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What’s New this Month

ControlDesign.com

Here’s what’s new this month at ControlDesign.com, the exclusive home of our virtual content.

By Katherine Bonfante, managing digital editor

Online Forum

What’s new in MBF? Machine Builder Forum is Control Design’s online spot to meet and discuss industrial automation issues such as news, events, work trends, OEMs, and any other topics you might want to touch on. So far we’ve discussed the practical application of IEC 61131-3; the disparity in environmental, safety and health standards around the globe; and the innovators and early adopters of new technologies. Currently, one of our readers is asking for your input on the encoder-resolver debate.

Just visit ControlDesign.com/MBF or click the MBF button on our home page to join the discussion. Comment on any topic, or start a discussion of your own.

Top Five Articles

See the most popular articles on ControlDesign.com. The web site houses a vast collection of articles and other content for visitors to read and download at no cost. During September, you decided what our most popular online articles were by visiting these the most:

1. “The Invisible Threat”—an examination of concerns about wireless networks
2. “Beyond the Wallet”—results of our annual salary survey
3. “Power Plant Goes Wireless Three Ways”—case history of Texas-based Lost Pines Power Park
4. “RFID Gaining Street Credibility?”—radio frequency identification comes of age
5. “Higher Quality in Less Time”—case history of R.A. Jones’ decision to adopt AutoCAD Electrical

To link to the full version of our most popular articles in October visit ControlDesign.com/topfiveOct

New Web Poll

How do you feel about wireless motion control?

• I don’t trust its reliability.
• Mesh architecture should make it reliable.
• Speeds are too slow for my update times.
• Speed is not an issue. I don’t need 10 msec updates.
• Security issues trouble me.
• If it’s secure enough for my credit card, then it’s secure enough for my control network.
• I will use it only for monitoring

Whitepapers

1. CONSIDERATIONS FOR SPECIFYING, INSTALLING AND INTERFACING ROTARY INCREMENTAL OPTICAL ENCODERS
   This paper looks at the major factors that need to be considered by encoder users when specifying, installing, and interfacing with the encoders they select for their machines.
2. ACHIEVING POSITIONING ACCURACY GOALS
   Motion control systems are only as accurate and repeatable as each component that comprises them.
3. THE LEAN ADVANTAGE FOR COMPLEX EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURERS
   Complex equipment manufacturers are implementing lean initiatives to create competitive advantage. Can they really achieve on-time delivery, improve operational excellence, shorten order-cycle times, and reduce costs, to name a few?
4. CURRENT TRENDS IN RFID
   Several misconceptions exist about RFID technology. This paper discusses the effects that recent developments have had on the discrete manufacturing sector.

To download PDF papers, go to ControlDesign.com/whitepapers.