Siemens now sells a Sitrans WM300 motion failure alarm (MFA) to detect changes in the motion and speed of rotating, reciprocating, or conveying equipment. This alarm acts as an early warning system for a plant’s machinery, alerting users to potential problems in their operations before they occur or develop into something more serious. This versatile […]
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 […]
EtherNet/IP-enabled drives, integrated motors from Applied Motion Products now ODVA conformant
A range of servo drives, stepper drives and integrated motors from Applied Motion Products now conform to the ODVA specification for EtherNet/IP communications. The ODVA Conformance Program mandates that vendors use a common network interface to ensure interoperability with products from other vendors. Products must pass rigorous testing by an authorized Test Service Provider before […]
New sensor measures equipment strain in harsh environments
Leine Linde’s new ESR digital strain sensor is now available to monitor structural health on equipment where needed. Offered in North America through HEIDENHAIN CORPORATION, it is coupled with an encoder using the digital interface EnDat, and offers significantly higher signal quality, accuracy and robustness when compared with conventional strain gauges. To use, simply mount […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 … […]
POSITAL kit encoders for cost-effective position control of stepper motors
While servomotors remain the gold standard for precision motion control in industrial machinery, the improved performance of stepper motors is making these lower-cost devices an increasingly attractive alternative for many applications. The key to these performance gains is the addition of rotation-measuring encoders, especially the new absolute multi-turn kit encoders from POSITAL. Stepper motors are […]
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 […]
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