Top 5 articles, October 2007

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 October, you decided what our most popular online articles were by visiting these the most:

1. Pneumatic solutions in machine control design
   For machine designers, the introduction of servo-pneumatic systems has meant new applications for pneumatics that were, not too long ago, reserved strictly for electric servos driving optimized mechanisms.
2. MIT Team Demonstrates Wireless Power Transfer
   Imagine a future in which wireless power transfer is feasible. A team from MIT’s Department of Physics, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, and Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies experimentally demonstrated an important step toward accomplishing this vision of the future.
3. Time to Move
   Supporters are pushing a variety of Ethernet-based fieldbuses for motion control, but users just want to build machines. Here’s how to find and implement the most appropriate digital network for your specific application.
4. Observers or sensors for drive controls?
   This article shows why open-loop, algorithmic motor control is an accurate, less-costly alternative to sensor-based drive solutions. In combination, the two offer unique redundancy value. Read why.
5. A Look at IEC 61499
   The Standard Claims Benefits in Distributed, Event-Driven, Hardware-Independent Programming. Should We Be Paying Attention?