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 […]
PLCs + PACs
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 […]
Motion-control systems help automate COVID-19 testing
Automated biochemical analyzers vastly accelerate the testing of patient samples in laboratories, which has become critical now that the COVID-19 pandemic has spread across the globe. Advanced automation with motor-based motion systems will help in the fight to hasten diagnosis. Just consider the cobas 6800 and 8800 machines from Roche that automate testing of nasopharyngeal […]
AC drives for motor and motion control
Today’s VFDs perform far more than just traditional motor controls. Some include computing, I/O handling, and even motion-control capabilities. Such intelligent drives excel in smaller and localized systems. Case in point from material handling: Some VFDs with onboard PLCs work for motion control on infeed conveyors. In one specific case, a photoeye and tower light […]
Programmable logic controller features built-in IIoT capability
Weintek has integrated CODESYS and IIoT Gateway into the cMT-CTRL01 – IIoT Programmable Logic Controller. The new model with built-in CODESYS, in addition to working with all iR modules, features IIoT Gateway protocol translation and EasyAccess remote access service, all of which justify its prime role in a smart automation system. With built-in Gateway, cMT-CTRL01 […]
B&R safety controller boosts intelligent safety for mobile equipment
The X90 control and I/O system for mobile equipment is now available with integrated safety technology. Intelligent safety functions and extremely short response times are the key to a whole new realm of possibilities for the safe operation of outdoor plants and mobile machinery. The control system meets the ISO 13849 mobile machinery requirements up […]
What are OSCAT files and how do they relate to CODESYS?
The IEC 61131-3 standard provides a vendor-independent, standardized programming interface for PLCs and automation controllers by defining five programming languages, along with rules for syntax and semantics. Using the languages and structure set out in IEC 61131-3, programmers and developers can more easily and efficiently define and build control software specific to their markets or applications. […]
What are program organization units (POUs) in PLC programming?
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
