The software model for PLCs, as defined in the IEC 61131-3 standard, Programmable Controllers – Part 3: Programming Languages, consists of, at the top level, a configuration. The configuration defines the hardware structure and logic of the PLC system and contains resources (the PLC or PAC, for example), which are able to execute programs. These […]
What do Lissajous figures tell us about encoder output?
As an encoder detects a change in magnetism (for magnetic encoders) or light (for optical encoders), it produces two analog sinusoidal voltages, phase-shifted by 90 degrees. These analog signals are interpolated (divided into smaller increments by the encoder electronics) to increase the encoder’s resolution and then converted to digital output signals. If there are errors in the […]
What is IEEE 1588 and why is it important for Industrial Ethernet networks?
Motion control systems operating over Ethernet networks, such as EtherNet/IP, typically involve time-based operations, and if the devices on the network, such as motion controllers, I/O devices, and actuators, are not operating with synchronized clocks, these operations will fail. The IEEE 1588 standard was developed to provide a method for ensuring a reliable, consistent time reference […]
Why is the instruction list (IL) language for PLCs falling out of favor?
The international standard IEC 61131-3 specifies programming languages for programmable controllers (aka programmable logic controllers, or PLCs), including ladder diagram (LD), structured text (ST), function block (FB), instruction list (IL), and sequential function chart (SFC). Of these, instruction list and structured text are considered textual languages, meaning they use text, numbers, and punctuation — like […]
IDEC upgrades High-Performance series HMI family
Brighter screens, better resolution, larger user memory and faster speeds characterize the newly upgraded High-Performance series HMIs. IDEC Corporation announces the release of its newly upgraded HG2G-V5 5.7”, HG3G-V8 8.4”, HG3G-VA 10.4” and HG4G-VC 12.1” human-machine interface (HMI) touchscreen models. These new HMIs offer industry leading performance, making them a great fit for both new […]
Deterministic, real-time control: What does it really mean in motion control applications?
Two terms are often used to describe the type of control, that can be achieved with Industrial Ethernet networks: deterministic and real-time. Although sometimes used interchangeably, the terms deterministic and real-time refer to different, but related, characteristics of a network’s ability to transmit data or respond to events. Industrial Ethernet networks, such as EtherNet/IP, EtherCat, […]
EtherNet/IP versus EtherCAT: What’s the difference?
A recent report by HMS shows that Industrial Ethernet now makes up 59% of the global industrial network market. Here, we look at two of the most prominent Industrial Ethernet networks — EtherNet/IP and EtherCAT — and compare the strengths and drawbacks of each. EtherNet/IP According to the Open DeviceNet Vendors Association, EtherNet/IP is “the name given […]
What is Industrial Ethernet and how does it differ from standard Ethernet?
You’re probably familiar with Ethernet — the networking protocol that allows computers (typically in office, school, or commercial environments) to share files, browse the internet, and access printers and other hardware connected to the network. Ethernet was developed for high-speed data transmission and is efficient, simple, and flexible. And, it’s arguably the most widely-adopted networking protocol […]
What’s the purpose of an IoT gateway on automated machinery?
Two concepts are perpetually at the forefront of discussions regarding the Internet of Things (IoT) or, in this context, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT): connectivity and communication. Connecting hundreds or thousands of devices and having them communicate with each other, with higher-level systems, and with the cloud would be an impossible task without an […]
What is IO-Link and how is it used in motion control applications?
Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) offer significant benefits to automation and processing plants, through improved machine-to-machine communication, faster and more comprehensive data collection and sharing, and improved predictive maintenance. One of the key enablers of these smart factories is a communication protocol known as IO-Link — an open standard, point-to-point communication […]
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