A Better View of the Plant
Automation World, January 2008
By Rob Spiegel
New HMI tools are taking data from programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and displaying it throughout the enterprise via Web browsers. Likewise, HMI systems are sending intelligible information from the enterprise down to the shop floor.

Signal Conditioning for PC-Based Control
Control Engineering, January 2008
By C.G. Masi
Control-system designers need to pay extra attention to signal conditioning issues when using PC-based controllers. PACs and PLCs don’t have the same problems.

Improving PLC Compatibility and Function Flexibility
Control Engineering, December 2007
By Jim McMahon, Zebra Communications
When Weiler Engineering upgraded the drive systems on its aseptic blow-fill-seal machines, a problem with its existing controller compatibility was limiting the functionality of its equipment. A one-on-one PLC-integration from Siemens provided the machine-operation interface needed and expanded its application’s flexibility.

When is a PLC like a typewriter?
Control Engineering, December 2007
By Thomas R. Kurfess
The PLC vs PAC argument, from a different perspective.

Programmable safety begets new standards
Machine Design, December 2007
By Dave Collins, Schneider Electric
New safety standards have led safety PLCs and controllers to become more widely accepted in the U.S. In fact, many users are combining safety and automation components into the same system through use of safety PLCs and safety networks.

Browse these and more articles and white papers on the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) portal.

Remote I/O Videos
This two-part video explains how to use remote I/O with PLCs. Part 1, a 5-minute video, is an introduction; Part 2, an 11-minute video, covers the basics.

Programmable Controllers, 4th Edition
Used as a textbook for programmable logic controller (PLC) courses, and as a self study guide and resource for thousands of technicians and engineers, this applications-based book covers the fundamental principles of programmable controllers for process and machine control. Available through ISA.

Schneider Electric opens Industrial Solutions Center
ISC provides solutions, engineering support, consulting and project management services to manufacturers and industrial customers.

The Workstation & Server CPU Comparison Guide
By TECHARP
This guide provides an easy reference for those who are interested in comparing the specifications of the various workstation and server CPUs in the market, as well as those already obsolescent or obsolete. Currently covering over 280 workstation and server CPUs, this comprehensive comparison will allow you to easily compare up to 20 different specifications for each and every CPU.

Rexroth publishes Automation and Control Catalog
Free catalog offers info on Rexroth's IndraLogic and IndraMotion automation systems, as well as IndraControl, Inline, Fieldline, and IndraWorks control components.

Browse these and more resources and literature on the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) portal.

Automated system speeds up time-consuming hose testing
By Automation Direct
American BOA in Cumming, GA, uses a PLC-controlled system to control hydrostatic and pneumatic tests on hoses of varying sizes diameters and lengths for pressures up to 2,000 psi. The system uses a D2-250 CPU, Ethernet communication module and 10-in. operator interface screen, all from AutomationDirect.

FlavourCraft standardises on Beckhoff Automation
SA Instrumentation & Control, February 2008
By Andrew Ashton
The Beckhoff choice allowed FlavourCraft the flexibility to build both small and large systems with the same components and programming languages. They use Beckhoff I/O, Profibus, OPC, PACs and PLCs.

DL205 used on amphibious dredging machine
By Automation Direct
"Amphibian" self-propelled amphibious dredge has a control system based on an AutomationDirect DL205 PLC with a color touch screen operator panel. Feedback switches are connected to DC input modules that provide status to help control the ladder boom, spuds, pump, tracks and other components.

Full Transparency Without a Central Process Control System
Process and Control Today, January 2008
Instead of an expensive centralized process control system, Follmann & Co, a chemical company in the UK, used compact modular controllers and HMI control terminals from Mitsubishi Electric. Follmann uses MX Sheet software to feed the process data from the controllers directly into the existing office software.

Adding Ethernet to Railroad System Increases Reliability
By Contemporary Controls
A commuter railroad modernized its 20-year-old automated material handling system in one of its maintenance facilities using PLCs and Ethernet/IP. An Ethernet managed fiber optic switch from Contemporary Controls was part of the solution.

Browse these and more application stories on the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) portal.

PLC Automation: PLC Structure, Programming, Installation, and Maintenance
April 7-11, 2008 Philadelphia, PA
This course will enable you to understand PLC architecture, configuration, installation, maintenance and ladder logic programming with over 50% hands on training.

Real Games releases an interactive training system software for PLCs
ITS includes five real-world-based industrial systems for PLC training and education.

PLCopen certifies training institute in China
PLCopen awarded the first certificate in China for a ‘PLCopen Certified Training Institute’ to the University of Zhengzhou.

Certified Open-PLC Engineer Training
Profibus Competence Centre, Manchester Metropolitan Univ (UK)
Three-day course covering Open-PLC programming using the international standard IEC 61131-3. The course is designed for Engineers and Technicians who want to gain a recognised qualification in open-PLC programming using IEC 61131-3. No prior experience of PLC programming is necessary; however, the course is also equally well suited for experienced Programmers who wish to move to IEC 61131-3 compliant systems. (Also available on-site for up to 8 people)

Hands On Applications with PLCs - AIT Training Course PLC210
3-Day Course - This is an advanced hands-on course and requires prerequisite of our PLC120 course. The course is intended to give the student a practical approach to PLC’s thru hands-on programming of a PLC and Operator Interface Terminal.

Browse these and more training and seminar opportunities on Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) portal.

• Divelbiss releases HEC-2000 PLC
• Rockwell introduces CompactBlock Guard Ethernet I/O
• Semaphore introduces Kingfisher G30 Compact SCADA System RTU
• austriamicrosystems introduces the AS1542 12-bit ADC
• Siemens introduces Simatic Field PG M2 programming device
• IntelliCom announces NetBiter Serial Server for Rockwell PLCs
• IXXAT adds CANopen to ProConOS Runtime System
• RTA releases InstantPLC chip

Browse these and more Product Announcements on the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) portal.

Search all Products by keyword, category, manufacturer or release date.

Frost & Sullivan says Brazilian and Mexican DCS and PLC Markets growing
Frost & Sullivan says the Brazilian and Mexican DCS and PLC market earned revenues of $448.7 million in 2006 and estimates this to reach to $926.0 million in 2012.

PLCopen publishes standard on XML Control Logic
PLCopen XML schemas and documentation as well as an introduction are available free on the internet.

Research on PLCs and PACs
Control Engineering, December 2007
By Dick Johnson
Programming software is a bigger differentiator than hardware features, say respondents, who are also looking for a variety of networking options. In the most recent survey, done in conjunction with Reed Research, 548 respondents made it clear that the modern PLC/PAC has met their expectations.

Frost & Sullivan predicts PLC sales in China to reach $1 billion in 2013.
Developing customized products for specific industries that have particular requirements could help companies attain an edge over competitors.

ARC predicts China PLC Market to hit $1.3 billion by 2011
The China market for PLCs is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.4% over the next five years. The market was close to $750 million in 2006 and is forecasted to be over $1.3 billion in 2011.

Browse these and more company and organizational news on the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) portal.

NAS and ISS win contracts with Johnson Utilities and Tharldson Development
Intecon Controls, Inc. Announces Contract With Johnson Utilities Worth $890,000.00; Intuitive Systems Solutions, Inc. (ISS) Announces Contract With Tharldson Development for $142,000.00

Opto 22 upgrades Ballarat Health Services facility controls
By Opto 22
Ballarat Health Services is upgrading its older Opto 22 faciltity controls, an installed base of 17 controllers and 2700 I/O points, to new Opto 22 Mistic and SNAP Ethernet I/O modules, brains, and controllers.

Siemens upgrades BMW factory in Spartanburg, SC
Siemens implemented seven key solutions in the final assembly operations – from the joining of the chassis and the engine through different conveyor systems and the complete automation system for the plant.

Rockwell Automation supplies drives and controls to SCA Tissue
Rockwell Automation will supply PowerFlex 700S drives, ControlLogix master control and an HMI for SCA's new tissue machine in Barton, AL.

Instrumentation & Control Master Series
February 25-28, 2008 Manchester UK
The I&C Master Series is brings together an elite group of instrumentation and control engineers for an intensive, compressed 4 days of learning covering the key areas of instrumentation and control.

Embedded Systems Conference
April 14-18, 2008 San Jose, CA
Attracts the industry’s engineers and engineering managers, media and technology analysts, executives, financial analysts, venture capitalists, and many of the largest hardware and software companies.

ISA International Instrumentation Symposium
May 5-8, 2008 Pensacola Beach, Florida
The 54th annual ISA International Instrumentation Symposium will include paper sessions, short courses, tutorials, and a student presentation competition.

Automatica 2008
June 10-13, 2008 Munich, Germany
Displays the latest in robots, assembly and handling technology, machine vision and associated technologies in five trade fair halls.

2008 Siemens Automation Summit
July 23 -25, 2008 Chicago, IL
The 2008 Siemens Automation Summit has presentations from industry experts and analysts, and customer case histories which detail the benefits of Siemens products.

International Manufacturing Technology Show
September 8-13, 2008 Chicago, IL
The largest and longest running manufacturing technology trade show in the United States, IMTS is ranked among the largest trade shows in the world.. IMTS attracts over 90,000 visitors from every level of industry and over 40 countries.

Add an event to our calendar.

Rick Zabel
Vice President, Publisher
Automation.com

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