PLCs + PACs

OEMs and systems integrators are finding that they can speed development and reduce risk for edge computing, visualization, analytics, and IIoT project solutions by selecting fit-for-purpose hardware and software combinations. By Silvia Gonzalez and Nishita Palkar, Emerson Designers of automated machinery and systems must truly be multi-discipline masters to combine mechanical, electrical, and automation elements…

CLICK PLUS PLCs combine the simplicity of the original CLICK PLC with advanced features, including Wi-Fi capability, MQTT communication, data logging, and mobile access. The new CLICK PLUS 2-slot CPU offers an additional built-in option module slot for even more PLC I/O customization. Over 400 option slot I/O module combinations are now possible for a…

By Michael Hoffman, of Dragos and the SANS Technology Institute Those already working in the industrial automation space are aware of the advances over recent years with controllers, communications, and other technologies used for projects of all sizes. Whether the automation task is a single machine or a factory, there are many options for creating…

From its early beginnings, the Krispy Kreme company has designed and built the proprietary machines that have given “rise” to their equally safeguarded doughnut recipe. The company’s headquarters in Winston Salem, NC., is where a 105,000 square foot manufacturing facility houses research, design, testing, engineering, and production. The machines and processing equipment being built there…

Industrial automation typically uses 24 Vdc, but many mobile and remote applications are easier to integrate with 12 Vdc PLCs. By Don Pham, IDEC Corporation Typical industrial automation projects today rely heavily on 24 Vdc for device power and signaling. This voltage level is touch-safe for users and the minimal voltage drop in conductors due…

WAGO has added a new Ethernet-based PLC controller and two new I/O couplers for use in extreme environments. These new modules, part of the 750 XTR Series, have two switched Ethernet ports for feedthrough cabling and support any of the XTR digital, analog, and specialty I/O modules. The new PLC controller (750-890/040-000) can be programmed…

Emerson has released the new portfolio of RXi industrial display and panel PC products for monitoring, visualizing, and enhancing everyday production processes in life sciences, metals and mining, power and water, and manufacturing and machinery. A modular design is foundational to the industrial display platform, enabling users to select the right configuration based on application…

The HI-TBS programmable logic controller (PLC) combines ultra-bright LED technology with 0.1% accuracy to deliver a customizable digital panel meter for applicational use across a wide variety of industries. In addition to serving as a PLC, the TBS is also serviceable as a remote display/controller in applications requiring a computing controller, a DCS for process…

IDEC Corporation announces an expansion to the already capable MicroSmart FC6A All-in-One PLC family, with three new 12V DC CPUs. End users, designers, and OEMs now have more options for automating battery-backed equipment, traffic controls, and heavy equipment vehicles. The right balance Many applications require 12V DC power. Smaller smart relays may support too few…

Top design objectives for control installations include capability, reliability, and cost effectiveness. Many new and retrofitted control panels employ components such as PLCs and even industrial PCs (IPCs) and programmable automation controllers (PACs) for advanced connectivity and control. It’s often appropriate to use these more complicated (and capable) options and remove or forgo electromechanical relays […]

Download this article (and the rest in our connectivity series) at the Design Guide library. Terminal blocks are one variety of connector component for joining sections of electronic circuits in industrial applications. They include electrically conductive assemblies having wire-securing receptacles — all encased in monolithic plastic housing. Some terminal blocks have contact pads or legs…

Emerson has released the new portfolio of RXi industrial display and panel PC products for monitoring, visualizing, and enhancing everyday production processes in life sciences, metals and mining, power and water, and manufacturing and machinery. A modular design is foundational to the industrial display platform, enabling users to select the right configuration based on application…

by Lyon Lee, IDEC Product Marketing Manager IDEC switches, relays and PLCs: Safe, Simple, Smart push-in connections Coronavirus has caused an unprecedented disruption to all businesses and negatively affected the global workforce. OEM manufacturers are struggling to maintain production under severe shortages of skilled workers and forced to look for new ways to minimize the…

CNC machining job shops are multi-stage process operations where there is potential for improvement at each stage. Most low to mid-volume run production machine shops struggle in achieving their share of the 5-10% maximum profit margins typically realized on most jobs. If a machine is down for any significant amount of time, you’ve cut into…

Divelbiss Corp. has announced the second generation P10 PLC on a Chip embedded, single chip, programmable logic controller. The new smaller footprint P-10 PLC on a Chip has similar capabilities and performance as the larger P13 PLC on a Chip, but in a LQFP144 package. “The PLC on a Chip family of products can be…

PID loop control capability (up to 8 loops simultaneously) has been added to the CLICK Series of stackable, Ethernet-capable micro brick PLCs. CLICK PID control is streamlined with only the features that most users need, including direct or reverse acting control, pulse width modulated control outputs, bumpless transfer, anti-windup, auto-tuning, process variable alarms, process variable…

  The groov EPIC system now includes a chassis option for applications that don’t need (or want) I/O. As Opto 22 continues to improve and extend the groov EPIC system, it’s pleased to announce the latest release of a new system chassis: GRV-EPIC-CHS0. This new chassis option is ideal for applications where I/O is not…

  Opto 22 just added a new video to the website video library: Activate Ignition Edge on groov EPIC. This video introduces you to Ignition Edge software from Inductive Automation, one of several programming choices available to you on the groov EPIC system, and it provides many options for connecting to popular PLCs. Secure and Simplify Your…

Improving the design of high-voltage switches in both consumer electronics and defense technologies for ships and aircraft, the semiconductor compound gallium oxide (Ga2O3) promises benefits across the electronics industries. However, the capabilities of this ultra-wide band gap compound must first be proven by researchers, such as Dr. Sriram Krishnamoorthy, assistant professor of electrical and computer…

To further increase connectivity options in ultra-compact PC Control hardware, Beckhoff Automation has introduced the new C6032 Industrial PC (IPC). With dimensions of only 129 x 133 x 104 mm, the C6032 IPC enhances the scalability of the PC-based controller portfolio from Beckhoff. A high-performance device in a modular design, the C6032 adds two slots…

Chain drives are a critical part of the manufacturing process in many industries, whether the chains act as conveyors for glass containers or transport automotive frames down kilometer-long production lines. Regardless of the industry, the vibration and constant pull on chain links can stretch, distort, and even break weakened links if they are not properly…

The new CX7000 Embedded PC from Beckhoff opens up the convenience and efficiency of the TwinCAT 3 software environment to highly compact, DIN rail-mounted controllers. This further enhances the scalability of PC-based control technology from Beckhoff – ranging from mini-PLCs to many-core Industrial PCs. An advanced 400 MHz processor and built-in configurable I/Os mean this…

Edited by Mike Santora, Associate Editor Inovatech Automation is an automation integrator specializing in modular automation equipment, fixtures, and customized product solutions. When the company decided they were losing too much time and money through programming on expensive HMI and PLC platforms, they contacted Pro-Face America. Travis Buset, Director of Operations for Inovatech, explained that he…

Automation relies on sensors, switches, motion axes, and actuating devices for production data. Connecting these nodes to controls are I/O modules — usually in the form of remote I/O with standalone hardware. But some new HMIs do double-duty as controllers to simplify integration and directly connect with remote I/O modules. For more information, visit https://www.designworldonline.com/video-weintek-cmt3090-hmi-supports-remote-access-and-control…

Automated Design Corporation (ADC) is a custom automation company specializing in machines for sporting goods. More than half of ADC projects are now related to the manufacturing of sports equipment as well as load frames and impact testers. To create consistent, repeatable results, ADC uses PC-based control technologies from Beckhoff. Since their introduction, the load…