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Read the online version if links don't work in this Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Update. |
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June 2010 |
| Sponsor: Online Development |
How to Connect PLCs/PACs with Plant/Enterprise Systems
Online Development – eATM tManager modules feature an easy to use GUI to select and configure data between Rockwell Automation, Siemens and Schneider PLCs/PACs, and IBM, Microsoft and Oracle computer systems. Reduces setup time and virtually maintenance-free.
Learn more.
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| Sponsor: Molex |
Flexible solutions for automated applications
Molex has the flexibility to offer a wide range of custom M8/M12 connection choices. Different lengths. Different colors. Different shielding. With more than 19,000 standard products - from cordsets, distribution boxes and field attachables to splitters, tees and receptacles - we not only have what you need...we’ll customize it for you.
Click here to learn more.
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| Sponsor: ISA |
ISA Training: 3-for-2
To help you and your colleagues get the training you need during these difficult economic times, ISA is offering three registrations to any classroom training course for the price of two registrations: 3-for-2!
More information.
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| Featured Articles |
FDT for Open Access
Control Engineering Asia, April 2010
By Glenn Schulz
Supported by all major DCS, PLC, and instrument/device manufacturers, the FDT standard delivers on the promise of open access to device intelligence.
System Migration Attacks Skills Crisis
Automation.com, April 2010
By Bill Lydon
Daniel Tadie, Manager of Remote Energy Plants, Colorado Springs Utilities (retired) described a successful migration from a legacy DCS to a new system at Colorado Springs Utilities Birdsall power plant. I was impressed with the philosophy, methodical approach, system performance results, and significant improvements in operations. |
| Product Sponsor - Falcon Electronics |
 Replacing a lot of UPS batteries? New Hi-Temp UPS
Falcon’s 55C-listed UPS shields internal components from heat so batteries last longer. New 12-year rated batteries translate to less maintenance. |
Understanding the IEC61131-3 programming languages
What’s New in Process Technology, March 2010
IEC61131-3 identifies the five programming languages and their common abbreviations as: Ladder Diagram (LD), Instruction List (IL), Function Block Diagram (FBD), Structured Text (ST) and Sequential Function Chart (SFC). When should one be used over another? What are the benefits and disadvantages of each?
Automatic PLC Code Generation & Design Interchange Standards
Automation.com, April 2010
By Bill Lydon
Open standards, more powerful desktop computers, and lower cost software are making design, modeling, and automatic code generation for PLCs and PACs practical for improving automation.
A PLC by Any Other Name
Control Design, March 2010
By James Ingraham
The line between a PAC and a PLC remains quite blurry. When exactly is the jump made between a high-end PLC and a low-end PAC? In the end, the distinction is less about naming convention and more about application needs.
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| Product Announcements |
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Online Development introduces cATM-BLY90 to migrate Bailey DCS to FactoryTalk
The module installs in the ControlLogix chassis and features a GUI (Graphical User Interface) to simplify the exchange of data between the DCS and the ControlLogix PAC. |
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Advantech introduces WOP-2000 HMI for PLCs
WOP-2000 is compatible with 250 PLCs including Allen Bradley, Modicon, GE, Siemens, Mitsubishi, Omron and Yaskawa. |
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NI announces Profibus, FF and DeviceNet interfaces
Interfaces connect LabVIEW, PACs, DCSes and embedded systems to Profibus, Foundation Fieldbus and DeviceNet industrial networks. |
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ABB enhances Freelance hybrid control system
Enhancements includes OPC interfaces that provide expanded access to system information, including alarms and events. |
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Phoenix Contact adds GSM modem to Nanoline controller
Nanoline controller can now provide easy control capability via text message from virtually anywhere in the world. |
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| Other Product Announcements
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Search all Products by keyword, category, manufacturer or release date. |
| Resources & Literature |
ISA publishes Online ISA Directory of Automation
This valuable resource—the top purchasing guide in the automation field—is available to ISA’s members from a link on the ISA homepage.
AutomationDirect offers free programming software
Users can download the Think & Do v8.04 Keyless Development Demo package for free, create software applications with Think & Do, and download these applications to an unlimited number of WinPLC targets.
Pepperl+Fuchs offers free diagnostics for CompactLogix and ControlLogix
Available as a free download, this Add-On Instruction enables PLC programmers
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Browse more resources and literature on the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) portal.
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| Application Stories |
Reducing manufacturing costs through .NET enabled device communications
By Chuck Karwoski, CimQuest INGEAR
A medical device manufacturer used CimQuest INGEAR and the RSLinx server to communicate with numerous Allen Bradley PLCs deployed throughout the plant.
Wake Up And Smell The SCADA System
Food Manufacturing, March 2010
Luigi Lavazza coffee uses a PcVue SCADA system to monitor its system and communicate with numerous PLCs from Telemecanique, Siemens and Beckhoff using Ethernet.
Oystar Jones Puts the PLC in Packaging Equipment
Control Design, March 2010
By Mike Bacidore
Oystar Jones’ soap packaging machines use PLCs, servo motion, discrete I/O, analog I/O, variable frequency drives and operator touchscreens, and a mix of hardwired and digital networking, depending on the vintage of upstream and downstream equipment.
Schneider Electric provides interface for Nicholl Food Packaging
Process and Control Today, March 2010
Nicholl Food Packaging in the UK had problems with failure of HMIs, some apparently caused by machine vibration. They installed Magelis HMIs with touch screens and interfaced them to the plant’s old PLCs.
Farmers profit by controlling biogas
Process and Control Today, February 2010
CC-Link fieldbus control is helping farmers extract valuable biogas from slurry to fuel cogeneration plants. The controller is a MELSEC FX3U PLC which communicates with the system’s various automation components via a CC-Link master module and standard serial ports.
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Browse more application stories on the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) portal.
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| Featured Training |
Hands-On PLC Training Workshop
July 27, 2010 - July 29, 2010
Location: Atlanta, GA, USA
Hands-On PLC Training Workshop (PLC: Programmable Logic Controllers). Start with basics move on to troubleshooting, then learn the foundations of good PLC programming while writing your first IEC-1131 compliant PLC program. (1.6 CEU)
PLC/PAC AUTOMATION: System Integration, Programming and Design
September 13, 2010 - September 17, 2010
Location: Research Triangle Park, NC, 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. It focuses on the IEC 6-1131-3 languages.
PLC/PAC Automation: Basic Structure, Programming, Installation, and Maintenance
November 8, 2010 - November 12, 2010
Location: Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
This course defines Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and Programmable Automation Controller (PAC) architecture, configuration, installation, maintenance, and programming.
WAGO offers free IEC 61131-3 training - 03/04/10
WAGO is hosting five free IEC 61131-3 programming training seminars for customers at its Milwaukee area headquarters.
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Browse more training and seminar opportunities on the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) portal. |
| Company & Organizational News |
European Water and Wastewater Industry increasing use of controls
Stringent regulations have paved the way for growth opportunities for PLCs, SCADA systems, DCSes, HMIs and software in the European W&WW sector.
Direct-Industrial to sell surplus factory automation
Direct Industrial will buy automation parts in any condition (new or used) from any manufacturer including Allen Bradley, Siemens and Mitsubishi.
Beckhoff buys its rep in the UK
Hayes Control Systems has been acquired by Beckhoff and renamed Beckhoff Automation Ltd.
Frost & Sullivan says DCSes are threatened by PC-based systems
DCS manufacturers will have to be wary of competition from SCADA systems, which use PC-based software to integrate programmable logic controllers (PLCs) on a network to replicate the functions of DCS.
ARC says prices are coming down on automation products
One element contributing to the price erosion is that controllers are rapidly becoming an automation commodity in some sectors.
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Browse more company and organizational news on the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) portal. |
| Project News |
Software Toolbox to provide graphics to Rockwell Automation
Software Toolbox will provide its Symbol Factory technology to users of FactoryTalk View Site Edition and FactoryTalk View Machine Edition from Rockwell Automation.
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Browse more project news on the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) portal.
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| Featured Events |
The 14th International Industrial Control & Automation Exhibition for South China
June 24, 2010 - June 26, 2010
Location: Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
Automation EXPO 2010 is an international & professional exhibition for the field of industrial control, converter, PLC, electric machine, motor, Instrument, sensor, machinery transmission, which gives an all-round show for the latest products and service of field of international Automation.
Instrumentation & Controls Expo & Training 2010
August 19, 2010
Location: San Diego, CA, USA
I/C Expo 2010 Expo & Training is free to all who pre-register online and who are involved with instrumentation, controls and process automation, 40-60 process instrumentation and controls companies will be exhibiting state-of-the-art equipment and conducting training and demonstrations on site. A Career Fair will be conducted at the Expo.
Automation & Robotics World Show 2010
August 26, 2010 - August 29, 2010
Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
Automation & Robotics World Show 10, the country's most awaited exhibition gives a way to success to the new innovations and opportunities for that vast industrial segment comprising of power, Pharmaceutical, Terminal Automation, and Tank Farm Automation.
ISA Automation Week
October 4, 2010 - October 6, 2010
Location: Houston, TX, USA
ISA Automation Week 2010 will feature intensive educational and applications-based technical conference sessions delivered by subject matter experts. Discrete and process automation professionals will have a chance to learn innovative techniques and solutions for creating more efficient, productive, and economical manufacturing processes.
Autotek Indonesia 2010
November 4, 2010 - November 6, 2010
Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
AUTOTEK INDONESIA 2010 is the only specialized Industrial Automation event that brings together an international congregation of automation companies gathered in the capital city of Jakarta to showcase the latest developments in Industrial Automation technologies.
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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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