Two of the most common control architectures for motion control systems are PC-based controls and PLCs (programmable logic controllers.) But how does one choose between them? What factors are involved in making the decision? Speed One of the most critical factors involves computation or processing speed. PLCs have traditionally had the edge here, being designed […]
Controls
New Rockwell Automation Analytics Solutions scale from device through enterprise
By 2020, the industrial sector will be producing nearly 15 trillion gigabytes of data. With increasing amounts of data, manufacturers must find more effective and efficient ways to put this data to use. Rockwell Automation is releasing expanded and scalable analytics offerings to help customers more quickly and easily gain insight from their investments in automation technology. “Our Connected […]
Delta launches ISPSoft Version 3.0 controller programming software for machine automation
Delta now offers a new version of its controller programming software to include logic and motion in one integrated environment. The software is fully IEC 61131-3 compliant, supporting all 5 languages — Ladder Logic, Function Block Diagram, Structured Text, Instruction List, and Sequential Function Chart. It also extends the base by adding Continuous Function Chart capability. Click […]
Opto 22 announces Node-RED on groov IIoT application development appliance at IoT Solutions World Congress @IOTSWC
Industrial automation manufacturer and Internet of Things application toolset provider Opto 22 announces immediate availability of the Node-RED development environment running on the groov Box industrial appliance, significantly decreasing IIoT application development time and complexity. Node-RED makes it easier to prototype, develop, and deploy applications for connecting physical assets to cloud applications and IT systems. […]
New 4-channel dynamic cost-effective digital piezo controller
PI (Physik Instrumente) L.P., an industry leader in precision motion control systems, and nanopositioning solutions, announces a new, 4-channel version of its high-performance E-727 digital piezo controller. Applications from Microscopy to Semiconductor Metrology The E-727 is designed for multi-axis nanopositioning applications, such as 3D imaging in super-resolution microscopy, laser beam steering, image stabilization in astronomy, […]
IDEC adopts leading-edge consumer technology for industrial use
IDEC Corporation announces the 4.3 inch HG1G HMI, one of industry’s first display products to take full advantage of the worldwide standard 4.3 inch LCD screen size. Because this screen size is so widely used in consumer gaming devices and other commercial products, it effectively obsoletes HMIs with smaller screen sizes by offering a larger […]
UniLogic HMI + PLC Software now with SQL connectivity, HMI screen to web page and HMI custom controls
All-in-One HMI + PLC programming software, UniLogic™ version 1.18, introduces features and enhancements that extend the application reach of UniStream, Unitronics’ award-winning All-in-One HMI + PLC controller. New features include: SQL Connectivity: Highly convenient and easy to use, UniLogic enables programmers to build SQL Queries and execute them via Ladder functions, including data transfer data […]
FAQ: What are PLC function blocks and how does IEC 61131-3 classify them?
According to the IEC 61131-3 standard, there is a difference between a function and a function block in PLC programming. The main difference involves internal memory. So for instance, a function can be described as something like an equation or formula that accepts inputs and calculates an output value. Moreover, it always returns the same […]
PLC versus safety PLC
All PLCs (programmable logic controllers) do essentially the same thing; control some machine process. Typical PLC functions include timing, control, and sequencing of such actions as turning motors, pumps or valves on or off. A safety PLC, on the other hand, is a dedicated controller specifically built and certified to meet safety requirements, such as […]
Motion coordinator powered by Quad Core Cortex A9 1GHz ARM processor from Trio
The MC664 and MC664-X motion coordinators from Trio feature a total of 128 axes in software with up to 64 motor axes and 64-bit integer position registers. 64-bit floating point calculations are used for ultra precise axis resolution. Using expansion modules the MC664 supports up to 64 networked digital drives, 24 analog servo drives, 25 […]