two identical vans, IIAT presents WAGO’s latest Automation, Interconnect and Electronic solutions directly to industrial professionals.
3 Packaging OEMs join Rockwell Automation PartnerNetwork Program
Douglas Machine Inc., Kliklok-Woodman and Nercon Engineering & Manufacturing will have the opportunity to increase market awareness with customers, expand into new market sectors, and improve technical and functional excellence.
Browse more company and organizational news on the Programmable Automation Controllers (PAC) portal. |
| Project News |
Rockwell Automation to control coal-based thermal power projects
Rockwell will monitor and control coal handling, ash handling, mill reject, water treatment and fire protection systems at Avantha Power in India.
Siemens to supply controls to Louisiana Sugar Refining
Siemens will provide electrical and control technology to the largest North American sugar refinery, a joint venture set up with Sugar Growers and Refiners, Cargill and Imperial Sugar Company.
Browse more project news on the Programmable Automation Controllers (PAC) portal. |
| Featured Training |
PLC ControlLogix V Training
May 31, 2011 - June 30, 2011
Location: Calgary, AB, Canada
SAIT Polytechnic’s PLC ControlLogix training will teach you to design, connect, program and troubleshoot industrial control systems. The courses are designed for those who have previous training on other PLC Control Applications. Students will train on the Allen-Bradley ControlLogix platform using RSLogix 5000 software or the PLC version 5 platform.
PLC/PAC AUTOMATION: Advanced System Integration, Programming and Design (TC36P)
June 6, 2011 - June 10, 2011
Location: Houston, TX, USA
This course defines Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and Process Automation Controllers (PAC) architecture, configuration, and programming from out-of-the-box to actual installation.
RSTechED 2011
June 12, 2011 - June 17, 2011
Location: Orlando, FL
With over 100 different sessions appealing to users and managers at all levels within an organization, RSTechED provides a highly interactive, classroom-style environment set up for people working in manufacturing, process and machine builder industries.
ControlLogix and RSLogix 5000 Training Seminar
June 28, 2011 - June 30, 2011
Location: St. Louis, MO, USA
Get familiar with the Process Automation Controller (PAC) which is a much different industrial automation and control device than the PLC. This hands-on automation training seminar-workshop uses Controllogix and CompactLogix processor software by Allen Bradley, called RSLogix 5000.
CoDeSys Users‘ Conference Schedule
IEC 61131-3 training events in Germany, Italy, Russia, Sweden, the Netherlands, Switzerland and China are on this year’s schedule, which runs from March to November.
Browse more training and seminar opportunities on the Programmable Automation Controllers (PAC) portal. |
| Featured Events |
FAMERICAS
May 19, 2011 - May 21, 2011
Location: LIMA, PERU
The only international event specialized in Industrial Equipments, Machinery, Supplies & Services and the first & oldest industrial event in Peru focusing on Automation, Robotics & Control Systems, Construction, Mining, Energy, Power, Chemical, Communication and also specially designed to present and to sell new products to Industrial Sectors.
Honeywell Users Group Americas Symposium 2011
June 12, 2011 - June 16, 2011
Location: Phoenix, AZ, USA
Hundreds of automation users and industry experts gather to explore the latest industry trends and technology developments each year. The event features hands-on demonstrations of the latest technology, one-to-one interaction with products experts, and group discussion with other Honeywell users. The robust technical conference provides invaluable education and insight.
2011 Siemens Automation Summit
June 27, 2011 - June 30, 2011
Location: Orlando, FL, USA
Join Siemens to see live, hands-on demonstrations showcasing best-in-class solutions, hear from others how they have successfully applied solutions that you can use in your operations, and network with your peers and Siemens management.
AUTOMATION 2011
September 20, 2011 - September 23, 2011
Location: Mumbai, India
Automation 2011 will highlight products trends, services and solutions in the field of Factory Automation, Process Automation & Control System, Field Instrumentation, Robotics, Drives & Various Bus Technology, Building Automation, Hydraulics & Pneumatics
ISA Automation Week 2011
October 17, 2011 - October 20, 2011
Location: Mobile, AL, USA
This world-class conference will cover seven technical tracks in depth and will be designed with information critical to several identified automation and control career paths. ISA Automation Week provides you with the opportunity to get the best unbiased knowledge available to help you in your jobs and your future
Browse more industry events on the Programmable Automation Controllers (PAC) portal.
Add an event to our calendar. |
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