By Donald H. Seichter, Product Manager, G&L Motion ControlDIGITAL DRIVE networks have pushed the old standard analog interface aside. Many people are touting the invention of digital networks as though they are a new invention that has just made its way into the market place. This is interesting since digital networks have been available since the 1980’s. There are so many digital networks available today that the buyer has their hands full trying to pick a digital network to go with. There has been 20 years of development and improvements digital networks. Each standard digital network seems to have strengths and flaws which prevent the network from controlling certain types of equipment.There is no clear standard which stands above all others as the best choice for a digital network. It is easy to define reasons why a digital network is superior to the old stand by analog velocity or torque signal. The analog interface to a drive is quickly becoming a thing of the past. Very few machine builders are using the old analog technology in new machine developments. Machine builders in today’s competitive environment need to be as focused as possible on what they are best at making machines. End User’s also need to focus on their forte making consumable goods. Some thought should go into the reasons why a digital network is chosen and by whom.