Controllers

Article (1)
  • Understanding the IEC61131-3 programming languages
    It was about 120 years ago that Mark Twain used the phrase “more than one way to skin a cat”. In the world of PLC programming, that cliché is still applicable today. Thanks to the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), five standard programming languages have emerged as the most common, used for both process and discrete programmable controllers.
Feature (5)
  • Six key control applications: Is there one controller that can do it all?
    What kind of controller is best for your application? Is it a PLC? Perhaps you should use a PAC? Maybe a PAD? When it comes down to it, the name is not that important. What is important is developing a clear understanding of your needs and then finding the controller that best targets them.
  • DCS or PLC? — Seven questions to help you select the best solution
    The convergence of PLC and DCS technologies has created a situation where it is more challenging than ever for process manufacturers to select the best technology for their application. A successful evaluation should start by developing a clear picture of the requirements of your application and the needs of your engineering, maintenance and operations personnel. To help clearly define these requirements and needs for your company, this paper outlines the seven key questions that will lead you to making the right choice.
  • The power of integrated motion control
    System integrators and OEMs are faced with the challenge of designing machines that are more compact, less expensive and more reliable. This is a challenge that is greatly impacted by the components available to design into the machine.
  • Process integration challenges
    Being able to integrate continuous, batch and hybrid processing technology into an integrated control system with management, analytic and optimisation capabilities has largely eluded industry to date
  • The future PLC
    The debate about PLC versus PC had been going on for a while when a new name appeared, the PAC (programmable automation controller). PAC promises to bring the best of both worlds, the functionality of the PC and the reliability of the PLC
Product (47)
  • Pilz PSSuniversal 16-channel compact I/O modules
    Compact modules are now available for the Pilz PSSuniversal decentralised I/O system.
  • Allen-Bradley Compact GuardLogix L43S and L45S PACs
    The Allen-Bradley Compact GuardLogix programmable automation controllers (PACs) L43S and L45S are designed to provide capabilities previously available only in the larger Allen-Bradley ControlLogix platform.
  • Rexroth IAC-R and IAC-P Integrated Axis Controller series
    The IAC-R and IAC-P Integrated Axis Controller series by Rexroth allow for simplified construction and commissioning. In these modules the drive and control has combined intelligent control electronics with reliable hydraulic drive units. The fieldbus-capable axis controllers use decentralised intelligence to reduce the load on the higher-level control system.
  • Siemens Simatic S7-300 controllers
    Siemens has developed four Simatic S7-300 controllers with a width of 40 mm. The range comprises the standard controllers CPU 315-2 PN/DP and CPU 317-2 PN/DP and the failsafe controllers CPU 315F-2 PN/DP and CPU 317F-2 PN/DP.
  • Controllers with long-life contacts
    Watlow has developed its No-Arc technology that extends the life of relays. A No-Arc relay is a mechanical relay with arc suppression provided through the use of smart electronics. This technology reduces the amount of arcing across the relay contacts and has a life of more than four million cycles compared to relays without arc suppression that have a life of approximately 100,000 operations.
  • Distributed I/O system
    VIPA Germany has released an intelligent distributed I/O and PLC system named SLice IO, to cater for ‘per point’, low-density applications. The SLIO I/O system comes with a high-speed backplane that can be combined with VIPA’s 100 V, 200 V, 300 S and 500 S systems, and future releases of SLIO CPU’s.
  • I/O expansion modules
    Unitronics has released a line of enhanced I/O expansion modules. Based on the same platform as the previous modules, these four compact devices offer up to 32 digital I/Os per unit, plus three additional analog inputs for maximum I/O capacity and minimised cabinet space.
  • Entry-level PLC
    Designed for standalone operation in smaller industrial applications and mechanical engineering, the AC500-eCo PLC can be adapted to meet individual requirements.
  • PLC ethernet module
    Omron has recently introduced the CP1W-CIF41, an add-on ethernet option board for CP1 PLCs, enabling communications to these micro PLCs over ethernet networks, boosting their flexibility and usefulness.
  • Wireless PAC system
    Wireless local area networking (WLAN) capabilities have been added to all of Opto 22's ethernet-based Snap PAC system components, including all of its standalone and rack-mounted programmable automation controllers.
  • Integrated PLC and HMI
    Unitronics’ Vision350 incorporates all colour advantages into a compact all-in-one PLC/HMI device. Colour displays are becoming common in today’s automation. They enable machine builders to show more details on the operator panels and to display vivid, attention-grabbing alarms.
  • High-performance controller and chassis
    The National Instruments CompactRIO programmable automation controller is an advanced embedded control and data acquisition system designed for applications that require high performance and reliability.
  • Integrated controller and touch screen
    The Unitronics Vision570 is an all-in-one compact controller with a colour touch screen, full PLC functionality, onboard I/O options and built-in recipe capability.
  • Quad-core embedded controller
    The NI PXI-8110 is a 3U quad-core embedded controller for PXI systems. Featuring a 2.26 GHz Intel Core2 Quad processor Q9100, up to 4 GB of 800 MHz DDR2 RAM and a high-performance 7200 rpm drive, the PXI-8110 provides an up to 80% performance improvement over dual-core controllers with similar CPU clock frequencies for applications that are optimised to use the controller’s four processing cores.
  • Combined PLC and HMI
    The Unitronics’ Jazz is a PLC that includes onboard I/Os plus a full-function operator panel with numeric keypad. It enables users to replace ‘smart relays’ with a smarter, more powerful device, while keeping the same low budget.
  • Scalable mobile control system
    The Scalable Mobile Control System from Hirschmann Automation and Control can be used for controlling and monitoring machine functions as well as for safe load indicator. The product family includes controls from the iFLEX series and the iSCOUT operating consoles. The modular concept also ensures that each solution can be adapted economically at any time to changed requirements.
  • Extended automation system
    ABB’s Extended Automation System 800xA is designed to provide a platform for unified operations to increase productivity and power reliability for process manufacturers in all industries. The combination of these systems into one yields significant savings for users in terms of costs and manpower.
  • Parallel actuator controller
    The TR-EM-239 parallel controller is designed to drive two actuators in parallel. It is suitable for 12-24 VDC motors each with a maximum of 10 A capacity and in applications where parallel movement is required — for example, across a bench, hatch, door, slide, transfer, directional guide or conveyor line.
  • Differential pressure transmitter
    The Trio MC464 can support up to 64 axes of motion in a unit the size of a small book. The MC464’s digital drive interface provides a plug-and-play connection between the motion controller and various digital drives. This significantly reduces wiring while providing a much higher axis count compared to what is available in comparable motion controllers.
  • PLCOpen-certified PAC platform
    GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms has announced that it has received certificates of compliance from PLCopen, the independent organisation that focuses on the harmonisation of control programming around IEC 61131-2. PLCopen represents various industries and seeks to drive more efficiency in industrial automation through creating specifications and implementations in engineering programming language. GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms fulfilled the requirements of the PLCopen Compliance Procedure for Motion Control Library V. 1.1 and PLCopen Compliance Procedure for Motion Control Part 2 — Extensions, Version 1.0.
  • 4-port RS232 module
    Advantech has launched the ADAM-5091 module equipped with four RS232 ports, making it especially suitable for bi-directional communication. The ADAM-5091 can simultaneously read data from other third-party devices such as a modem, bar code reader or PLC, as long as these devices are equipped with an RS232 interface.
  • Controller
    Rockwell Automation has launched the Allen-Bradley CompactLogix L23 controller. The latest addition to the CompactLogix family of controllers extends the functionality and flexibility of Rockwell Automation’s Logix control platform to small machine-level control applications.
  • Micro PLCs
    Omron Electronics has increased their offering of micro PLCs by adding both 10 and 60 I/O CPUs to the CP1L range. Also, all six CPU types are now available with AC power source and transistor (NPN) output, offering additional flexibility to customers.
  • PLC data access module
    Omron Electronics has released the Data Access Module (DAM01) — a small user interface for its micro PLC range. Fitting neatly into a communication board slot, the DAM01 empowers the user with knowledge of the process the PLC is controlling.
  • Fastening tool controller
    Stanley Assembly Technologies has introduced the QA Alpha controller for DC electric fastening. The controller has enhanced process capabilities and easy-to-use Embedded Toolbox software. It is also compatible with the full range of Stanley QPM DC electric tools, from 0.6 to 2000 Nm and higher.
  • Compact I/O modules
    High-density Allen-Bradley Compact I/O modules are now available from Rockwell Automation. The additions to the Allen-Bradley Compact I/O range include new high-performance analog, digital and ASCII modules that accommodate a range of applications while conserving panel space.
  • Controller engineering software
    Rockwell Automation has released version 17 of its RSLogix 5000 engineering software, with significantly expanded process control and automation functionality for the Allen-Bradley Logix family of controllers.
  • PLC
    Using the latest technology, the Eaton Logic Controller (ELC) is a reduced sized PLC with many module selections, providing only what you want for the price you desire.
  • Compact field controllers
    National Instruments has announced three Compact Fieldpoint Controllers that deliver increased performance, higher processor speed and significantly improved ethernet throughput. The NI cFP-2220, cFP-2210 and cFP-2200 controllers include a 400 MHz PowerPC processor and Wind River VxWorks real-time operating system (RTOS) for greater processing power and faster data analysis.
  • Multifunction timer
    The Eaton Durant E42A24M multifunction timer features an 11-pin base with two timed changeover outputs. The timer features seven multifunction modes that include on delay, off delay, single shot, percentage timer, pulse output, timing after a pulse, and timing after closing or opening a contact.
  • Embedded controller
    The Simatic S7-mEC embedded controller is a turnkey automation solution, integrating both HMI and a software controller. As no software has to be installed during commissioning, the device is easy to configure and program.
  • Programmable logic controller
    The Click PLC is the first of a range of inexpensive PLC components designed to offer practical features in an easy-to-use, compact yet expandable design. This line of micro-brick PLCs with stackable I/O modules and free programming software is suitable for first-time users as well as experienced programmers.
  • Compact field controllers
    National Instruments has announced three Compact Fieldpoint Controllers that deliver increased performance, higher processor speed and significantly improved ethernet throughput.
  • Solid-state relay
    Rockwell Automation has expanded its range of Allen-Bradley 700SH solid-state relays with the addition of increased load capacities up to 100 A and 660 V.
  • CompactRIO controller and chassis
    National Instruments has released the NI cRIO-9072 and cRIO-9074 CompactRIO systems that give engineers and machine builders a suitable solution for rapidly deploying industrial machines at high volume.
  • Industrial controllers with enhanced communications
    Enhancements to the Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1100 family of industrial controllers from Rockwell Automation provide users with increased speed, power and communication capabilities. The Series B MicroLogix 1100 and MicroLogix 1100 DWD controllers deliver improved control and communications in one compact system.
  • Proficy Process Systems
    Companies in hybrid and continuous process industries are facing unprecedented pressures to perform amidst the growing challenges of global competition, ageing technologies and increased regulatory pressures.
  • Ethernet network interface unit
    GE Fanuc Automation has added an ethernet network interface unit (ENIU) to the series 90-30 programmable logic controller family. This communications module enables users to connect series 90-30 I/O over ethernet to a master controller through a single point of connection, which helps save configuration time and reduce the overall number of components.
  • Autonomous controller
    Yokogawa Electric Corporation has upgraded the autonomous controllers for its Stardom network-based control system.
  • Control platform
    Nupac has announced that the Tevopharm P-200 and P-2000 flow wrappers and the P-300CA candy wrappers will now come standard with an updated machine control platform from Bosch.
  • Online technical certification
    Study online, at your own pace, and earn your technical certificate in electronics, electromechanical and programmable logic controllers.
  • Freedom from traditional constraints
    In the past, control systems required you to model your strategy according to the technology. With Proficy Process Systems, you are in control of how you design, implement and maintain your system.
  • Programmable controller
    Schneider Electric has released the Modicon M340 programmable controller which complements its Modicon Premium (medium to large controllers) and Quantum (large to extra large controllers) for industry and infrastructures.
  • Controller
    The ESX family of programmable controllers from STW GmbH is designed for mobile applications such as machinery, construction equipment, man and material lifts, etc.
  • Industrial controllers with enhanced communications
    Enhancements to the Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1100 family of industrial controllers from Rockwell Automation provide users with increased speed, power and communication capabilities. The Series B MicroLogix 1100 and MicroLogix 1100 DWD controllers deliver improved control and communications in one compact system.
  • Transformer isolation and noise reduction
    The SNAP-AITM-8 provides eight channels of thermocouple or millivolt input. Each channel can be individually configured to accept a type B, C, D, E, G, J, K, N, R, S, or T thermocouple or a -75 to + 75 mV, -50 to +50 mV, or -25 to +25 mV input.
  • NI CompactRIO - rugged, embedded, reconfigurable
    The National Instruments CompactRIO programmable automation controller (PAC) is a low-cost reconfigurable control and acquisition system designed for applications that require high performance and reliability. The system combines an open embedded architecture with small size, extreme ruggedness and hot-swappable industrial I/O modules.
News (5)
Case Study (2)
  • Changing gears quickly: high-performance transmission production
    With over 13,000 employees, the VW plant in Baunatal — 10 km south of Kassel — is Volkswagen’s second largest production site in Germany and one of the concern’s most important component suppliers. This primary transmission plant in Kassel supplies the entire Volkswagen organisation worldwide with around 2.8 million manual and automatic transmission systems annually.
  • Industry pushes science
    The Antarctic Plateau is considered the most inhospitable inhabited place on Earth. At Dome C, within the Australian Antarctic Territory, mid-winter minimum temperatures drop to -81°C and access to and from the outside world becomes impossible outside the very small window of 12 weeks, during which time the sun rises above the horizon.
© 2010 Westwick-Farrow Pty Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Designated trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. Use of this website constitutes acceptance of our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.
Get your FREE membership today - CLICK HERE  |  Log-in