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PXI changes how manufacturers deploy ATE
Test & Measurement World, November 2008
By Gary Clayton, MAC Panel Company
Experts involved in developing ATE (automated test equipment) applications cannot deny the revolution that has taken place since the introduction of the PXI platform. PXI, along with complementary software tools, now offers the opportunity to deploy functional test capabilities to electronics manufacturers in many more markets, yielding improved products and processes.
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RF instruments challenge PXI versatility
Test & Measurement World, November 2008
By Richard A. Quinnell
One of the most dynamic applications for PXI is its use in the testing of complex, high-bandwidth RF applications. Multi-module RF instruments could limit PXI’s versatility.
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Chassis layout is key to success with PXI Express
Test & Measurement World, November 2008
By Richard A. Quinnell
With the electronics industry's never-ending appetite for speed, the bandwidth advantages of PXIe (PXI Express) are becoming increasingly important for test instrument designs. To take full advantage of the capabilities offered by this technology, you'll need a chassis designed to handle PXIe cards.
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Troubleshoot intermittent signals
Test & Measurement World, November 2008
By Mike Lauterbach, LeCroy
Using any of several tools and techniques on a digital oscilloscope, you can locate an elusive waveform, set up a trigger, and capture the event.
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Taking the IP Route
Control Engineering Asia, November 2008
By Madanmohan Rao
The push to extend wireless networking is making strides, thanks to moves in the IP networking and ZigBee space. A consortium of suppliers, the IP for Smart Objects (IPSO) Alliance, is pushing the wireless networking drive to small devices.
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Using Structured Cable Solutions For BAS
Automated Buildings, October 2008
By Jim Sinopoli
Using structured cable in a BAS environment is different than its use in a typical data network. The cable topology and the location of the end devices are different. More consideration has to be given to signal loss budgets, devices placed on a link or bus, and the cabling distances supported.
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Tips for understanding 'IT-speak’
Plant Engineering, November 2008
By Neal Allen, Fluke Networks
If plant engineers, control engineers and IT technicians can build an understanding of the network that their devices attach to, troubleshooting logic and good communications will follow. Here’s a glossary of terms.
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Tutorial: Challenges of unlocking HART data
Control Engineering Europe, October 2008
By Peter Welander
The growing availability of devices to unlock HART data from instruments is causing new interest in putting this technology to work. That’s a good thing, but don’t be surprised if what you find is a little confusing.
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Can Topology Reduce Costs?
Industrial Networking, Winter 2008
By John Rezabek
Process buses like FF and PA were designed to accommodate the existing networks and wires that one is likely to find in a legacy point-to-point 4-20 mA installation. But what if you have a new installation or you’re not aiming to reuse that old twisted-pair wire for the spurs?
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Copper and Fiber Convert and Connect
Industrial Networking, Winter 2008
By Phil Burgert
Switching from copper wire to fiber, or less often from fiber to copper, presents a number of practical choices.
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The Evolution of Redundancy
Industrial Networking, Winter 2008
By Bob Wagner
To minimize downtime due to system failures most major suppliers have developed products and systems to provide redundancy in an attempt to maximize system availability. These products range from redundant power supplies and cabling schemes to redundant processor and I/O systems with automatic failover.
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Stranded Data: Wireless is the Key
Automation World, October 2008
By Wes Iversen
New wireless devices are emerging that can gather and report back on information that was previously stuck out in the field—promising savings for manufacturers
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USB 3.0 is coming
Test & Measurement World, October 2008
By Martin Rowe
With 64-Gbyte flash drives and terabyte external hard drives now available, USB 2.0 has become a data bottleneck. USB 3.0, with its 5-Gbps bit rate, will change that.
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Intelligent Down To The Last Meter
Industrial Automation Asia, September 2008
By Klaus Ebinger, Hans Turck
IO-Link integrates conventional and intelligent actuators and sensors into automation systems without extra effort and expense. Devices that currently have ‘intelligence on board’ are ideal for applications with IO-Link.
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Automation Insights Network
By Rick Zabel, Publisher
Automation Insights Network is a select group of controls and automation professionals who agree to help us cover news, emerging trends and technologies on various automation topics. Every two months, we will ask people in the Network to share their observations, knowledge and expertise with us. We take that information, distill it, and pass it on to our reporters and editors for use in future stories.
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Invensys...Extreme Makeover - Review from IPS User Conference
By Bill Lydon, Contibuting Editor
After attending the IPS North American Client Conference it is apparent that the company is reinventing itself with a clearly defined strategy. IPS's (Invensys Process Systems) view of the major challenge facing industry was summarized by Paulett Eberhart, president and CEO - "Industrial business is now a real-time business, and the only way to effectively perform in a real-time business is in REAL TIME."
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Industrial Ethernet Growth Slowed by FUD
By Bill Lydon, Contributing Editor
The promise of Industrial Ethernet is clear: it will revolutionize manufacturing by tightly integrating control and business systems, if users can overcome their fear, uncertainty and doubt(FUD). One failure can trigger a cascade of problems and result in a significant loss of time and money. There are many issues surrounding the use of Ethernet in industrial control applications that give control engineers reasons for concern.
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The One Network
Control, October 2008
By John Rezabek
It appears that our supplier community is gearing up for a diverse spectrum of interconnection options, instead of the global standard once envisioned for IEC 61158.
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Intrinsically Safe or Explosion Proof?
Control Engineering, October 2008
By Jeanine Katzel
Deciding how to protect a hazard involves more than assessing the application and complying with codes. It is influenced by a variety of variables and driven by habit and growing technologies such as bus networks and wireless.
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Don't Rip Out Your Legacy Network
Control Engineering, October 2008
By Trevor L. Lang, HMS Industrial Networks
As long as existing networks are performing as desired, it may be difficult to justify converting all sensors, controls, actuators, and related I/O modules so they can be connected to Ethernet.
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Gigabit Ethernet: Is the Time Right?
Control Engineering, October 2008
By Ralf Kaptur, Molex
Using gigabit Ethernet is a lot like having the fastest car in the world. Just as most current highways can’t accommodate a car that operates that fast, a substantial portion of installed Ethernet devices are incapable of leveraging gigabit Ethernet speed.
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A Safe Passage through the Real-Time Maze
By Frank Iwanitz and Wolfgang Langer, Softing
Field device manufacturers are looking for solutions that facilitate the design of devices to support the multitude of communication protocols required in today’s automation systems. FPGAs (Field-programmable Gate Arrays) represent an answer to this search.
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WLAN in Hazardous Areas
Control Engineering Europe, September 2008
More than 90% of all WLAN installations in the Ex area are found in zone 1, which makes it necessary to use explosion-protected measuring instruments when taking measurements. A practical alternative is in some countries a special permit in conjunction with a gas warning device.
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Redundant Serial-to-Ethernet Data Connections for Mission-critical Devices
Control Engineering Europe, September 2008
By Moxa
White paper deals with the questions of what type of Ethernet redundancy is suitable for different device networks, and how to implement them. Registration required to download paper.
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Five Questions to Ask When Designing an M2M System
Sensors, September 2008
By Daniel Collins, Jasper Wireless
Currently, millions of machines communicate with each other without human intervention and that number is set to grow. If you're designing an M2M system, here are five questions to ask yourself to ensure a successful outcome.
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ISA - Change the name to represent the industry
By Rick Zabel, Automation.com
The proposed name change of ISA (to "International Society of Automation") is up for a vote again during ISA Expo in Houston, October 14-16, 2008. Last year, the change was voted down, but I have yet to hear a compelling argument against the change. And there are many reasons for the change. If ISA is truly the global society of automation professionals, then its name should reflect its cause. It's time for a change!
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Open Network Options
Control Design, September 2008
By Paul Miller and Joe Feeley
OPC Unified Architecture (UA), abandons the Microsoft–based structure of its much-criticized, DCOM-based, OPC DA predecessor and embraces open, vendor-independent Web Services. OPC UA ties together functions from earlier OPC specifications and enables a common services-oriented architecture (SOA) environment.
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You can knock, but you can’t get in
Control Engineering, September 2008
By Dennis Brandl
There is a new form of network control called Network Access Control (NAC) that will have a major impact on industrial Ethernet networks. NAC has been in the IT press for several years, but it has only recently starting to hit mainstream IT organizations. A typical NAC implementation will allow network access only to devices that are registered, where there is a valid user account and where all required patches have been installed.
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Defense in cyberspace
InTech, September 2008
By Trent Nelson and Jeff Becker
For industrial facilities, the increased vulnerability of the enterprise resulting from open wireless architectures, coupled with a rise in cyber attacks, has made electronic security a major concern. The Control Systems Security Program (CSSP) cyber researchers regularly evaluate new and introduced solutions.
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Communication changes in the air
InTech, September 2008
By Rao Kalapatapu
An evolution is taking place in the design and implementation of communication and network systems for control and operation of process industries, including chemical, petrochemical, and oil and gas plants. Communication and network system integration is inevitable, but be careful about separating them from normal IT networks.
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Benefiting from Industrial Ethernet at the Device Level
By Peishan Juan, Advantech Corporation
In this white paper, the shift to Ethernet at the device level will be explored and some of the most popular industrial Ethernet implementations described. Peer-to-peer and graphic control languages will be examined. That will be followed by a listing of some of the add-on benefits of industrial Ethernet.
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PROFIBUS hits new highs, PROFINET to follow?
By Bill Lydon, Contributing Editor
This year's PTO General Assembly Meeting again was attended by an enthusiastic group of users, suppliers, and distributors that apply PROFIBUS and PROFINET technology. Michael Bryant, Executive Director, was master of ceremonies and forecasted PROFINET will be the leading Ethernet Technology for automation applications.
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When Do You Consider Using a Managed Switch?
By Joe Stasiek, Contemporary Controls
A managed switch will allow you to create a fully optimized network by being able to configure the network for performance and to monitor the network for status. With a managed switch, you can choose the optimal operating parameters for your network ports instead of using auto-negotiated settings.
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Why use an Industrial Ethernet Switch?
By Joe Stasiek, Contemporary Controls
When interconnecting Ethernet equipment within a control panel, the temptation is to select an office-grade Ethernet switch from one of the mass merchandisers. This can lead to large problems in a Building Automation System. Here’s why.
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Open Control Systems and Data Networking Convergence
By Ron Bernstein, LonMark
Data convergence is the overall connecting of building control devices by allowing formerly non-interactive agents to share and use common information. Convergence can be best achieved through open control networks, as integration is the key to information exchange.
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Wireless Level Monitoring
Control Engineering, August 2008
Better inventory measurements, higher efficiency and safety, and environmental compliance are among results from three wireless level monitoring implementations.
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Ethernet communication tips
Control Engineering, August 2008
By Michael B. Roche, Schneider Electric
The details of Ethernet in an industrial environment can be hard to find, and resources specific to industrial Ethernet hard to come by. So here are some tips and specifics that can be useful.
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Demystifying ZigBee and its Application
Control Engineering, August 2008
By John Schwartz, Digi International
Recently, a lot of attention has been given to 802.15.4 and ZigBee, but there is still some ambiguity as to what is different about them and what kind of networks or systems would benefit from these particular protocols.
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Here Comes Cyber Security
Power Engineering, July 2008
By David Wagman
If you are not fully comfortable looking at your plant in more than one way, prepare yourself. The coming months will be busy ones at virtually every power plant with a grid connection. Homeland security—in the guise of what’s known as “critical infrastructure protection”—is coming to the power generation industry.
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Ethernet Components Do More
Design News, July 2008
By Joseph Ogando
With the explosion in Ethernet-based automation systems, engineers have more options in the types of devices they can add to their industrial networks. Many suppliers continue to add support for the numerous variants of industrial Ethernet, making their control products more broadly useable in mixed networks.
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The best Ethernet may be coming
InTech, August 2008
By Patrick McCurdy, Ira Sharp, and Nicholas Sheble
Advances in security, data transmission reliability, and environmental packaging have readied wireless Ethernet for demanding industrial applications.
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Wireless HART Signals a Change in Plants
Process Industry Informer, July/Aug 2008
By Gareth Johnston and Alan Munns, ABB
HART 7 gives plants a real incentive to consider wireless. Article examines the advantages and typical applications of a wireless instrument network, whether now is the right time to consider a wireless project, and how a WirelessHART instrument network works.
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Square One
Industrial Networking, Summer 2008
The old “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it” mantra still holds. So, even though many devices will likely bust and fail soon, and despite all the hype and node growth surrounding fieldbuses, Ethernet and now wireless, it’s still no surprise to find that a significant majority of all installed control and automation systems still rely on point-to-point hardwiring.
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Have More Data Conversations
Industrial Networking, Summer 2008
By Paul Miller
For more than a decade now, OPC data access (DA) has provided a more-or-less-standard interface that allows software applications to capture dynamic data from different vendors’ intelligent devices. Despite some concerns about performance and usability, security and its Microsoft-centric nature, OPC DA is widely used in industrial operations.
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PoE Gets Plugged In
Industrial Networking, Summer 2008
By Gerard Nadeau
Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology is an excellent fit for various devices with a network connection. But the current standard has a number of limitations that mean it isn’t the right fit for every application.
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Wireless HART’s Price Point
Industrial Networking, Summer 2008
By John Rezabek
The HART Foundation recently approved a standard for wireless HART, and one of the benefits for end users is the ability to “access stranded diagnostics.” But what about the old-school method for extracting HART diagnostics, the HART mux?
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What Are You, Chicken?
Industrial Networking, Summer 2008
By Jim Montague
Users and integrators say many fieldbuses don’t function as well on the plant floor as they do in powerpoint slides. Fieldbus experts counter that digital networks deliver savings over time and that users are still just being stubborn.
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Signal Variables Shape Wireless
Industrial Networking, Summer 2008
By Don Talend
infrastructure hardware and transmission frequency depend largely on transmission speed, amount of data, distance and obstructions.
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State of Manufacturing & Automation in the U.S. Looks Good
Could it be that high fuel prices, the weak dollar and crises in the U.S. manufacturing industry are creating opportunities? Andy Chatha of ARC Advisory Group thinks so. He says the U.S. industry has suddenly become competitive on the world market, and companies are no longer moving operations overseas. Instead, many are expanding their facilities, and he predicts a boom in automation right here in the U.S.
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Defense in Depth
Control Engineering Asia, June 2008
By Eric Byres
Many companies base their plant floor/SCADA security solution on a single firewall between the business network and the control system network, believing that this firewall will be the ultimate security filter and prevent anything evil from ever getting to the control system. Unfortunately, nothing could be further from the truth.
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Open for Business
By Ron Bernstein, LonMark International
Open systems allow access to the total facility, providing the resources building owners need to evaluate energy use and resource consumption. The result is better educated decisions about how to improve utilization as well as reduce costs. Here’s an in-depth look into the meaning of having open building controls and a guide to purchasing a genuinely open solution.
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Tactics for Plant Security
Automation World, June 2008
By Rob Spiegel
The information technology (IT) department at an enterprise offers a range of ways to secure the plant network. But not all of these tactics are appropriate for the plant. Control engineers have to pick and choose to make sure the network is secure, while also making sure security tactics don’t interfere with availability or safety.
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Open and secure SCADA with DNP3
Control Engineering, June 2008
By Paul Gibson, MultiTrode
The DNP3 protocol has become widely accepted within water and electrical utilities worldwide for SCADA communications with field equipment. One of the reasons for its acceptance is because it is an open protocol. But DNP3 was never designed with security in mind. Secure DNP3 protects against threats.
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Don't judge a supplier by its name
By Frank Hurtte, Contributing Author.
For those of us who live and breathe the rarified vapors of technology based automation, it's pretty hard to fathom how life existed without electronic automation. Yet, it has been a short 30 years since the venerable PLC became anything more than a novelty outside of the Big 3 in Detroit. Sometime in the late 1970s, microprocessors changed our lives forever. Since those early days, the power of these tiny chips forever changed the way we think about manufacturing.
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Go mobile to improve your CMMS system
Plant Engineering and Maintenance, May 2008
By Kris Bagadia
Mobile computing offers a proven strategy for efficiently populating data into a CMMS system. Many maintenance departments have adopted mobile technology to collect data. Rather than sending skilled technicians out in the field with a clipboard, they're given mobile devices with a full list of their work orders, detailed job plans and asset histories—readily available at their fingertips.
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HART monitors extract data from smart instruments
Plant Engineering, May 2008
By Greg Feliks, Moore Industries
A simple and cost effective solution for gathering HART information is to use a HART interface device. Fortunately, HART interface devices, available from several manufacturers, make acquiring HART data a fairly simple proposition. This HART data is then made available to the control system via analog signals, discrete outputs or serial communications.
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Wireless transmits technology to new frontiers
Plant Engineering, May 2008
By Darvin Kaelberer, Banner Engineering
Recent innovations in radio transmission make wireless a rugged, reliable solution for demanding applications.
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Installing Fieldbus
By Mike O’Neill, Director of MooreHawke
Many automation engineers are coming face to face with real fieldbus applications for the first time. Fieldbus is a wonderful technology with many benefits, but fieldbus installation requires some additional considerations over and above normal 4-20mA projects. This article discusses some of those issues, and shows you how to deal with them.
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Regional Manufacturing Expos Prove Most Valuable
By Thomas R. Cutler
Deciding which conferences, webinars, and expos are worthwhile for manufacturing engineers and buyers to attend often feels like a dangerous yellow brick road, never knowing quite what to expect.
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Industrial Networks - Plethora of Choices
By Jim Pinto
Companies have lots of choices for installing and using industrial networks. They have to choose not only what's available today, but also be aware of emerging standards. It's important to have a strategy going forward.
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M2M: Moving Towards Mainstream
Industrial Automation Asia, May 2008
By Augustine Quek
M2M most commonly refers to Machine-to-Machine but has sometimes been referred to as Man-to-Machine, Machine-to-Man, Machine-to-Mobile and Mobile-to-Machine. M2M also means Mobile-to-Mobile for wireless telemetry or telemetric technologies. M2M technologies continue to find new applications with ever expanding markets.
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Safety Sensors Rise to New Heights
Control Engineering, May 2008
By Mark T. Hoske
An integrated safety system, like any control system, contains sensors, logic, and actuation, with I/O connections, networks, and software to tie it altogether. As connected sensors advance in functionality and fall in cost, redundancy and fail-safe designs reduce risk.
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Plugging into Network Certification
Control Engineering, May 2008
By Hank Hogan
Certification based on testing is one way to make sure a fieldbus network actually works. Methods vary, and some new certifications are on the way.
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Protocols for Industrial Ethernet
Control Engineering, May 2008
By Dick Johnson
Survey by Reed Research examines the top ten industrial Ethernet protocols (TCP/IP is number one, followed by Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP, UDP and Fieldbus HSE), applications, user preferences, usage and user advice.
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More Than a Backbone
Industrial Networking, May 2008
By Paul Miller
Engineers and technicians in industrial facilities and system integrators are becoming more familiar with fiberoptic networking media as a complement to or replacement for copper cabling and connectors, but a number of myths still surround the technology.
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Cooperate
Industrial Networking, May 2008
By Jim Montague
By now, industrial networks were supposed to be completely interoperable and seamlessly humming along in unison. Users were supposed to be able to plug and play any devices they wished into a safe, secure and totally open network. Well, reality is having a little bit of trouble catching up to this long-sought and often-over-hyped fantasy.
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Tips for configuring networks
Industrial Networking, May 2008
By Philip Burgert
Design and initial configuration are among the most important stages when constructing an industrial network. Proper configuration can be easier, and a consistent network operation ensured by evaluating a few tips gathered from software and network suppliers.
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Wireless: Bluetooth vs. Bluetooth
Control Engineering Europe, May 2008
Most industrial applications require more than a standard Bluetooth wireless solution. Looking at traditional Bluetooth technology versus industrial Bluetooth technology can illustrate necessities for tough industrial applications.
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Installing Fieldbus: Some practical advice, Part 2
Process Industry Informer, April 2008
By Mike O’Neill, MooreHawke Div of Moore Industries
Part 2 covers installing redundant systems, working in hazardous areas, and removing and replacing instruments. Many of the installation headaches discussed in this two-part article can be minimized through careful selection of fieldbus equipment at the beginning of the project.
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Engineer or Network Administrator?
Automation World, April 2008
By Gary Mintchell
The proliferation of digital networks in manufacturing has resulted in a job description change for most, if not all, automation engineers. Now, engineers must become proficient in network management and troubleshooting. Ethernet has become the de facto networking standard on the factory floor.
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Wireless Technologies: All In The Mix
Industrial Automation Asia
By Joel Young, Digi International
Can a wireless solution in the commercial and industrial world be cost effective? Considering consumer perceptions and commercial realities, the answer now is a resounding ‘yes’. More and more today, many organisations are beginning to mix multiple wireless technologies.
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Implementing Ethernet-based Industrial Protocols in Embedded Systems
Implementing Ethernet-based Industrial Protocols in Embedded Systems
IEN, April 2008
By Bob Blumenscheid, Digi International
Increasingly, industrial and machine control is implemented using Ethernet-based networks, with all devices in the network connected by either twisted pair cable for 10/100 Ethernet connections, or wireless networks, using 802.11 based devices, supplanting earlier serial-based industrial networking protocols, such as CAN and Modbus.
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Standards Used By Standards Used By Wireless Sensor Networks Wireless Sensor Networks
By Louis Sirico, et al, Industry Wizards
One of the biggest challenges facing companies deploying wireless sensors are t disparate standards, protocols and methods of communication and data formats. Here’s a synopsis of the wireless world.
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Combining Cyber and Physical Security
Control Engineering, April 2008
By Frank Madren, GarrettCom
Security technologies developed in electric utility applications are spreading into broader use. IP based video extends functionality of Ethernet infrastructure.
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7 critical things to know about Ethernet
- 04/12/08
Control Engineering, April 2008
By Jeremy Bryant, Siemens Energy & Automation
The seven are layout, protocols, throughput, configuration, planning ahead, legacy systems and cost.
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Ethernet and AS-Interface: the ideal partner networks for industrial automation
What’s New in Process Technology, April 2008
By Helge Hornis
Networking of industrial systems is a common practice today. What is frequently overlooked is the lowest level of automation, where sensors, simple binary actuator and safety inputs like light curtains, door interlocks and e-stops reside. AS-Interface has been networking simple actuators and sensors for over a decade.
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Communicating Building Information Across the Enterprise with OPC and BACnet
By Eric Murphy, MatrikonOPC
Building automation systems have information to relay about energy management, optimized operating conditions, and asset utilization. Unfortunately, they are all speaking different languages and running into application barriers. These systems can be connected and the obstacles overcome using standard, open protocols: OPC and BACnet.
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Object modeling for BACnet devices – Part 1
Industrial Ethernet Book, April 2008
By George Thomas
The latest Ethernet protocols are all based upon Object Modeling which can be quite confusing to those unfamiliar with this abstract concept. This two part series explains how BACnet devices are constructed and certified, with emphasis on the latest BACnet/IP standard.
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Design Routes To Multiprotocol Industrial Plant Communication
Industrial Ethernet Book, April 2008
By Volker Oestreich
The latest edition of IEC standards 61784/61158 presumes that 18 real time Ethernet solutions for automation will be standardized. Two or three major Industrial Ethernet systems will occupy most of the market. This leaves automation device makers with a difficult choice: What to support?
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Integrating PID Controllers into Automated Processes via Ethernet
Sensors, April 2008
By Sean Wilkinson, Watlow Electric
Ethernet's popularity in industrial applications stems from its ability to exchange information, in real time, between processing equipment and Ethernet-based management systems.
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RS-485 Users are placing data at risk
By Jeff Hunter, Sealevel Systems
Many RS-485 users are completely unaware that they are taking unnecessary risk with their data because of the method they use for driver control. This white paper explains.
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Building on the Foundation
Control Engineering Asia, March 2008
By Jonas Berg, Emerson Process Management Asia Pacific
Steady improvements and enhancements over the last decade together with an increasing knowledge base in the process industries have made it far easier to realize the promised benefits of Foundation fieldbus plant network technology.
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Challenges to the Wireless Future
Control Engineering Asia, March 2008
By Madanmohan Rao
While the wireless wave may indeed be coming, valid concerns remain over technical standards and low awareness levels amongst IT executives. CE Asia interviews Hesh Kagan of Invensys.
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Safety fieldbus in the process industries
What’s New in Process Instrumentation, March 2008
By Siemens
As end users discover the benefits of fieldbus with their process automation systems, many are beginning to wonder why they haven't been able to enjoy similar benefits with their safety instrumented systems (SIS).
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The Pluses and Pitfalls of USB DAQ
IEN, March 2008
By Jonathan Tucker, Keithley Instruments
With all the benefits of USB come a few hidden hazards, which, if unchecked, can lead to inaccurate measurement results. Being aware of the hazards can help prevent problems.
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802.11n Infrastructure Improves Legacy Clients
White paper explains why mobile device vendors and users can choose to forego today’s pre-standard 802.11n radios and stick with proven solutions that support some combination of 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g.
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Universal solution for plant networks
Control Engineering Europe
February 2008
Industrial Ethernet is the fastest growing industrial network choice, but what exactly is it, how does its implementation differ from that of a traditional fieldbus, and does it really offer the single universal solution that is so often talked about?
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Connecting the Plant to the Enterprise
Control Engineering Europe
March 2008
By C.G. Masi
Japanese industrial automation engineers are working to link the shop-floor with enterprise-level networks.
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The rise of industrial Ethernet
Control Engineering Europe
February 2008
As Ethernet develops it is becoming increasingly attractive to industry and, according to experts, will continue to grow in popularity for many years to come.
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Wireless Networking moves from Instruments to Infrastructure
Control Engineering Europe
February 2008
Three major wireless providers, Honeywell, Emerson, and Invensys are pursuing widely different approaches—with specific benefits and weaknesses—but have clearly articulated long-term strategies and resources to achieve their goals.
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Connecting control systems to the internet
January 2008
Relatively few industrial control systems are currently web-enabled, even though the advantages are clear to see. However change is in the air as new technologies and new confidence reach the market.
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Best practices for process instrumentation cabling
Intech, March 2008
Proper electrical installation and connectivity of field instrumentation devices glues the entire PAS system together, involves cabling, grounding, cable routing, and mitigation of external influences such as noise and interference.
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Simplifying Integration Logic Development
by Joel Nash, As One Technologies
As business operations evolve they require richer and more widespread inter-process integration. Because each case involves a unique combination of technologies and business rules, shrink-wrapped MES packages cannot implement the rich integration that is needed. The requirement goes well beyond communication pipes and protocols, integration requires developing custom software. The problem is that custom software is difficult to develop and maintain.
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Obtain the Full Capabilities of Hart
Automation World, February 2008
By Ed Ladd
Even though many users are beginning to understand the value of the information that resides in their Hart devices, accessing that information is the trick. 85% of the devices currently in the field are connected to legacy, analog-only I/O systems that cannot understand the encoded Hart digital information. Wireless might help.
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Suppress Those Surges
Design News, February 2008
By Jon Titus
In addition to protecting exterior sensor and communication lines from transient pulses caused by nearby lightning strikes, you should protect inside equipment from transients or surges that can travel through power lines.
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Troubleshooting OPC and DCOM: Quick Start Guide
by Randy Kondor, OPC Training Institute
OPC is a powerful industrial communication standard. However, OPC relies on having DCOM work properly. Luckily, DCOM problems can usually be overcome with relatively simple configuration changes as documented in this whitepaper.
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GPS Synchronization Architecture for DSA Devices
By National Instruments
GPS synchronization enables measurement systems to make synchronized measurements over extremely large areas. GPS provides a method of sharing timing signals without the need of running timing cables to each measurement system. This article shows how to do it.
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Going Wireless is More Than Just Eliminating Cables
American Machinist, January 2008
There are three significant problems with gathering shop floor data: First is that it can increase labor costs; second, implementing an automated data capture system is often difficult and expensive; third, a system you implement today may not meet tomorrow’s needs.
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High-power PoE strengthens Industrial Ethernet
Industrial Embedded Systems, January 2008
Koen Geirnaert, AMI Semiconductor
In a wired network, wouldn’t it make sense to power Ethernet devices over an Ethernet cable? Here’s background on the Power over Ethernet (PoE) standard.
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OPC & DCOM: 5 things you need to know
by Randy Kondor, OPC Training Institute
OPC technology relies on Microsoft's COM and DCOM to exchange data between automation hardware and software; however it can be frustrating for new users to configure DCOM properly. This whitepaper discusses the steps necessary to get DCOM working properly and securely.
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2008 Pinto’s Pointers – Technologies & Markets
by Jim Pinto
Because of its fragmentation, low volumes and conservative customer base, industrial automation is relatively slow to change. In the broad automation markets, there are pockets of technology and market growth that deserve special review. Here are Jim Pinto’s pointers and prognostications regarding the top automation technology and market trends that will gain traction in the coming year.
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Ethernet focuses on floor, control
Intech, January 2008
By Robert Lounsbury
By applying component enhancements, isolation, and separation correctly, top performance is possible and at a minimal cost. Here’s how.
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3D-Based Machine Vision in Automotive Production Lines
Machine Vision On-Line, December 2007
By Nello Zuech,
To gain insight into some current machine vision activity in the automotive industry, we asked a number of companies to We asked for input from those companies specifically engaged in online 3D-based machine vision applications.
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Mixing Multiple Wireless Technologies
Sensors On-Line, January 2008
By:Joel K. Young, Digi International Inc.
With the variety of wireless technologies available, outfitting an industrial environment for wireless communications may involve mixing and matching technologies to find the optimal solution. Here are the issues to consider to make your mix a successful one.
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Remote monitoring closes the gap between meters and breakers
Plant Engineering, January 2008
By Jack Smith
Remote monitoring helps plant managers make informed decisions about operational efficiency, system reliability, employee safety and energy costs.
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Process control: Managing the modernization process
Plant Engineering, January 2008
By Jack Smith
When process industries face control system modernization, they also face inevitable decision opportunities. Cha |
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