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Flexible solutions for automated applications

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56th ISA Analysis Division Symposium - April 10-14, 2011

This long-running spring symposium, sponsored by the ISA Analysis Division, continues to offer an outstanding forum for the discussion of new and innovative processes and other analytical techniques, developments, and applications.

More information.

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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)?

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.

Portability Rage-Part II  
Control Design, January 2010
By Jeremy Pollard
The portability issue in IEC 61131 remains. Semantics aside, blocks are developed for each vendor. You cannot take a Beckhoff program and use it with B&R Automation hardware directly.

Automation Standards Are More Like Guidelines  
Control, January 2011
By Jim Montague
The IEC 61131-3 standard for programming PLCs is a non-standard because many of its rules are so generally stated, and because it allows so many exceptions and proprietary software extensions that its initial definitions and original promise of portability of software between devices is unfulfilled.

PC-based control - it is time for change  
South Africa Instrumentation & Control, January 2011
By Conrad Muller, Beckhoff Automation South Africa
In many process plants, the PLC simply plays the role of an ‘interlock’ or PID code repository, with most of the system intelligence based in the external SCADA, MES or analysis software application zones.

Browse more articles on the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) portal.

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.

WAGO introduces JUMPFLEX Interface Adapter
Interface Adapter provides JUMPFLEX signal conditioners and relays with a tool-free interface to the WAGO-I/O-SYSTEM or other PLC interfaces.

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.

Other Product Announcements

• Festo Introduces CPX-CEC CoDeSys Embedded Controller
• Yokogawa Electric announces FA-M3V PLC
• Schneider Electric Announces Modicon M168 HVAC PLC

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

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

Banner Engineering publishes 2011 Product Catalog  
The 2011 catalog wraps Banner's sensor products together with lighting and indicators, machine vision, wireless and machine safety products.

Divelbiss publishes 2011 Control Solutions Catalog  
The 16 page short form catalog contains specification summaries, part number selection tables, and pricing information for each family of off-the-shelf Programmable Logic Controller products.

Schneider Electric offers 3D CAD drawings for automation products  
Customers can access and search the catalog directly from the Schneider Electric U.S. website and download the drawings into their designs, allowing shorter design time and faster time to market.

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 Logic Controller (PLC) portal.

Upgraded Barrier Controls Protect Against Terrorists
PD&D, February 2011
By K12 Defense Consultants
Military bases, embassies, government buildings and airports around the world are protected by hydraulically-operated vehicle barriers K12 converts them to electric operation thanks to servo actuators and rugged industrial PLCs from Phoenix Contact.

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.

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.

Siemens provides ‘e-stop’ safety solution for coal preparation plant  
Process and Control Today, January 2011
Siemens provided a SIRIUS 3RK Modular Safety System (MSS) as the solution for use in the coal washery. It combines the functionality of a simple safety relay with that of a fail-safe programmable logic controller (PLC).

Choose Your Case-Packing Option  
Control Design, January 2010
By Joe Feeley
The modular design of Elliott Manufacturing's Case Packing System, which uses Rockwell motors, remote I/O and a PLC, allows packagers to run a pick-and-place module today and switch it out for a drop-pack module tomorrow, or even to break the line apart and redeploy the erector to another location in the factory.

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

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.

Rockwell Automation announces Lifecycle Service Agreement  
The agreement helps manufacturers minimize the serious financial consequences due to extended unplanned downtime when spare parts or speedy repair are unavailable for outdated Rockwell Automation components.

Online Development names Mark Knebusch VP of Operations  
In this expanded role, Knebusch will lead the company's business operations for all product development and will continue to focus on new business expansion.

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.

eWON signs Standard Electric Supply as a distributor  
Standard Electric will distribute eWon intelligent Internet remote access devices for PLCs and automation systems in the Great Lakes region of the U.S.

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

Emerson to supply DeltaV electronic marshalling to Solvay  
Solvay’s Tavaux plant faces the task of managing a collection of control systems from multiple suppliers. This includes DCSs, PLCs, relay-based systems, pneumatic systems, and emergency shutdown systems (ESD).

HPI to upgrade gas turbine in Guatemala  
HPI will upgrade the control system and instrumentation of a Pratt & Whitney Twin Pack (FT4) aero-derivative gas turbine engine with a ControlLogix PLC.

Honeywell to upgrade controls at Sasol Power Plant in Germany  
The upgrades to the DCS and PLCs include the installation of Experion Process Knowledge System (PKS) and Safety Manager.

Browse more project news on the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) portal.

PLC/PAC Automation: Basic Structure, Programming, Installation, and Maintenance (TC30P)
April 11, 2011 - April 15, 2011
Location: Houston, TX, USA
This course defines Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and Programmable Automation Controller (PAC) architecture, configuration, installation, maintenance, and programming.

Scientific Automation Seminar - Oklahoma City
April 20, 2011
Location: Oklahoma City, OK, USA
Go Beyond Automation. Scientific Automation from Beckhoff enhances conventional areas of control such as PLC and motion control by adding ultra precise, high speed measurement technology with one powerful PC-based controller.

PLC ControlLogix V Training
April 30, 2011 - May 8, 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.

PROFINET One-day Training Class
May 10, 2011
Location: Richmond, VA, USA
This class prepares the student to apply PROFINET in his own project. Technical details of the technology are provided along with practical demonstrations.

PLC/PAC Automation: Advanced System Integration, Programming & Design
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.

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

ABB Automation & Power World 2011
April 18, 2011 - April 21, 2011
Location: Orlando, FL, USA
ABB, in conjunction with the Customer Advisory Board, has designed this event to give you real ideas and solutions on how to maintain profitability in a challenging economy. The Technology & Solution Center features over 70,000 square feet of exhibit space dedicated to automation, manufacturing and power solutions.

CSIA Executive Conference 2011
April 27, 2011 - April 30, 2011
Location: Orlando, FL, USA
“Inspiring Performance” is the theme of your 2011 CSIA Executive Conference. This year’s conference provides systems integrator members with educational and networking opportunities to help your company put on an Inspiring Performance for your customers.

CoDeSys Users' Conference 2011
May 17, 2011
Location: Beijing, PR China
The CoDeSys Users’ Conference is the ideal information forum for all users of the number one manufacturer independent IEC 61131-3 automation tool CoDeSys.

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.

Browse more industry events on the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) portal.

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