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Read the online version if links don't work in this Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Update. |
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March 2010 |
| Sponsor: Online Development |
PAC/PLC and Plant Application Data Exchange Made Easy
eATM tManager modules are ideal interface for MES, ERP and OEE applications – no middleware software, programming or computer system needed.
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| Featured Articles |
Automatic PLC Code Generation & Design Interchange Standards
By Bill Lydon, Automation.com
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.
Programmable Safety Controllers Are Slow to Gain Acceptance
Control Design, February 2010
By Jim Montague
It's been more than a few years since the NFPA amended its NFPA-79 regulations to allow safety and control communications on the same network, but it took longer for suppliers to release updated programmable safety controllers, and it's taking even longer for users to adopt them.
Reduce the risk of system migrations
Control Engineering Europe, February 2010
By Frank Prendergast, Schneider Electric
Continually updating programmable logic control (PLC) systems can help facilities be more efficient, accommodate evolving needs, and better meet customer requests and deadlines. But an upgrade project is also one fraught with risk when it gets underway, and even after it is complete.
Databases – The Perfect Complement to PLCs
Automation.com, December 2009
By Steve Hechtman, Inductive Automation
SQL and relational databases form the bridge to integrate processes, machinery and people together. Working with SQL is remarkably similar to working with PLCs and ladder logic. And that’s why the PLC programmer is best suited to implement solutions involving PLCs and relational databases.
Rockwell Automation Fair 2009 - Smart, Safe & Sustainable Manufacturing
By Bill Lydon
As usual, Rockwell Automation Fair was an impressive event with over 8,000 attendees. Rockwell's continued focus on process control punctuates their very direct message that the Logix architecture can meet all control and automation requirements from discrete to process control.
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Browse more articles on the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) portal. |
| Sponsor: ISA |
ISA Automation Week
Call for Papers
Enhance your professional reputation while gaining powerful market exposure for your organization by sharing your technical expertise at ISA Automation Week 2010. ISA is now accepting abstract submittals for consideration to present at this prestigious technical conference and product showcase. Closes: 16 April 2010
Click here for more information
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| Product Announcements |
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| Other Product Announcements
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Search all Products by keyword, category, manufacturer or release date. |
| White Papers |
Improving Flow Measurement Using PLC Flow Computing
By Jim Ralston & Scott Monton, Prosoft Technology
Paper explores embedding hydrocarbon flow computer technology into PLCs for integrated measurement, control and communications.
Custom Controller or COTS? Step-by-step guide to making the right choice
By ARC
OEMs typically have two choices, to develop "green boards," which are internally designed custom controllers, or to apply COTS (commercial-off-the-shelf) micro PLCs. This whitepaper will examine some of the important and sometimes overlooked factors involved in choosing between a custom controller and a COTS micro PLC.
Is there one controller that can do it all?
By Bob Nelson, Siemens Energy & Automation
Complete analysis of PLC vs. PAC, along with other embedded and PC-based automation controllers. Evaluate new and existing controller technologies to save time and money.
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Browse more white papers on the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) portal.
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| Resources & Literature |
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.
Automation, Systems, and Instrumentation Dictionary
No technical library is complete without this comprehensive dictionary covering the entire vocabulary of automation, systems, and instrumentation. This authoritative fourth edition contains the latest trends in industrial instrumentation and automation. References relevant to ISA and IEC standards are included throughout, along with illustrations to enhance the definitions of more difficult terminology. With CDROM.
Bosch Rexroth updates drives and controls website
The site covers CNC, PLC and Motion Control technologies for manufacturing automation.
MicroSys supplies free PLC software from logi.cals
Hardware from MicroSys will be delivered with a test-CD containing the logi.cals system solution.
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Browse more resources and literature on the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) portal.
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| Application Stories |
What Wireless Network?
By Boss Automation
The Cockrell Ranch Waterflood project in Texas recovers oil from wells that would have once been considered ‘tapped.’ Its SCADA system includes HMIs, PACs and PLCs from Rockwell Automation, and a wireless system from Prosoft Technology.
Redundant PLC controls heart-mapping machine
Control Engineering, January 2010
A Siemens PLC controls the Magnetecs Catheter Guidance Control and Imaging System, used to create three-dimensional graphical displays of cardiac structures and arrhytmias.
Turbine retrofit adds remote monitoring
Plant Services, December 2009
When a large Southern utility dusted off a fleet of unused combustion gas turbine engines, four General Electric MS5001 (Frame 5) turbo-generator packages were fitted with Allen-Bradley ControlLogix controllers. The utility wanted to retain the existing vibration probes, so it used Rockwell XM-120 dynamic measurement modules.
Bottom Line-driven Integration
Control Engineering, December 2009
By David Sanders and Bob Cheek, Metcam
Metcam specializes in custom sheet metal fabrication. They installed a control system based on a DL260 PLC, analog I/O, signal conditioners and an HMI, all from AutomationDirect.
Panel Build Technology Sets Pace
Control Design, December 2009
By Mark McCartney, Stacon
Stacon builds custom control solutions and predesigned configurable pump panels. They switched to Siemens motor starters, a Web server and an integrated HMI/PLC—all configured for serial Modbus and Modbus TCP Ethernet.
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Browse more application stories on the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) portal.
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| Featured Training |
PLC Structure, Programming, Installation, and Maintenance
April 12, 2010 - April 16, 2010
Location: Houston, TX, USA
This course will help you understand Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) architecture, configuration, installation, maintenance and ladder logic programming with over 50% hands on training.
RSTechED 2010
June 6, 2010 - June 11, 2010
Location: Los Angeles, CA
RSTechED is an advanced software training event in manufacturing automation. More than 120 unique technical sessions, hands-on labs and customer presentations are specifically designed for those interested in learning to effectively leverage existing automation investments and create the architecture for continuous optimization, competitive differentiation and sustainable production.
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.
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Browse more training and seminar opportunities on the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) portal. |
| Company & Organizational News |
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.
WAGO offers free IEC 61131-3 training
WAGO is hosting five free IEC 61131-3 programming training seminars for customers at its Milwaukee area headquarters.
CoDeSys supports Texas Instruments C2000/28x CPU
Embedded devices based on the C2000/28x CPU family from Texas Instruments can now also be programmed with IEC 61131-3 development tool CoDeSys.
ISA issues Call for Papers for Automation Week 2010
ISA issued a Call for Papers inviting authors, experts, innovators, and automation professionals to submit abstracts for presentation consideration at the conference to be held in Houston, TX, 4-7 October 2010.
Automation Systems Market is coming back very slowly
ARC says the short term forecast for discrete automation systems looks bleak, but moderate market growth is expected five years from now. China and India are doing well, of course.
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Browse more company and organizational news on the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) portal. |
| Project News |
Cotton ginning firm invests with APAG
Process and Control Engineering, January 2010
By Sarah Falson
Atlantic Pacific Automation Group (APAG), will upgrade safety and motion control systems at Namoi Cotton Commodities in Australia. Equipment includes Parker Hannifin HMI panels, 30 Parker Variable Speed Drives, a PLC for process control, and Pilz’s PNOZmulti system for safety control of plant and equipment.
Siemens to automate algae biofuels production
Siemens will supply a Simatic S7-300 controller and Micromaster drives to Renewed World Energies to automate its new Georgetown County, S.C., facility.
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Browse more project news on the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) portal.
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| Featured Events |
2010 St. Louis Automation Expo
April 14, 2010
Location: St. Louis, MO, USA
Mark your calendars now to attend the 2010 St. Louis Automation EXPO at Greensfelder Recreational Complex at Queeny Park. You WON'T want to miss this one!
Automation Technology Egypt 2010
May 10, 2010 - May 12, 2010
Location: Cairo, Egypt
The conference is mainly aimed at demonstration of advanced developments in the domain of automation and information technologies in industry and new opportunities for business development.
ISA Central Arizona Section Tabletop & Training
May 13, 2010
Location: Phoenix, AZ, USA
Arizona's only Instrument and Control Tabletop Exhibit, Four great training sessions, and lunch is provided. Training sessions:
1. PV Solar System Design and Installation
2. Control of multiple GenSets
3. Field Instruments - current technology
4. Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) - current technology
Montreal Manufacturing Technology Show
May 17, 2010 - May 19, 2010
Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
MMTS allows side-by-side evaluations of equipment, accessories and supplies from machine tool manufacturers and distributors in Canada. MMTS also includes a factory automation focus including control systems, software and hardware, assembly technology and test/inspection.
Siemens Industry 2010 User Conference
June 8, 2010 - June 10, 2010
Location: Charlotte, NC, USA
Be a part of the 2010 Siemens User Conference. An Automation User Community event where Siemens users, partners, industry thought-leaders, and professionals come together to discuss challenges and strategies.
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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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