Design World

  • Home
  • Technologies
    • 3D CAD
    • Electronics • electrical
    • Fastening & Joining
    • Factory automation
    • Linear Motion
    • Motion Control
    • Test & Measurement
    • Sensors
    • Fluid power
  • Learn
    • Ebooks / Tech Tips
    • Engineering Week
    • Future of Design Engineering
    • MC² Motion Control Classrooms
    • Podcasts
    • Videos
    • Webinars
  • LEAP AWARDS
  • Leadership
    • 2022 Voting
    • 2021 Winners
  • Design Guide Library
  • Resources
    • Subscribe!
    • 3D Cad Models
      • PARTsolutions
      • TraceParts
    • Digital Issues
      • Design World
      • EE World
    • Women in Engineering
  • Supplier Listings

FAQ: How do I pick between automation technologies that use PC controllers?

By Steve Meyer | December 24, 2016

Share

Today’s state-of-the-art PC-based controls deliver performance that exceeds most industrial machine-control requirements. Processor power and memory continue to expand — following Moore’s Law and doubling in capability every couple years. What’s more, cost per processor continually declines as performance increases. Whenever control manufacturers update their electronics, it makes more power available to end users.

Here’s how PC-based control selection works: First list all the inputs and outputs the application needs. Then make a list of all functions and interconnections the application needs. Don’t overlook smart devices and interconnects. When using a passive display with an HDMI, ensure the latter is available, or get a converter to make all system connections work. Here, a system-hardware architecture diagram is a helpful tool that facilitates BOM writing for quoting control-system components. In addition, go through the subsystems and consider the following.

PC-control software language support and compatibility

The application software should be compatible with the PC controller’s operating system. Linux or Windows CE operating systems are the two most common. Consider if there’s an installed base of other software in the manufacturing operation … and what compatibility issues may arise. If the system uses ladder logic, check to see that the Ladder Editor works with the OS and ensure the version has all features the control application needs.

PC-control communications capability

Modern controls are increasingly connected to an IT network. So whether it’s Ethernet or a proprietary network protocol, ensure the PC supports this aspect of the controls. Intelligent subsystems such as vision or specialty motion systems need local network support within the controller.

I/O constraints in controls

Setup of inputs and outputs is sometimes complex. For example, when using a linear motor with high-resolution linear scales and moving at a high rate of speed, quadrature encoder data may exceed the megahertz range. Stable high-bandwidth encoder input module may be difficult to find and expensive.

Most I/O product lines come using Ethernet as the backplane. Using PC-based controllers can be a way to leverage I/O from multiple vendors to get the best of each device for a given control requirement. Explosion-proof I/O and other specialty devices come for use with PC based controls, too. All of which makes a strong case for the superiority of PC based control.

PC-control environmental constraints

Special operating conditions are a major factor for industrial control. Installations needing explosion-proof setups (as where flammable materials are present) or washdown conditions (for food industry applications) or setups that must withstand extreme cold (in outdoor equipment for use in Canada) all present unique challenges to control design.

PC-control hardware support

In the consumer market, processors and motherboards change quickly and expected product life is only two to three years. In contrast, controls in industrial environments must operate for 10 years or more — and suppliers have made great strides support these expectancies.

Motion Control Tips


Filed Under: Motion Control Tips

 

Related Articles Read More >

New servo and motion bundles simplify machine integration
POSITAL extends product finder portal to include kit encoders
POSITAL extends product finder portal to include kit encoders
Kit encoders now included in product finder portal from POSITAL

DESIGN GUIDE LIBRARY

“motion

Enews Sign Up

Motion Control Classroom

Design World Digital Edition

cover

Browse the most current issue of Design World and back issues in an easy to use high quality format. Clip, share and download with the leading design engineering magazine today.

EDABoard the Forum for Electronics

Top global problem solving EE forum covering Microcontrollers, DSP, Networking, Analog and Digital Design, RF, Power Electronics, PCB Routing and much more

EDABoard: Forum for electronics

Sponsored Content

  • Industrial disc pack couplings
  • Pushing performance: Adding functionality to terminal blocks
  • Get to Know Würth Industrial Division
  • Renishaw next-generation FORTiS™ enclosed linear encoders offer enhanced metrology and reliability for machine tools
  • WAGO’s smartDESIGNER Online Provides Seamless Progression for Projects
  • Epoxy Certified for UL 1203 Standard

Design World Podcasts

July 26, 2022
Tech Tuesdays: Sorbothane marks 40 years of shock and vibration innovation
See More >
Engineering Exchange

The Engineering Exchange is a global educational networking community for engineers.

Connect, share, and learn today »

Design World
  • Advertising
  • About us
  • Contact
  • Manage your Design World Subscription
  • Subscribe
  • Design World Digital Network
  • Engineering White Papers
  • LEAP AWARDS

Copyright © 2022 WTWH Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media
Privacy Policy | Advertising | About Us

Search Design World

  • Home
  • Technologies
    • 3D CAD
    • Electronics • electrical
    • Fastening & Joining
    • Factory automation
    • Linear Motion
    • Motion Control
    • Test & Measurement
    • Sensors
    • Fluid power
  • Learn
    • Ebooks / Tech Tips
    • Engineering Week
    • Future of Design Engineering
    • MC² Motion Control Classrooms
    • Podcasts
    • Videos
    • Webinars
  • LEAP AWARDS
  • Leadership
    • 2022 Voting
    • 2021 Winners
  • Design Guide Library
  • Resources
    • Subscribe!
    • 3D Cad Models
      • PARTsolutions
      • TraceParts
    • Digital Issues
      • Design World
      • EE World
    • Women in Engineering
  • Supplier Listings