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Read the online version if links don't work in this Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Update. |
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September 2009 |
Sponsor: Online Development |
Easily Connect PACs/PLCs to Computer Systems
eATM modules from Online Development snap into an Allen-Bradley ControlLogix chassis to exchange backplane data with plant and enterprise computer systems. Modules feature simple configuration instead of programming for data management and bi-directional exchange. Adding a cATM module enables computer system connectivity with Siemens, Schneider, Allen-Bradley and 50 other brands of PLCs. Ideal for MES, ERP, OEE, tracking and tracing, batch recipe downloads and other applications.
Click here for more information
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Sponsor: AMCI |
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Visit our Automation Portals |
Our Automation Portals organize information on various topics and include content published on Automation.com as well as other industry websites. Each portal includes new products, company news, articles, white papers, application stories, training, resources, events, and more.
Visit these one-stop sites for all your automation information
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| In this Issue |
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| Featured Articles |
What’s the Right Blend in Automation Platforms?
Managing Automation, August 2009
By Stephanie Neil
Manufacturers don’t have the time or money to overhaul antiquated automation systems. It’s not an easy task for companies that have spent the past 20 years investing in a cornucopia of control, including PLCs, CNC or a DCS, on top of which they’ve built out a complex network of I/O communication modules, sensors, and software from historians to HMIs.
Taking Control
Industrial Automation Asia, June 2009
By Elmar Vogts, ABB
Driven by technological developments in the last years, manufacturers of process automation technology are nowadays able to offer control systems with higher scalability as an alternative to PLCs in process-oriented applications.
PCs and PLCs Have Grown Up
Control Design, June 2009
By Gregory Kempfer
In the past decade, PLCs evolved such that they can perform the same functions as the PCs, and the PCs have become more rugged. The advent of soft logic-type programming for PCs virtually eliminated the need for specialized custom programming for most industrial control applications.
Relays Yield More Programmable Machine Control Options
Control Design, June 2009
Relays might seem to be in retreat for all but the most basic control applications in the face of seemingly relentless PLC advances. Instead, relays actually are adding capabilities and encroaching into control territory formerly occupied by PLCs
Safety PLCs Provide Space Savings For OEMs
Automation.com, June 2009
By Dave Collins, Schneider Electric Safety
PLCs provide all of the same functionality of traditional safety relays, but offer space savings and improved communications, while also providing the safety levels needed for the protection of personnel.
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| Product Announcements |
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| Other Product Announcements
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Browse more Product Announcements on the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) portal.
Search all Products by keyword, category, manufacturer or release date. |
| White Papers |
Seven Ways Today's Distributed Control Systems (DCS) Can Save You 20% or More
By ABB
In the past, DCS Systems were large, expensive and very complex. This drove many control engineers to use PLCs and HMIs in order to lower cost. Today, these implementations are consistently more expensive than DCS systems for the same process or batch application. This report documents the key advantages of DCS systems over PLC/HMI engineered systems and the typical value of each.
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Browse more white papers on the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) portal.
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| Resources & Literature |
Infoteam's OpenPCS PLC software available for free
Version 6.2.1 of OpenPCS IEC 61131-3 automation suite is free of charge and needs no registration.
AutomationDirect Industrial Automation Product Reference Catalog
Desk Reference contains detailed product descriptions complemented by plenty of technical illustrations, step-by-step procedures for selecting various PLC hardware and software, PC-based control, operator interface, motor contactors, drives, sensing equipment, connection systems, and much more.
UEI publishes Short-form Product Catalog
Catalog covers Ethernet I/O systems, standalone data loggers, Programmable Automation Controllers (PACs), Simulink targets, and Modbus TCP slaves.
Divelbiss updates PLC web site
Site covers PLC on a Chip based PLCs, Application Specific controls and PLC Education tools.
Rockwell Automation offers free MicroLogix software
Free RSLogix Micro Starter Lite software streamlines overall development and deployment processes, helping to save time and increase productivity.
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| Application Stories |
Mission-critical control at Parnell pharmaceuticals plant
Process & Control Engineering, August 2009
By Sarah Falson
Equipment for the New South Wales laboratory and manufacturing facility is from Wonderware (HMI and historian); Rockwell Automation (PLC); HachUltra (particle counters); Vaisala (humidity instruments); Titan (pressure transmitters); and HP (servers and PCs).
Rolls with speed
Process & Control Engineering, July 2009
By Sarah Falson
Fischer Brot’s new high-tech bakery factory in Australia is controlled by VIPA Speed7 PLCs, with programming via Step7 by Siemens; and visualisation and recording of data using WinCC.
Keeping Sellafield ponds chilled and clean
HazardEx, July 2009
Schneider Electric bolstered the reliability of Sellafield with the upgrade of the PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) and software which control the Ion Exchange Effluent Plant. The facility is responsible for safely carrying out the decommissioning of the UK's nuclear legacy as well as reprocessing and nuclear waste management.
AngloGold Ashanti
South Africa Instrumentation & Control, July 2009
AngloGold Ashanti’s Geita gold mine in Tanzania installed an Expert System to be which would run with Wonderware’s Information Server, Active Factory reporting tool, InTouch SCADA and Historian. 17 Allen-Bradley PLCs were upgraded to cope with the new environment.
Brew-house implements Profibus system for plant communication
Process & Control Engineering, July 2009
Coopers Brewery in Australia commissioned an entirely new brew house, using Profibus DP to link the PLCs and SCADA, Profibus PA for the measurement and control of level, temperature, flow, pressure and valves, and ASi bus for the digital I/O. Also installed were power meters, temperature, pressure and level transmitters and flow control valves.
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Browse more application stories on the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) portal.
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| Featured Training |
EtherNet/IP Quick Start for Vendors Training Course
September 17, 2009 - Ann Arbor, MI
EtherNet/IP Quick Start for Vendors course will give you the information you need to get your product to market quickly. This course covers product functionality and design considerations, implementation approaches, product testing, and an overview of the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) and EtherNet/IP technologies, including a review of the specifications.
EtherNet/IP Proven & Complete Introductory Seminar
September 29, 2009 - Philadelphia, PA
This seminar gives a technical overview of the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) and EtherNet/IP, including extensions for functional safety, synchronization, and motion; discusses the technical and market benefits of choosing EtherNet/IP; describes how EtherNet/IP users can seamlessly connect to Modbus devices.
PLC Troubleshooting Workshop
October 21-23 , 2009 - Atlanta, GA
Extensive hands-on training with the laptop using RS Logix and your pick of the PLC5, or a SLC500 or a Micrologix PLC. Start with basics move on to troubleshooting, then learn the foundations of good PLC programming while writing your first safe and reliable IEC-1131 compliant PLC program. 2.6 CEU.
ControlLogix and RSLogix 5000 Training Seminar
October 26-29, 2009 - Atlanta, GA
This hands-on course starts with an overview of the AB ControlLogix system architecture and an introduction of RSLogix 5000 software. Then the fundamentals of editing ladder logic , Routines, Tag Database, PLC analog Input / Output modules, advanced features available in the Tag Database, troubleshooting and communication modules.
Workshop: How to comply with EU's revised machinery directive
September through November 2009, various cities
Seminar discusses the new Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (2004/108/EC), and other relevant European Union directives and standards for the industrial market.
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Browse more training and seminar opportunities on the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) portal.
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| Company & Organizational News |
ARC says PLC Market will bounce back in 2010
In spite of the current gloom and doom in the global economy, the market growth will resume in 2010 and beyond.
ABB Q2 revenues down
Orders decreased across all divisions and regions compared to the second quarter of 2008 on a combination of lower volumes and price decreases resulting from both lower raw material costs and reduced demand.
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Browse more company and organizational news on the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) portal. |
| Featured Events |
SOUTH-TEC Advanced Productivity Exposition
October 6-8, 2009 - Charlotte, NC
SOUTH-TEC will be focused around three themes, including “Lean Tools for Success,” “Motorsports in Manufacturing,” and “New Products and Innovations.”
ISA EXPO 2009
October 6-10, 2009 - Houston, Texas
ISA EXPO is focused on the technology and techniques of automation and control. Organized around the six core themes central to automation and control, ISA EXPO 2009 provides attendees unlimited opportunity to explore key technologies, discover professional growth, and interact with like minded professionals.
Industrial Automation Show
November 3-7, 2009 - Shanghai
Since its inception in 2003, Factory Automation ASIA has been successfully held three times. It has established itself amongst the most important platforms in the production automation industry in Asia.
Automation Fair 2009
November 11-12, 2009 - Anaheim, California
At this two-day event, attend in-depth technical sessions, workshops, and hands-on labs. Visit more than 100 exhibits and displays. Learn best practices at specialized industry forums.
Hannover Messe Middle East
February 9-11, 2010 - Dubai
Deutsche Messe Hannover will be staging CeMAT Middle East, Industrial Automation (IA) Middle East, and Motion, Drive & Automation (MDA) Middle East together.
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Browse more industry events on the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) portal.
Add an event to our calendar. |
I hope you enjoyed this Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) 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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