Topic: Programmable Controllers

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PLC vs. PAC Comparison
Programmable Logic Controller and Programmable Automation Controller Training

Controllers: More of Everything
The List of User Requirements Continues to Grow Longer

Sense When to Go Wireless
What's the Point of Trying to Add Wireless Capabilities to Sensors and Related Components?

Buckle Up With Built in Safety
Machine Builders Include Preventive Safety Early in the Design — And Get Paid Back Sooner

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White Papers: In Depth Research

Optimizing PLC Network Performance and Management
Author: Gary Chang and Mark Wu, Moxa
Posted: 03/26/2013
Traditional fieldbus networks were, and some still are, isolated automation systems which require extensive local monitoring and routine onsite maintenance. To increase productivity and reduce operating costs, many manufacturers and plant operators have deployed industrial Ethernet to converge remotely isolated fieldbus systems for centralized control and monitoring.

In addition to systems interoperability, integration of fieldbus segments and industrial Ethernet networks will require the optimization of PLC network performance and manageability. This white paper will discuss how three facets of PLC network optimization can ensure high network availability, simplify network monitoring and configuration, and maximize network flexibility.

Assembled vs. Overmolded Cordsets
Author: Turck
Posted: 03/05/2013
Connectivity serves as a cornerstone for industrial automation environments, delivering continuous production, data acquisition and communication throughout the enterprise. With the need to monitor, control and communicate with more devices, such as sensors, safety devices and PLCs in a vast range of applications, connectivity solutions must be able to withstand harsher environments to satisfy the current demands for constant production visibility and control.

Cordsets provide the foundation for this connectivity, and to meet today's application requirements, cordsets must be able to adapt to difficult environments and challenging applications. Assembled cordsets are a common connectivity solution, however, in-the-field assembly makes them vulnerable to performance deficiencies, such as mis-wiring and moisture ingress, which can impact the operation of the entire application.

To overcome these challenges, cordsets have progressed to include overmolded options. This improves the integrity of the connection by eliminating the need to assemble connectors and the associated errors that occur with assembled solutions. Overmolding can improve the durability of the cordset, as well as reduce the total cost of ownership by improving uptime and decreasing labor and maintenance, improving overall performance for an enhanced application accuracy and efficiency.

This white paper will discuss the differences between assembled and overmolded cordsets, offering a comparison of the technologies and providing a detailed description of the advantages offered with overmolded cordsets.

PC vs. PLC: Key Factors in Comparing Control Options
Author: Rexroth Bosch Group
Posted: 07/16/2012
One of the most crucial decisions in the initial design phase of a machine is the selection of the control system. For years, the PLC has been leading the way for advances in machine automation control. From small controls used in the automotive industry to large-scale controllers running entire factories, the PLC was the primary controller of choice.

However, from the early 90s to present day, the PC has been successfully working its way into those markets as processor speed and range continue to increase and the cost of those components continues to decrease. The number of applications utilizing a PC is on the rise, causing an accelerated development that blurs the line between the two technologies.

This white paper discusses what factors to consider when deciding whether to choose a PLC or PC.

New Controllers Extend Integrated Automation to Small Systems
Author: Siemens
Posted: 07/07/2010
In the past, automation users designing small control systems have been challenged by many requirements to integrate with other connected devices, such as HMIs, additional controllers, networks, business systems, etc. Attempting to meet these system needs, and the inability to meet them with existing technology, forced designers to choose a larger controller than otherwise needed, or a PC-based controller, or even a "green-board" custom controller. Now, controller-technology trends have produced a new option, which is "just right" for many applications.

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