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Articles by Ray Marquiss
Bridging the Gap from IIoT Promise to IIoT Reality
IIoT has been around for many years. It entails collecting data points from sensors and controllers and bringing visibility to that data for better decision-making. Thus, IIoT is truly a thousand points of light shining on the processes with just as many connections between them. However, those connections must be created and managed. Fortunately, newer tools and technologies are available to make this all easier, faster, and more manageable.
4 mounting methods for position sensors
In the engineering world, one needs to have a good, close working relationship with others so that either you or your staff don’t produce installation problems through un-professional or poor sensor mountings. Large companies normally have a list of preferred vendors; this is followed by typical installation guidelines. These, along with the required descriptive text, contain photos that clearly show the desired mounting and should be used in all applications covered.
Machine builders need replacement parts, too
Nearly every company that uses automated machines has had to deal with the prospect of finding a replacement part to keep the machine running. Typically, during one or more of those searches for the part that keeps the machine working, they have found a roadblock in the form of terms such as unavailable, discontinued or some version of long lead time.
Siemens Simatic ET200 Series
Siemens’ fail-safe ET 200SP modules support safety-related communication via PROFIsafe and are certified in accordance with IEC 61508. They are designed for safety-related use up to SIL 3 according to IEC 62061 and PL e according to ISO 13849. Modular design allows users to quickly scale the ET 200 systems in small steps, for example, to expand with fail-safe I/O modules.
PLC Selection: Beyond IEC 61131 Magic Bullet Claims
Beware of any programmable logic controller (PLC) vendor who claims that IE C61131 is the magic bullet for programming. Choosing the right PLC to control your chemical production is more complex than that. PLCs are the controlling brains in most automated processes. If not a PLC, then it is most likely a computer. Without these, the process is most likely manual, which is then less repeatable and heavily reliant on people to do the right thing at the right time.
Advantech WISE-4060LAN-B
The WISE-4000/LAN series is an IoT Ethernet I/O module which supports new RESTful web API for IoT applications. An HTML5 web configure interface enables users to configure WISE modules without a platform or operation system. The built-in data logger function logs data with time information, which can be retrieved in a bundle. Wide operating temperatures enable the WISE series to be implemented in more IoT data acquisition applications.
Rockwell Automation on-machine distributed I/O
Rockwell Automation’s Allen Bradley ArmorBlock 5000 I/O blocks are integrated with IO-Link technology. The distributed I/O is designed to offer smart capabilities that can help industrial manufacturers improve operational productivity with minimal cost. Manufacturers can deploy and maintain smart automation with the ArmorBlock 5000 I/O.
Mitsubishi Electric Automation NZ2FT Series
The Mitsubishi Electric Automation NZ2FT Series slice distributed I/O is compatible with the CC-Link IE TSN time-sensitive network. NZ2FT Series is a modular distributed I/O system that operates currently as a remote station for EtherNet/IP, Profibus DP, and Modbus TCP device-level networks. It offers a scalable architecture that accepts a range of mix-and-match I/O configurations.
Siemens Failsafe I/O
Siemens Failsafe IO, Simatic ET200 series, includes a variety of I/O systems, available for standard and fail-safe automation. The modular design is designed to allow for scalability pf the ET 200 systems in small steps, for example, to expand with fail-safe I/O modules.
Murrelektronik MVK Pro and Impact67 Pro
Murrelektronik MVK Pro and IMPACT67 Pro are part of Murrelektronik’s collection of IO-Link master modules. Available for the Profinet, Ethernet/IP and EtherCAT protocols, each is equipped with eight multifunctional Class A/B IO-Link master ports allowing one module to serve as your choice of 16 DI, 16 DIO, 16 DO, 8 IOL. The two L-coded M12 ports in four- or five-pole options allow for daisy-chaining and provide up to 2 x 16 A power.
Networked I/O vs. remote I/O
As technology continues to evolve, some terms meant to represent one thing have come to mean something a bit different. A technology that once had restrictions can evolve to the point where, not only is that restriction gone, but the name of the technology doesn't even necessarily apply anymore.
Pulse Control Basics for Motion Control
Using pulse outputs from a PLC is a cost-effective way to get simple motion. Most, if not all, PLC manufacturers provide a way to control servos and steppers using a pulse train signal. So when a simple machine needs to be automated on only two or three axes on electric actuators, pulse outputs can be much easier to set up, wire, and program than using analog signals. It may also cost less than using networked motion such as Ethernet /IP.
Five Types of Industrial Robots And How To Choose The Best Fit
In general, when people hear the word “robot” they immediately think of a piece of machinery that looks and acts like a human. In the world of plant operations, “robot” brings productivity and assembly to the mind of an operator. But even in this specific definition of the machinery, operators often refer to the types of robots in terms of their applications like handling robots, palletizing robots, packaging robots, etc.
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