Articles and News

The SERCOS trade organization completed the I/O profile for SERCOS III, the Ethernet-based version of the SERCOS interface. This specifies a device profile for decentralized I/O modules, which can be used for block I/Os as well as modular I/Os. This lets SERCOS III be used as a drive interface and a universal Real-time Ethernet solution for all kinds of automation applications.

These new editions are the second publication of updates in 2006. More than 20 Specification Enhancements were integrated into these editions, allowing more comprehensive and useful information to be contained within EDS files, adding DTM configuration options, and facilitating the deployment of these networks with increased flexibility.

SERCOS International and ODVA announced that SI will adopt CIP Safety as its functional safety protocol for SERCOS. ODVA will extend The CIP Safety Specification to include safety profiles for SERCOS devices. SI will develop the SERCOS III network adaptation to utilize CIP Safety. SI and ODVA, jointly, will develop and establish conformance testing for devices implementing CIP Safety on SERCOS.

Codelco, the world's largest copper producer, has selected ABB to integrate numerous isolated automation systems at its Andina underground mine in Chile into a single, ABB-managed platform, using System 800xA Extended Automation. Andina is one of four underground mines that Codelco operates in Chile.

Honeywell will provide an advanced automated process control system with integrated wireless technology for Masteel, one of China's largest iron and steel manufacturers. The contract includes Honeywell's IntelaTrac PKS process control system, Uniformance PHD, LIMS. Digital Video Manager (DVM) system, and design, engineering, commissioning, testing and maintenance services.

PTO is offering a free booklet that takes a fresh look at Industrial Ethernet and addresses some of the myths and facts about PROFINET. The booklet: "PROFINET or The Story of Pretty Polly, Sweet SUE and the White Knight," is available on request in hardcopy, or for download in.PDF format

The PROFIBUS Trade Organization (PTO) and the PROFI Interface Center (PIC) announced two new courses as part of the PROFItech Certification Training Course program for 2006. The two new classes added to the program include a PROFIBUS Installer’s Class and a PROFINET Certified Network Engineering Class.

There is a growing challenge on the plant floor if you haven’t experienced it yet, I am sure you will soon. A study by ARC predicts that the number of factory floor devices with an IP address is going to TRIPLE in the next four years and those devices are pushing lower and lower into the controls architecture… from systems, to sub-systems down to sensors… so Ethernet equipment with an IP addresses are increasing rapidly.

Advantech offers a number of solution guides, product selection guides, catalogs and case studies - many are available in PDF format. The eAutomation Solutions Catalog introduces a full range of products, focusing on the following vertical sectors: Machine Automation, Power & Energy, Building Automation, Environment Monitoring Systems, Intelligent Transportation Systems, and Facility Management Systems.

Network and cyber security are very important to industrial systems because they can affect the production of the control system. A complex task requires the aid of experts with field experience. They can recommend solutions for each of the security focus areas such as OPC tunneling for firewalls. It is important to begin addressing security risks as soon as possible, before they affect production.

In the new and different manufacturing environment of the 21st century, the companies that can adapt, innovate and utilize global resources will generate significant growth and success.

This article was provided by Parker Compumotor, written by John Guite, Product Planning Manager for Parker Automation - Compumotor Division. Parker Compumotor is a leader in the motion control industry providing solutions for factory automation needs. They takes a system approach to solving your application and build an integrated family of products to match your needs. For more information, please visit Compumotor's website at: http://www.compumotor.com.

When it comes to robots, reality still lags science fiction. But, just because robots have not lived up to their promise in past decades does not mean that they will not arrive sooner or later. Indeed, the confluence of several advanced technologies is bringing the age of robotics ever nearer – smaller, cheaper, more practical and cost-effective.

As Ethernet evolved to incorporate twisted-pair cabling and star topology, a repeating hub was necessary in order to connect the various link segments together. With the introduction of switching hubs as a replacement for repeating hubs, network performance was enhanced by breaking up one collision domain into several collision domains.

The trend toward using Ethernet as the sole communications network for business and industry has raised concerns about security. While proprietary networks for building or factory automation have major drawbacks in terms of limiting information flow and higher cost, their separation from other systems provides a measure of protection against unauthorized access.