Industrial Technology

Standardising on a single communications protocol

Things have come a long way since the costly master/ slave applications of Modbus and RS232. Colin Pearson of ABB discusses developments in Industrial Ethernet.

20th October 2010

Simplified Ethernet comms overcomes skills shortage

Skilled control engineers are increasingly rare in modern industry, so the technology of communications networks needs to adapt to become easier to use and maintain. Steve Jones of the CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA) reviews the situation.

20th October 2010

Increase productivity and reduce costs

In this article, ODVA outlines the requirements for networking in modern automation, and looks at the benefits of EtherNet/IP.

20th October 2010

Ethernet enabled PLC

The Vipa range of 300S SPEED7 PLCs are the fastest PLCs in the world that support Step7 from Siemens. Typically operating at speed up to 30 times faster than comparable PLCs, this allows users to significantly reduce their process times, resulting in productivity improvements and cost savings. In addition, all of the Vipa 300S PLCs are equipped as standard with an Ethernet interface for PU/OP communications, enabling easy and cost effective connection to other Ethernet devices.

20th October 2010

Ethernet switches meet mobile requirements with secure M12 connections

Where absolute security and reliability are paramount, and for networking applications characterised by high levels of vibration, GarrettCom Europe has extended its 6K range of Ethernet switches with the 6KM, featuring secure M12 connectors instead of the standard RJ45. These rugged, industrial switches are purpose-built to withstand shock and vibration in harsh mobile environments including military vehicles, mobile command centres, train carriages, buses, emergency vehicles, mining equipment, robots and shipping.

20th October 2010

Data acquisition

National Instruments has announced the new Ethernet-based NI CompactDAQ modular data acquisition system, which combines the ease of use and low cost of a data logger with the performance and flexibility of modular instrumentation. The new NI cDAQ-9188 chassis is designed to hold eight I/O modules for measuring up to 256 channels of electrical, physical, mechanical or acoustic signals in a small (25 by 9 by 9 cm), rugged form factor. There are more than 50 different I/O modules to choose from.

20th October 2010

Ethernet gateway

IDC is providing optimum interface capabilities for its ZigBee range of wireless mesh products, with the launch of its ZB104 Ethernet Gateway. Designed for use in logistics, warehouse distribution, manufacturing and medical sectors, the ZB104 is a dual function device, which acts as the central co-ordinator for a network of ZigBee devices; it also transfers data to and from the wireless network over Ethernet. The device is housed in a robust IP45 rated enclosure, and is provided with a wall mounting bracket.

20th October 2010

The second HMI revolution

Nothing drives new technology quite like a turndown in the economy. Equipment manufacturers have to work harder to differentiate themselves in the market, so there is a rush of new features, developments and overall improvements. Andy Markgraf of AJM Automation looks at how HMIs have taken a quantum leap forward.

20th October 2010

More functions than a Batman utility belt

When we look at HMIs, there is so much we take for granted these days in terms of the performance and feature set. So what are the added value features that set one HMI apart from the rest? Mark Simms looks at the new HG3G from Idec, and finds some answers.

20th October 2010

Big brother controller is launched

The new eCAL temperature and process PID controller is now available in _ DIN housing and still offers a cost effective, compact solution complete with additional functionality not usually found on units in this price range.

8th October 2010