Articles and News

Automation.com, June 2011 By Robert McIlvride and Andew Thomas, Cogent Real-Time Systems What does redundancy look like in an OPC-based system? A typical scenario would have two OPC servers connected either to a single device or PLC, or possibly duplicate devices or PLCs. Those two OPC servers would then connect to some kind of OPC redundancy management software.

The ZigBee Alliance opened two offices in China to drive greater ZigBee adoption and address ZigBee standards to meet China’s specific needs for its rapidly expanding infrastructure and growing markets.

The brochure provides comprehensive information on SureCross Performance 1-watt radios.

ANSI formally approved Field Device Tools (FDT) Technology standards, previously adopted internationally as IEC 62453.

Automation.com, June 2011 By Nuris Ismail and Matthew Littlefield Aberdeen surveyed over 150 executives about the current state of their manufacturing operations and industrial networks. This article explores how the industry leaders are taking advantage of industrial networking to enable real-time visibility into data to optimize production, maintenance, and safety.

UA Certification provides users with impartial verification that the OPC server delivers solid performance in a wide range of adverse operating conditions, and is fully compliant with OPC Specifications.

Automation.com, June 2011 By Katherine Voss, ODVA The expression "Less is More" reminds us about the importance of simplicity as a design goal. This goal is especially true when moving information quickly and seamlessly between supply chains, distribution systems and the production domain is critical to overall business competitiveness. Users are looking to industrial Ethernet to integrate systems and layers.

Collectively, Alliance members support 750 interoperable products deployed in over 200,000 buildings that use energy harvesting wireless technology designed for building automation systems.

Automation.com, June 2011 By Gregory Wilcox, Mike Hannah and Mark Devonshire Industry experts predicted that node cost, determinism issues and security risks would prohibit Ethernet’s growth into manufacturing, but it’s clear that this prediction hasn’t held true. We've experienced a swift rise and widespread industry adoption of Ethernet.

Automation.com, June 2011 By Bob Hirschinger Because advancements to EtherNet/IP, machine builders are enjoying a new level of machine design flexibility through the use of a single network for their entire machine, including VFD and servo drives for integrated motion control.

Installing, Calibrating & Maintaining Electronic Instruments

Automation.com, June 2011 By J. Timothy Shea, VDC Research Group VDC Research partnered with Automation.com to conduct an extensive initiative into the market for wireline and wireless industrial networking infrastructure product markets. Recent research found that the demand outlook for wireline and wireless industrial networking infrastructure products will be quite healthy through 2015.

Hindustan Petroleum implemented Honeywell’s Mobile Stations in their $200 million Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit (FCCU) project at their Mumbai refinery.

Automation.com, May 2011 By Brian McDonald, Cisco Systems In the new global business environment, manufacturers are facing some of the toughest operational and strategic challenges in recent memory. Any new investment must pay for itself either through operational savings or revenue growth.

Modbus joined with Fieldbus Foundation, PROFIBUS and the HART Communication Foundation to work on the development of wireless gateway specifications.

The National Instruments NI WSN-3226 Wireless Measurement Node can be powered by Perpetuum’s vibration energy harvester technology.

IFCS will be integrating the OPC Servers with its DABO (Buildings Diagnostic Agent for Building Operation) – a tool that analyzes and stores all data read by the centralized control system.

WR is a supplier of electronic design automation (EDA) software for RF and high-frequency components and systems for the semiconductor, aerospace and defense, communications and test equipment industries.

Automation.com, May 2011 By Bill Lydon, Editor The size of Hannover Fair can be overwhelming but there were industry and technology trends reflected in products and presentations at the event. Here are some specific examples for illustration - in most cases there are many more companies that have products supporting these trends.

Appointments were made in March 2011 at ODVA’s annual meetings of its board and of its members in Litchfield Park, Ariz.