Networking + IoT - Motion Control Tips

CC-Link IE and CC-Link installed base on target to reach 24 million during 2018

December 14, 2018 By Miles Budimir Leave a Comment

The number of devices communicating via the open CC-Link IE Ethernet and CC-Link Fieldbus networks passed the 22 million mark in 2017, confirming their position as one of the fastest rising industrial network technologies globally. Having posted an increasing annual growth figure of over 2 million every year for the past four years, the governing body – the CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA) – is predicting that number will comfortably exceed 24 million sometime during 2018.

The number of devices installed annually, equipped with CC-Link fieldbus or more recently the increasingly popular CC-Link IE gigabit Ethernet, has been constantly expanding since the foundation of the CLPA, back in 2000. By 2017 the annual growth rate had reached over 15% adding nearly 3 million nodes when compared to the previous year’s figures.

A key feature that has made CC-Link IE and CC-Link industrial automation network technologies so popular is their open status. Users are not limited to one single automation hardware vendor or a small number of control and automation equipment suppliers. Instead, machine and system builders can select components from an ever-expanding pool of CLPA partner companies and be sure that these products are compatible and easy to integrate.

John Wozniak, P.E., Manager of CLPA-Americas, explains: “The increase in the number of CC-Link IE and CC-Link devices is a result of the growing number of CLPA partners.” Currently, there are over 3,400-partner companies worldwide and more than 1,800 certified products available from over 300 manufacturers.

The CLPA’s solutions are a de facto standard in Japan and other parts of Asia which helps boost the total figures. However, usage is not limited to this market and adoption is growing here in the Americas as well as Europe. Acceptance has been helped recently by an interoperability specification developed between the CLPA and PROFINET & PROFIBUS International (PI).

By 2017 the annual growth rate had reached over 15% adding nearly 3 million nodes when compared to the previous year’s figures.

An additional development that has benefited CC-Link IE end users is a collaboration between the CLPA and the OPC Foundation (OPCF), which resulted in the development of an OPC UA companion specification for the CLPA’s CSP+ for Machine technology. This increases process transparency and simplifies the configuration and maintenance of plant systems by treating complete machines as single devices.

John Wozniak adds: “The Partner Association is committed to providing its users with access to solutions that help with achieving the goals and objectives required by Industry 4.0. The CLPA has been leading the way in industrial networking cooperation, which has allowed our users to benefit from a wide range of open and flexible solutions from many manufacturers, developers and integrators. We firmly believe this is one of the main reasons why we are continuing to attract more and more support for our technologies from industry.”

Software tools streamline cable design, management

December 11, 2018 By Miles Budimir Leave a Comment

A critical but sometimes overlooked component, cables come in a variety of customized versions to meet specific application requirements. Cable properties such as the number of solid conductors or wire strands for transmitting power to motors as well as feedback to and from controllers and sensors are an example of what designers must consider when selecting a cable for an application.

In motion control applications, cables typically have to handle tight bending radii, abrasion, flexing, and possibly even torsional motion. On the other hand, cables for VFDs must minimize EMI effects and other sources of electromagnetic noise. Another consideration is the cable jacket material that protects conductors and insulation from harsh environments where exposure to chemicals and oil can damage the cable and interfere with signal transmission. Special varieties are available for use with mobile machinery or machine tools or even welding applications, which may require a flame-retardant material.

Often enough, cables used in the flexing and rotating applications in motion control require high tensile strength and resistance to abrasion and flammability. They’re most often manufactured using polyvinyl chloride (PVC), chlorinated polyethylene (CPE), polyurethane (PUR) and thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

From this wide array of choices, cable manufacturers can aide designers in selecting the right cable for their applications in several ways, through hands on design assistance but also increasingly via online tools that offer engineering assistance such as product selectors and even design tools. Case in point; Zuken’s E3.series software is being used by UK-based Electroflight to design an all-electric aircraft for the ACCEL All-Electric Flight Research Initiative.

Electroflight is using E3.series to design, build, test and commercialize an all-electric aircraft – all within a 24-month timeframe – as part of the Accelerating the Electrification of Flight (ACCEL) research initiative. ACCEL involves a consortium of partners which aims to address the technical challenges associated with all-electric flight, to develop a more robust supply chain and ultimately contribute to cleaner, greener flight.

Electroflight is using the E3.series software from Zuken to design wiring harnesses for an all-electric aircraft for the ACCEL All-Electric Flight Research Initiative.

“With such a compressed timeframe for the ACCEL aerospace initiative, speed is everything,” says Stjohn Youngman, Electroflight’s Programme Manager. “E3.series was selected because of its ease-of-use, flexibility, and output capability for all data needed to manufacture wiring harnesses, including bills of materials.”

E3.series is already a common design tool in the aerospace industry, but also in the motorsport industry, where it helps meet racing deadlines. Electroflight plans to take advantage of E3.series’ aerospace/motorsport synergies as it will use System 25 mil-spec motorsport connectors and harness construction techniques on the ACCEL aircraft.

Youngman adds: “We’re at the start of an extremely ambitious R&D project. To get from concept to commercial offering in just two years is unheard of in the aerospace industry. Our learning curve has to be incredibly fast.”

Optimization will be key for many aspects of the design of the ACCEL aircraft. This is because for all-electric flight, it’s necessary to tackle the twin challenges of energy storage capacity and powertrain performance. To keep the weight of the aircraft down, Electroflight will be trying to keep cable runs as short as possible – through the smart placement of sources, switches and loads. In this respect, E3.series’ ability to integrate well with leading MCAD tools is an added benefit.

Sensors at heart of bionic robots

December 7, 2018 By Miles Budimir Leave a Comment

Robotics is undoubtedly one of the most exciting and fastest growing areas of technology. Each year more and varied robots are being used in applications from industrial to consumer uses and beyond. In addition to controllers and motion components such as motors and actuators, sensors play a vital role in robotic operation by providing data about the robot’s environment.

Case in point: the latest bionic robots from Festo. The company’s Bionic Learning Network earlier this year released new biomimicry innovations to support ongoing research in engineering, manufacturing, and materials science drawn from natural systems. The new bionic robots include a transforming spider, a robotic fish and a semi-autonomous flying bat.

Spider-like robot rolls uphill
The biological model for the BionicWheelBot is the flic-flac spider, a species that lives in the Erg Chebbi desert on the edge of the Sahara. Just like living flic-flac spiders, the Festo BionicWheelBot propels itself with a tripod gait using six of its eight legs to walk. To start rolling, the BionicWheelBot bends three legs on each side of its body to form a wheel. Two lower-middle legs are folded up during walking then extend and push the rolled-up spider off the ground to propel it forward. An inertial sensor lets the robot track its current pose so it accurately times its next push-off sequence. The robot rolls faster than it walks and can roll up a 5% incline.

Just like the flic-flac spider it’s modeled on, the Festo BionicWheelBot propels itself with a tripod gait using six of its eight legs to walk.

Deft underwater navigation by soft-finned robot
For the 15-oz BionicFinWave, the Festo bionics team found inspiration in the undulating fin movements of marine animals such as the polyclad and cuttlefish. Its propulsion mode lets the underwater robot autonomously maneuver through water-filled acrylic tubing. Swimming autonomous robots such as the BionicFinWave could eventually find practical application in inspection, measurement, and data acquisition in water, wastewater, and other process industries. Knowledge gained in this project could also find use in the manufacture of soft-robotics components.

Undulation forces from longitudinal fins also let the BionicFinWave maneuver itself forward or backward. The fin drive unit is particularly suitable for slow and precise motion and causes less turbulence in the water than conventional screw-propulsion drives. While it moves through tube systems, the robot also communicates via radio to share temperature and pressure sensor readings to nearby I/O.

The FinWave navigates pipes and tight underwater spaces. (Image courtesy Phillipp Freudigmann)

The BionicFinWave’s two lateral fins are molded from silicone and can move independently to generate different wave patterns (or swim in a curve). The BionicFinWave moves upwards or downwards by bending its body in the target direction. Integrated crankshafts, joints, and piston rod are 3D printed from plastic. Other geometrically complex components are also 3D printed, which helps keep weight down. Pressure and ultrasound sensors constantly register the BionicFinWave’s distance to the walls and its depth in the water, which prevents collisions with the tube system. This autonomous and safe navigation needed the development of compact, efficient, and waterproof or water-resistant components that can be coordinated and regulated by means of appropriate software.

Flying robot uses machine learning to choose flight path
To emulate the flying fox, among the world’s largest bats, the wing kinematics of the BionicFlyingFox are divided into primaries and secondaries with all the joints in the same plane. To let the BionicFlyingFox move semi-autonomously within a defined space, the robot communicates with a motion-tracking system, which in turn plans the flight paths and issues commands.

The wing movements of the BionicFlyingFox are calculated by its on-board electronics.

Starting and landing are performed by a human operator, then an autopilot takes over during flight. Pre-programmed flight routes stored on a computer specify the path taken by the 20.5-oz (580-g) BionicFlyingFox as it performs its maneuvers. The wing movements needed to effectively implement the intended movement sequences are calculated by its on-board electronics. The BionicFlyingFox optimizes its behavior during flight and follows the specified courses more precisely with each circuit.

A membrane covering the skeleton was specially developed by the bionics team. It consists of two airtight foils and a woven elastane fabric, which are welded together at approximately 45,000 points. The fabric’s honeycomb structure prevents small cracks in the flying membrane from increasing in size. The BionicFlyingFox can thus continue flying even if the fabric sustains minor damage. Due to its elasticity, the flying membrane stays almost crease free even when the wings are retracted.

HarshIO industrial Ethernet I/O modules for motorized drive rollers from Molex

December 7, 2018 By Miles Budimir Leave a Comment

Molex New HarshIO Industrial Ethernet I/O Modules from Molex allow programmable logic controllers to connect to motorized drive rollers over an Ethernet fieldbus. This is done without requiring a proprietary system specific to one MDR manufacturer, pending the application and MDR type in use. The modules are designed for system builders, integrators and end-users designing conveying lines for factory automation, material handling and baggage handling applications.

The modules feature a metallic plate for functional grounding; 4-pole and 5-pole power connector versions; Ultra-Lock M12 connectors; an IP67 seal; eight digital channels; four motor drive roller channels; diagnostic LEDs; three rotary switches; a two-port Ethernet switch; an Ethernet metallic plate to allow both ODVA and PI grounding strategies; and Ethernet fieldbus connectivity.

“Currently, no product identical to this exists in the market,” said Eric Gory, global product manager, Molex. “The new Molex modules will give customers better quality operations thanks to timely predictive maintenance, less downtime, faster troubleshooting, and data collection that helps prioritize operator efforts.”

Compared to similar products, Molex MDR Modules simplify systems by controlling up to four MDRs on one module. The product also auto-detects both ITOH DENKI PM500XE/XP and INTERROLL EC310 MDRs and offers active MDR protection through smart energy dissipation.

For more information visit www.molex.com.

The new CC-Link IE TSN — for time-sensitive networking for open industrial Ethernet

December 5, 2018 By Lisa Eitel Leave a Comment

The CC-Link Partner Association (based in Nagoya Japan), the organization promoting the Ethernet-based integrated network CC-Link IE, has announced the completion of the specification for CC-Link IE Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) – a next generation network based on the current CC-Link IE. CC-Link IE TSN was developed to meet future market demands and has added Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) technology, which are additional standards related to IEEE Ethernet, to integrate Operational Technology (OT) and IT while strengthening performance and functionality.

CC-Link IE TSN combines industry leading gigabit bandwidth with TSN to deliver open networking solutions for smart factory construction.

Plus with the diversification of development methods, it has enabled flexible implementation for various types of equipment and also achieved mixed usage of information communications by using Internet Protocol (IP) and control communication technology. It is expected that these will improve efficiency and reduce time for the construction of smart factories using the IIoT. More details of the CC-Link IE TSN specification will be published on the CLPA Members Site.

Click to enlarge.

The CC-Link IE specification was released in 2007 as the first 1-Gbps Ethernet-based open industrial network and has expanded its function and scope of application to motion and safety control after starting from general input-output control. Its features reach a mixture of high-speed and large-capacity control communication (cyclic data) that combines with non-control communication (transient data). The two can coexist thanks to the 1Gbps bandwidth. Furthermore, it is easy to diagnose the cause of network errors. Since it is simple to build not only the system that controls and monitors a production site but also the system that collects and analyzes information on the production site, it is expected to bring benefits to a range of different industries.

But as IIoT systems have progressed to the practical stage in recent years, market demands for utilizing a wide range of devices implementing general purpose Ethernet communication have increased. Moreover, requests for high function motion control equipment and protocol implementation for various types of equipment have increased.

So to meet these demands, CC-Link IE TSN was developed — a network that significantly improves the performance and functions of the current CC-Link IE. Plus it’s increased openness through use of TSN technology.

CC-Link IE TSN includes:

• Flexible IIoT system construction for faster time to market and reduced downtime

• TSN Ethernet communication technology as a time-sharing method; collection of information from end devices by IP communication while securing real-time control communication

• Easier network diagnosis by using general-purpose Ethernet diagnostic tools compliant with SNMP

• Time synchronization of compatible devices, for simpler investigation into problem root causes; supports both 1 Gbps and 100 Mbps

• Top communication performance for best-in-class motion control operation cycle times … of better than 31.25 µsec

• Segregation of high and low performance device communication, for optimized performance on all network stations … and the system as a whole

• Diverse development methods; hardware (ASIC and other device based) and software (protocol stack) development methods

What’s in development for CC-Link IE TSN-compatible products

The detailed specification of CC-Link IE TSN will be released to CLPA partner companies through the website. Those partners who were involved in formulating specifications are considering product development and compatible products are expected to be released from 2019.

Endorsements for CC-Link IE TSN

The CLPA partner companies that have considered development for CC-Link IE TSN compatible product as of November 2018 are listed below. Following are endorsement comments from the Board of Directors and partner companies.

“Recently, industrial networks that control various manufacturing equipment, robots and sensors are expanding rapidly with the demands for visualization of manufacturing processes and production improvement efficiency. We welcome the release of CC-Link IE TSN to achieve more evolution with the integration of IT and control. We will promote provision and development of network connectors and cable assembly products that realize high transmission reliability and robustness, and will support “CC-Link IE TSN” promotion activities globally.” — Akiyoshi Funayama | Senior Manager, Interconnect Sales and Marketing Dept. Electrical Interconnect Solution Division • 3M Japan Limited

“We, Advantech Japan Co., Ltd, believe that CC-Link IE TSN will be the key product to ensure the construction of a flexible IIoT system, which is the basis of the new Ethernet technology and we would like to actively contribute to it.” — Takaaki Furusawa | Director, Industrial-IoT Group iFactory Sector • ADVANTECH Japan Co. Ltd.

“Analog Devices has a rich history of providing industrial communication solutions – from the early days of 4 to 20mA and serial fieldbuses to today’s Ethernet-enabled protocols for the factory of the future. Through this evolution, CC-Link has played a vital role solving customers’ most complex automation challenges. ADI strongly supports CC-Link with a robust portfolio of products that includes a roadmap of Ethernet solutions for CC-Link.” — Brendan O’Dowd | Automation Energy Group, Industrial Automation, General Manager • Analog Devices, Inc.

“Balluff, as a CLPA board member, has supported CC-Link and CC-Link IE for many years. the slogan “Innovating Automation” expresses that we are a specialist in sensor and automation application, offering also solutions beyond the sensor core business. As a leading company in conveying IO-Link Data from intelligent sensors to the control, Balluff is a partner for digitalization and the IIoT strategy of the customers. The CC-Link IE IO-block family gives high-speed data access in nearly any application. Balluff is looking forward to continuing the excellent relationship with the CLPA and will expand the portfolio with new solutions and products.” — Jürgen Gutekunst | Senior V.P. of Mobility • Balluff GmbH

“Hirschmann Automation and Control GmbH is a pioneer in TSN. We’ve helped develop the technology since the early start in the IEEE 802 standardization years ago, and we are excited to see its adoption into the CC-Link IE TSN networks. By using TSN technology, CC-Link IE takes the next step to supporting the applications of the IIoT and the smart factory of today and tomorrow. Hirschmann Industrial Ethernet Switches provide extremely high synchronization quality and high-precision transmission functions and we are looking forward to enable CC-Link IE TSN networks with the TSN portfolio.” — Oliver Kleineberg | Global CTO Core Networking • Hirschmann Automation and Control GmbH (a Belden brand)

“Cisco supports digital transformation that brings creative disruption to business. CC LINK IE TSN serves as a robust platform that helps manufacturing customers digitalizing their systems … by integrating OT and IT at factories and promoting data trading, which will lead to creating business value.” — Kazuhiro Suzuki | Chairman • Cisco Systems G.K.

“CC-Link IE TSN, which enables high-speed I / O communication and information data transmission at the same time, will provide a lot of value to customers. We welcome this release and will contribute to the promotion of CC-Link IE TSN through product development and sales.” — Hiroyuki Mizuno | General Manager, Network Engineering Department, Components Business Division • CKD Corp.

“CC-Link IE TSN is a breakthrough in interoperability and performance in network technology. Cognex vision sensors help automate the manufacturing process and communicate critical Industry 4.0 data. The flexibility of this network architecture will make it easier to collect this data by a variety of existing data management, diagnostic, and monitoring systems. In addition, the high speed, high precision synchronization feature enables advanced vision – motion solutions leading to improved productivity. Cognex sees CC-Link IE TSN as a significant advancement in network technology that will help create smarter factories.” — Justin Testa | V.P. of In-Sight Business Unit • Cognex Corp.

“CC-Link IE TSN is a major innovation that evolves machine tools and robots. We expect that with the integration of motion control and the combination of TSN technology support with Contec’s IPC and IIoT solutions, it would bring new value creation to customers.” — Katsutoshi Fujiki | President and CEO • CONTEC Co. Ltd.

“We have had a close partnership with the CLPA since we started to develop the first CPV valve terminal with the CC-Link fieldbus in 2001. During the development of these and following products like CC-Link for CPX and CTEU, we’ve received excellent support from the CLPA Testing Center and also from CLPA who helped us to establish the network in Asia between the subsidiary there and the colleagues in Japan, Korea, China. We’re pleased that based on increased demand for the next generation gigabit-capable fieldbuses we’ve started a CC-Link IE Field project. We know we can also count on good cooperation and support in this project.” — Lale Hübner | Product Management IO Terminals • Festo AG & Co. KG

“I am very pleased about the completion of the CC-Link IE TSN specification. As IIoT is becoming common in manufacturing industry, this network based on TSN technology will play a key role in accelerating use of IIoT. Fortinet continues to support efforts conducted by CC-Link Association and contribute to industrial security.” — Kubota Norio | Country Manager & VP Sales for Japan • Fortinet Japan K.K.

“Hilscher is one of the key technology suppliers for industrial communication solutions. We have been supporting the CC-Link technology portfolio over the years, following up with the innovative standards CC-Link IE and CC-Link IE Field Basic. Therefore, it is a must for us to stay on track with this success story for CC-Link IE TSN within the Product portfolio. With this new technology we see the enablement of devices for IIoT, with Sensor to Cloud Communication.” — Sebastian Hilscher | Division Manager, Development • Hilscher Gesellschaft für Systemautomation mbH

“HMS Industrial Networks, world leading provider of connectivity solutions to the automation industry, is taking the next step to provide industrial grade communication from factory floors all the way to Enterprise and IT levels worldwide. With the announcement of CLPA’s latest network at SPS/IPC/Drives 2018, we are excited to continue the journey together … which began with the collaboration on reliable Anybus products enabling communication for CC-Link and CC-Link IE Field. This collaboration between HMS Industrial Networks and CLPA has been a great success and will continue to be so.” — Christian Bergdahl | Product Marketing Manager • HMS Industrial Networks AB

“We are pleased to see that the market-leading software development toolchain IAR Embedded WorkbenchⓇ for Arm has been selected as a reference tool for enabling CC-Link IE TSN because of verified sample protocol stacks from various companies. We believe that this joint activity will help to expand the industrial network market as well as boost the use of the powerful toolchain.” — Kiyofumi Uemura | APAC Director & Japan Representative Director • IAR Systems

“As the trend of IIoT expands globally, we welcome the release of CC-Link IE TSN, which will be expected to spread globally with the collaboration with other industrial networks. We will contribute to the expansion of CC-Link IE TSN through compatible product development and sales of network equipment, code reader and switching devices.” — Hiroki Matsumoto | General Manager, Automation Solutions, Products & Markets Strategy Division, Sales & Marketing Headquarters • IDEC Corp.

“MESCO is a partner for innovative software and hardware development in the field of process and factory automation with unique knowledge in industrial communication, functional safety and explosion protection. CC-Link IE TSN fulfills high performance requirements for industrial communication. CC-Link IE Safety enables the technology for safety critical implementations. A MESCO CC-Link Software Development Kit makes the technology available and facilitates development. The kit includes CC-Link IE TSN Stack, CC-Link Safety IE Stack, evaluation board for safe and non-safe applications. Additionally, MESCO provides coaching and service for customized hardware and software development with use of CC-Link IE TSN SDK.” — Peter Bernhardt | Head of Sales & Marketing • MESCO Engineering GmbH

“We have been supporting CC-Link and CC-Link IE for many years, as well as developing and selling a variety of FA products and proposing FA Integrated Solutions e-F@ctory. We will adopt TSN technology … which will become the mainstream of future industrial networks as soon as possible … and will lead to the expansion of CC-Link IE TSN. We will contribute to the development of the FA industry by providing solutions using CC-Link IE TSN.” — Takayuki Tsuzuki | General Manager, FA Systems Div. • Mitsubishi Electric Corp.

“CC-Link IE TSN realizes high-speed computing, motion control and visualization that integrates IT and OT to accelerate the construction of the IIoT. We will also contribute to the popularization of CC-Link IE TSN through product development and collaborations such as network I/O, safety system and edge computing related products.” — Riky Comini | Director, Industrial Automation, Transportation and Industrial Solutions • Molex Inc.

“We believe that expansion of CC-Link IE TSN will more strengthen cooperation of existing IT and FA, and bring new business opportunities to both industries. We will not only enhance interoperability and security of IT and FA systems, but also promote technological development enabling wireless CC-Link IE TSN.” — Yoshimitsu Okayama, Digital Platform Division, Senior Manager • NEC Corp.

“We are focusing the attention on CC-Link IE TSN as one of the core networks of the future. We will consider development of stepping motors/actuators that will lead to CC-Link IE TSN as the control for networks that contribute to the construction of IIoT systems.” — Ryuta Sugimoto | Chief Product Planning Department Sales Headquarter • ORIENTAL MOTOR CO. LTD.

“As the trend towards implementing the IIoT is accelerating, network compatibility is strongly needed for control devices. We will develop CC-Link IE TSN compatible products for sensing and safety products and contribute to IIoT for FA industries.” — Jun Kasugai | General Manager Product Planning Department Sensing Division • Panasonic Industrial Devices — SUNX Co. Ltd.

“Industrial networks are one of the most important technologies in the digitalized Factory Automation industry. CC-Link IE TSN is a leading-edge technology that integrates control and system networks, and Renesas sees this technology as a key driver for the evolution of the industry. Renesas has been providing products supporting the CC-Link Family and we plan to continue to expand the line up to support the next- generation standards.” — Yuji Mori | Director, Industrial System Solution Department, Industrial Automation Business Div. of the Industrial Solution Business Unit • Renesas Electronics Corp.

“As a CLPA board member, we plan to manufacture CC-Link IE TSN compatible products that will offer real-time extensions supported by world standard technology. Pro-Face HMIs are planned to be part of an extensive line up of compatible products.” — Minoru Yoshida | Strategy & BD Director • Schneider Electric Japan Holdings Ltd.

“SecurityMatters has over 15 years of experience ensuring mission-critical industrial cyber-resilience. We have a proven track record of protecting industrial environments from undetected threats, process flaws and maintenance issues. In this context, CC-Link IE and CC-Link have always been vital components. The secure, open, and complete specifications have allowed the most advanced network analysis. This enables better cyber protection and preventative maintenance of complex industrial automation networks. CC-Link IE TSN will provide a strong foundation for Smart Factory applications and Industry 4.0. On this solid foundation, we will work together to develop even better protection capabilities.” — Damiano Bolzoni | Chief Executive Officer • SecurityMatters B.V.

“SMC welcomes CC-Link IE TSN. We will contribute to disseminate CC-Link IE TSN by product development and sale of it in the market. We cultivate advanced technology trusted by customers, and strive to develop products that meet customer needs.” — Fumio Morikawa | General Manager, Product development division • SMC Corp.

“As global trend of smart manufacturing using IIoT is accelerating, we expect CC-Link IE TSN from Japan will bring customer productivity and profitability to a new level. ZUKEN ELMIC has been actively developing products ranging from protocol stacks to software packages, based on networking, video streaming technology, and CC-Link as well. We will continue active marketing and development efforts on CC-Link IE TSN.” — Takashi Fujii | General Manager, Development Division • ZUKEN ELMIC INC.

“With the CC-Link IE TSN support for the STM32 family, developers of CC-Link IE devices have access to the industry’s most popular variety of Arm Cortex -M core microcontroller to accelerate Industrial IoT development with optimized cost and higher flexibility.” — Paolo Oteri | Director, Microcontroller & Digital ICs • STMicroelectronics K.K.

The CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA) is an Intl. organization with over 3,400 member companies worldwide. The partners’ common objective is promotion and technical development of the family of CC-Link open network technologies, helping their joint customers reach their integrated manufacturing aspirations. The CLPA organization is the driving force behind developing new standards in industrial communication while also supporting the device development activities of its members as well as certification of those devices. For more information, visit am.cc-link.org.

Access your own smart data —with Lenze and IoT specialist ei3

December 4, 2018 By Lisa Eitel Leave a Comment

Lenze (manufacturer of drives, motion control, and automation technologies) in partnership with IoT specialist ei3 (based in New York) now helps customers reach the promised value of IoT and advanced analytics. Return on investment (ROI) is possible using quantifiable metrics, available in dashboard or report form, within the first few months of deployment. At both PACK EXPO 2018 and Hannover Messe USA, booth visitors learned more about this solution which is suitable for services such as remote diagnostics and predictive maintenance, while maintaining high levels of security. Lenze is able to demonstrate that Industry 4.0 is no longer an abstract concept, but indeed a reality. The cloud offers an infinite amount of storage space and computing power, but it first needs the right concepts and applications before it can become a genuine added value. Machine data from the control, the drives and the sensors can now be transferred securely to the cloud with minimal effort.

“Companies can monitor their machines’ performance in real time to increase asset utilization, improve production quality, reduce service costs, and save energy,” according to Daniel Repp, automation product manager at Lenze Americas. “This leads to operational savings and increased profit margins, without compromising machine and data safety.”

For customers of automation specialist, Lenze there’s now an easy way for OEMs to collect all the data that is available inside the Lenze controllers. They can then evaluate this data and make it available to their own customers, either as an up-to-date dashboard or in the form of reports providing performance figures. This data can be used to determine how to optimize systems and processes. In addition, the solution is suitable for services such as remote diagnosis and maintenance, and it can also be used to provide predictive services.

The data from a machine is first transferred via OPC-UA (Unified Architecture) to a security appliance within the production network. From then on, all the communication takes place in encrypted form at a high level of security in ei3’s own data centers. It is a private cloud offering big-data services with easy accessibility – preconfigured and available to OEMs. To start collecting data, machine builders will specify the target data points in the needed application – no prior knowledge of IT or big data necessary. It is also easy for the OEM to carry out remote diagnosis and remote maintenance once the product is up and running.

Data security takes top priority in ei3’s own regional data centers. There are three of these: one of each in the USA, Europe and Asia. A fourth one is currently being created in Germany so that the customers’ local data never leaves the country. The data specialist from New York employs strong encryption systems for the data transfer – comparable with the kind of encryption that is used by banks.

Data sent to the cloud can be analyzed for different applications. The simplest case would be when a warning is generated because a specific critical value has been exceeded, such as the ambient temperature (condition monitoring), or because it might be exceeded in the near future (predictive maintenance). This enables the maintenance department to plan the maintenance window in advance, combining different upcoming tasks into one maintenance job and thus reducing the system downtimes, which has a positive effect on OEE and ROI.

Industry 4.0 doesn’t only mean better machine control and the optimization of processes for the user, but the OEM also benefits from the additional information. He can optimize service on the basis of the machine data. The analysis of the usage data shows what the machines’ real operating conditions look like, since they often diverge considerably from what the customer previously reported. Accordingly, the machines can be precisely adapted to the actual operating conditions, and weaknesses that emerge can be eliminated. The machine manufacturer can also strengthen customer ties significantly with custom-made solutions and individual service offers.

Lenze offers all of the necessary modules to create smart machines – from the automation and drive technology, to the necessary development tools and software tools, and now the cloud connection. For more information, visit www.Lenze.com.

AMCI integrated stepper controller/drive connects to CompactLogix 5380

December 3, 2018 By Lisa Eitel Leave a Comment

Advanced Micro Controls Inc. (AMCI) now sells an ANG1(E) integrated stepper controller/drive that connects directly to Rockwell Automation’s new CompactLogix 5380 — for a low cost, sophisticated motion control. The ANG1(E) 2-in-1 product design integrates a stepper controller and drive into a single package, significantly reducing cabling with the ability to expand up to 6 axes of motion over a single EtherNet/IP connection. Move commands are easily programmed through Studio 5000 , and the standard DIN rail mounting eases installation.

AMCI proudly designs and manufactures their products in-house, enabling superior quality and innovative solutions. The company has been a Rockwell Automation Encompass Product Partner for over 25 years, and develops motion control products for Allen-Bradley PLCs using Rockwell Automation Enabled technologies to ensure 100% compatibility with Allen-Bradley PLCs and PACs.

AMCI offers a complete selection of motion control products including motion controllers (both on and off the network), motors, drives, as well as integrated solutions. Because their products are 100% compatible with Allen-Bradley PLCs, users can be confident that AMCI motion control solutions will work for their application.

Founded in 1985, Advanced Micro Controls Inc (AMCI) is a U.S. manufacturer with a global presence. Its industrial controls improve the performance and profitability of today’s factory and automation systems. AMCI specializes in the design, manufacturing, and sales of eight different product families. For more information, visit Advanced Micro Controls Inc. at www.amci.com.

New Physik Instrumente reference on precision motion control and positioning systems for electronics manufacturing

December 1, 2018 By Lisa Eitel Leave a Comment

PI’s new brochure gives an insight on advances in standard and custom motion systems designed to satisfy the needs of industrial test, inspection, and manufacturing engineers in the electronics and semiconductor industry.

With decades of experience in the semiconductor market, the technological diversity and the high vertical range of manufacturing enables PI (Physik Instrumente) to offer motion systems that address the needs of OEMs, integrators, and end users and react flexibly to changes in the market. PI’s new brochure contains examples of high-performance systems for different productions steps, including piezo based nanopositioning systems, air bearings, beam steering systems, XY and XYZ gantry stages, granite-based multi-axis systems, parallel-kinematic hexapods, fast silicon photonics alignment systems, and high-end industrial motion controllers with EtherCAT connectivity.

Applications include aligning fibers and optical components; tactile and optical testing of electronic devices; processing large printed circuit boards; inspecting complex structures; and placing components and tools.

Download the brochure at this deep link on pi-usa.com.

PI has in-house engineered solutions with more than decades of experience working with customers to provide products that meet application demands … and can quickly modify existing product designs or provide a fully customized OEM part to fit the exact requirements of the application.

EtherCAT Technology Group now offers vendor-independent diagnosis interface

December 1, 2018 By Lisa Eitel Leave a Comment

The EtherCAT Technology Group (ETG) has specified a new vendor-independent diagnosis interface, which allows third-party tools to access diagnostic information from EtherCAT networks. The software-based interface can be implemented in controllers offered by any device manufacturer, which makes it an interesting feature to vendors of both master devices and diagnostic tools.

Diagnosis is one of the most important functions of a modern fieldbus system. EtherCAT provides extensive diagnostic information both at the hardware and software levels. One EtherCAT feature is the ability to detect errors and precisely locate them.

This includes bit errors as well as issues generated by loose connectors. The corresponding error counters are supported by all network slave devices.

It’s functionality that helps users, machine builders and system integrators ensure the robustness of EtherCAT networks … and reduce machine downtime to the absolute minimum. Plus diagnostic routines test the quality of the communication and help easily detect internal errors in slaves, wrong cabling order, damaged cables or EMC interference.

The diagnosis interface enables master-independent access to EtherCAT diagnostic data.

ETG has specified this user-friendly, vendor-independent diagnosis interface so that third-party diagnostic tools can work with any master implementation. No hardware changes are necessary, since an EtherCAT master is software-based, as is the interface. The interface is easy to implement with a small software footprint, so it is even suitable for embedded devices with limited memory.

The standardized interface allows access to EtherCAT network diagnostic information for both hardware and software. Through the information provided by this new interface, diagnostic tools or HMIs can retrieve the EtherCAT network topology information, compare it with the expected configuration and detect communication interruptions and disturbances, as well as unexpected state changes.

The specification ETG.1510 “Profile for Master Diagnosis Interface” enhances the “EtherCAT Master Classes” specification and extends the EtherCAT Master Object Dictionary already defined in the “Modular Device Profile” specification. Likewise, the access mechanism makes use of the already specified Mailbox Gateway functionality. Based on already existing standards, the new profile is therefore easy and straightforward to implement.

The EtherCAT Technology Group is an organization in which key user companies from various industries and leading automation suppliers join forces to support, promote and advance the EtherCAT technology. With over 5,000 members from 65 countries the EtherCAT Technology Group has become the largest fieldbus organization in the world. Founded in November 2003, it is also the fastest growing fieldbus organization. For more information, visit www.ethercat.org.

EtherCAT Technology Group welcomes WITRON as 5,000th member

December 1, 2018 By Lisa Eitel Leave a Comment

At the SPS IPC Drives 2018 exhibition in Nuremberg, Germany, the EtherCAT Technology Group (ETG) achieved two remarkable milestones: It celebrated exactly 15 years since ETG was established with 33 founding members, and with the addition of WITRON Logistics + Informatics GmbH, ETG welcomed its 5,000th member.

Executive Director of ETG Martin Rostan presents WITRON’s Josef Uschold with a trophy as a sign of appreciation.

The intralogistics system provider WITRON Logistics + Informatics GmbH is member number 5,000 of the EtherCAT Technology Group. An award ceremony marking the landmark occasion took place at SPS IPC Drives 2018, and Josef Uschold, Head of PLC Development, accepted the award on behalf of WITRON.

“For WITRON, it is essential to deploy the fastest and most deterministic fieldbus with simple configuration, installation and integrated diagnostics. The decision to select EtherCAT was the logical conclusion,” Uschold explains why WITRON chose EtherCAT.

“Furthermore, EtherCAT is characterized by a very stable data flow and can be reliably transmitted via optical data transceivers. The technology is future-proof and the preferred standard of numerous drive manufacturers.”

WITRON is a medium-sized family-owned company based in Upper Palatinate in Bavaria, which, as a general contractor, specializes in the planning and production of logistics and material flow systems. Founded in 1971, WITRON is now one of the world’s market leaders in the planning, realization and operation of highly dynamic storage and picking systems used in intralogistics applications. Many market leaders from a range of industries successfully operate their distribution centers with WITRON solutions.

EtherCAT Technology Group’s strong membership growth isn’t slowing down even 15 years after its foundation. More than 500 new members have already joined in 2018 alone. The Intl. market plays a prominent role: More than half of the members are headquartered outside Europe, with Asia having the highest growth rate.

Martin Rostan, Executive Director of ETG, is delighted with the new milestone: “EtherCAT technology is simply convincing – this is also clear when looking at the ETG. With more than 5,000 member companies from 65 countries, we are advancing into a dimension that previously seemed out of reach for such associations.”

“We are already the largest fieldbus organization in Asia, Europe and America, and there’s no end in sight to this growth.”

The EtherCAT Technology Group is an organization in which key user companies from various industries and leading automation suppliers join forces to support, promote and advance the EtherCAT technology. With over 5,000 members from 65 countries, the EtherCAT Technology Group has become the largest fieldbus organization in the world. Founded in November 2003, it is also the fastest growing fieldbus organization.

EtherCAT is the Industrial Ethernet technology which stands for high-performance, low-cost, easy to use with a flexible topology. It was introduced in 2003 and has been an Intl. IEC standard and a SEMI standard since 2007. EtherCAT is an open technology: anyone can implement or use it. For more information, visit www.ethercat.org.