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 […]
NORD DRIVESYSTEMS gearmotors and drives support IIoT installations
Intelligent drive technology is key to digitalization and production automation, because it enables networked and autonomous production processes in smart factories. Here, NORD DRIVESYSTEMS supplies drive solutions (hardware and software) and communications and application support for Industry 4.0 environments. NORD DRIVESYSTEMS drive units support intelligent IIoT digitalized production with advanced maintenance services. The industrial motor […]
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 […]
Control-software portability with IEC 61131-3: How reusable are XML files?
Say an engineering team wants to switch their design’s PLC from one model to another — a relatively infrequent but ordinary specification decision. How well do XML files really work for importing and exporting? How much are component manufacturers really motivated to make that work … and not lock engineers onto one specific hardware? Engineers […]
Opto 22 offers free training with purchase of its pre-integrated GRV-EPIC-LC
Design engineers can get two complimentary seats (a $1,990 value) with the purchase of an Opto 22 groov EPIC Learning Center. The groov EPIC Learning Center (GRV-EPIC-LC) is a pre-integrated system with EPIC hardware and software — suitable for pilot projects, proof of concept (POC) work, and other prototyping and research demonstrations. Hardware in the […]
Programmable automation controllers (PACs) work as an alternative to what exactly?
According to some, today’s most demanding motion designs either incorporate a PAC or industrial PC — and these are engineers’ two leading options for machine control right now. Recall that until recently, industrial automation (including motion control) was extremely segmented. So supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems were at the system top layer … […]
IEC 61131-3 programming: Where’s structured text more appropriate than ladder logic?
No one IEC 61131-3 language leads for all uses. In fact, the best way to program with IEC 61131-3 languages is by using multiple languages together. That accommodates (among other things) the way every engineer has a different methodology for programming. Sequential function chart (SFC): Recall that SFC is the highest-level code standard in IEC […]
Not just Allen Bradley anymore: New controllers abound
10 years ago, there was one main controller brand in U.S. automation — Rockwell Automation’s Allen Bradley. This is still a leading PLC line with a massive adoption rate in the U.S. because: • Allen Bradley did an excellent job educating people in the U.S. on ladder-diagram programming for its PLCs • The manufacturer embedded […]
Touch Panel 600 Line brings high quality to visual applications
WAGO’s new line of Operator Interface devices, the Touch Panel 600 line, brings high-tech screens and high quality visualizations to allow users to accompany their machines with advanced features. The engine has a Cortex A9 multicore processor providing fast operating speeds. On board security include a built in firewall and VPN to help users address […]
AutomationDirect Productivity1000 PLC has expanded capabilities
The Productivity1000 Stackable Micro PLC provides communications, user-friendly programming, integrated data storage, and a full lineup of discrete, analog and specialty I/O modules in a super-compact size. A new CPU, more power supplies, analog I/O modules and specialty high-speed I/O and PWM modules are now available for the P1000 PLC from AutomationDirect. The P1-550 CPU, […]
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