As mentioned in Part 5 and at the top of this series, software that unifies various aspects of automation development is key to IIoT connectivity. Such software typically provides what’s called a universal engineering environment or more commonly an integrated development environment (IDE) to let engineers connect machinery with IT and other facility architectures. In […]
Part 5: Motion control + MQTT, OPC-UA, and other protocols for cloud services
In Part 4 of this series, we detailed edge computing and gateways for industrial machinery. Now consider the various protocols and communications leveraged in IIoT connectivity — for example, the SCADA, MES, and ERP architectures we already covered in Part 1 and 2 of this series. These are the most involved in IT/OT (operational technology) […]
Part 4: Edge computing and gateways proliferate for industrial machinery
Reconsider the actuators, sensors, and other edge devices covered in Part 1 and Part 2 and Part 3 of this series. Such components are fundamental to edge computing. Supported by gateways and controllers with dedicated connectivity functions, these components use their logic resources to process data before sending it onward to controls, the cloud, or […]
Part 3: Trends in Ethernet, PoE, IO-Link, HIPERFACE, and single-cable solutions
As we explored in Part 1 and Part 2 of this six-part series, machine designs are evolving with wireless connectivity, cloud-based operations, and open programming. In this installment, we explore how Ethernet has continued its expansion in industrial connectivity. We also detail increasingly useful cable types for IO-Link and HIPERFACE … as well as cross-network […]
Part 2: Wireless in predictive maintenance — and wireless connectivity uses
In Part 1 of this series, we alluded to the increased adoption of wireless technologies for automation. In fact, the market for wireless technologies, one permutation of IIoT connectivity, has exceeded $1B annually … and will grow as global competition in manufacturing pushes organizations to optimize facilities for minimized cost of ownership. Consider the input […]
Part 1: Connectivity and IoT in motion and general automation
In this six-part series, we explore how machine designs are evolving with wireless connectivity, Ethernet-based networking protocols, cloud-based operations, open programming, and various forms of edge computing. Links at the conclusion of each part follow in order, and here is a listing of all topics covered: Part 1 ⚙️ Connectivity and IoT in motion and […]
High-power 10-pole brushless motors from Koford Engineering
Now Koford Engineering sells two new 10-pole motors. These high-performance motors are 5.07-in. (129-mm) brushless motors with no-load speeds to: • 2,866 rpm at 24 V • 5,760 rpm at 48 V Both hall sensor and sensorless versions are available. Winding temperature sensors are offered. Peak power is 2,502 watts for the 48-Volt unit and […]
Bosch Rexroth now sells new products in new ctrlX AUTOMATION platform
With the new ctrlX AUTOMATION platform, Bosch Rexroth has eradicated the traditional boundaries between machine control systems, IT, and the Internet of Things. Centralized and decentralized automation topologies can now be created flexibly with the scalable platform. Thanks to a Linux real-time operating system, open standards, app programming technology, web-based engineering and a comprehensive IoT […]
CGI Inc. now offers new Raptor-SS IP69K-rated precision planetary gearheads
CGI Inc., a leading manufacturer of custom precision gearboxes and mechanical subassemblies, now sells a new line of IP69K-rated precision planetary gearheads. These Raptor-SS series gearheads are washdown ready and built with advanced heat-treated materials — with stainless-steel construction or a white epoxy coating. Raptor-SS gearheads are compact (with lengths from 3.39 to 7.63 in.) and […]
Outer-loop control IC for brushless dc and dc brush motors
Performance Motion Devices (PMD) now sells Juno Outer Loop Control ICs — new members of the Juno family of Velocity & Torque Control ICs. These ICs provide functions for spindle control, centrifuge control, precision torque control, and a wide variety of other liquid handling and laboratory automation applications. Juno outer loop control ICs come in […]