Networking + IoT - Motion Control Tips

SmartCamera delivers robust vision in simple package

June 5, 2018 By Paul Heney Leave a Comment

Balluff’s newly released SmartCamera takes inspection and identification applications, in color or monochrome, to a higher level. The SmartCamera simplifies overall usability in an otherwise complex world of vision-based technology, while still delivering a robust assortment of features like flexible connectivity and intuitive on-board image processing tools. The camera, the latest in in a line of Balluff tools designed to innovate automation, combines the power of the HALCON function library with the simplicity of the BVS-Cockpit user interface.

“Minimizing time of deployment and eliminating the over-use of plant resources to integrate vision technology is critical. The wizard-based programming tools allow for efficient set up, and simple adjustments can be made on the fly,” said Balluff Marketing Manager Wolfgang Kratzenberg. “The SmartCamera is also the most connected camera available. With an on-board IO-Link master in addition to Ethernet/IP, Profinet, TCP and UDP communication, this camera can be integrated into any major control network.”

Balluff’s commitment to vision as a solution includes offering a full line of accessories required to address applications in the industrial manufacturing environment. This broad offering includes: optics, lighting, displays, mounting hardware and power supplies along with a wide range of IO-Link products which can be directly controlled by the SmartCamera.

Balluff Inc.
www.balluff.com

Teledyne DALSA to preview multi-line CMOS camera

March 30, 2018 By Paul Heney Leave a Comment

Teledyne DALSA, and Teledyne e2v, both Teledyne Technologies companies and global leaders in image sensing technology, will be co-located at The Vision Show, in booth #517 from April 10th to 12th. Teledyne DALSA will display its newest and most advanced multi-line CMOS camera while Teledyne e2v will display their new OctoPlus range of line scan cameras for OCT applications in healthcare and industrial markets. The show takes place at the Hynes Convention Center, in Boston, Massachusetts.

The Teledyne DALSA team will present a wide-array of the company’s very latest imaging technologies. In-booth demonstrations include:

• A preview of Teledyne DALSA’s newest multi-line CMOS camera, offering options for monochrome, color, and NIR imaging, with fiber optic interface to an Xtium CLHS frame grabber.
• BOA spot vision sensor, which offers simple, affordable and reliable performance for automated quality inspections
• Calibir uncooled long wave infrared cameras for thermal imaging applications, featuring shutterless operations with GigE Vision, analog and MIPI CSI-2TM interfaces
• Genie Nano cameras, feature-rich and built around industry-leading CMOS image sensors with GigE or Camera Link interface
• GEVA 4000 vison system, with over eight times the processing performance of the entry level GEVA 300, ruggedized and robust for the factory floor.

In addition to live demonstrations, show attendees will see static displays of Teledyne DALSA’s newest area cameras, including the 86-megapixel Falcon4, frame grabbers, smart cameras, and image processing software. Visit the Teledyne Imaging booth to explore this wide portfolio of technologies designed for many markets and applications.

Hot Corner Topics

Teledyne DALSA subject matter experts will present in two Hot Corner topic discussions. Hot Corner discussions are open to all show attendees.

Tuesday, April 10, 1:00 pm – 3D Imaging Technologies – Raymond Boridy will present on current 3D technologies, applications and trends

Thursday, April 12, 1:15 pm – Multi-channel line scan imaging – Mark Butler and Philip Colet will deliver a presentation focused on the possibilities of multi-channel line scan imaging

The Vision Show 2018
April 10-12, 2018
Booth #517 (See booth location)
Hynes Convention Center, Boston, Massachusetts

The Vision Show is North America’s largest display of machine vision and imaging components and systems. Registration is free.

Teledyne DALSA
www.teledynedalsa.com

How to use SPI for dc motors?

March 27, 2018 By Miles Budimir Leave a Comment

SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) is a method of data transmission. It’s designed to transmit data between microcontrollers and peripheral devices such as sensors, memory cards, and displays, among others.

At its basic physical level, it’s a 4-wire serial interface with data rates that can vary from a few MHz to upwards of 10 MHz, and claims of even higher rates in some cases. Data transmission is from 2 to 16 bits, depending on how it is programmed.

Evaluation boards for brushless dc motor control, such as the one pictured here from Microchip, feature on-board PWM signal generation as well as an SPI interface (upper left corner, horizontal 6-pin header.) (Image via Microchip)

With regard to how SPI applies to dc motors, the motors themselves aren’t driven directly via SPI but rather by way of a motor driver. Typically, the motor driver will have an SPI port that can be connected to a microcontroller which sends control signals such as PWM signals. Or in some cases the controller may reside on the same chip where the control signals are generated. Aside from control, SPI can also be used for diagnostic purposes.

The pros from a microcontroller programming point of view are that most microcontroller families have built-in SPI communication, making it easy to connect with peripherals. Another plus is that programming via SPI is fairly simple. The protocol is fairly simple and support circuitry is not complex and is easy to implement.

On the down side, it is generally a short distance communication link. Some of the largest distances have pushed the 100 m mark. However, with longer runs more signal delay is introduced, which affects timing of signal propagation.

Still, there are many examples of controlling dc motors with simple controller chips using an SPI interface, including the Raspberry Pi, Arduino, as well as motor drives from Microchip.

How to select a network for a motion controller?

March 16, 2018 By Miles Budimir Leave a Comment

Over a range of motion control applications, there is no one-size-fits-all approach for selecting a network. However, there are several key factors to consider when deciding on the best networking option for your particular application.

For starters (and perhaps most importantly), consider timing; that is, how quickly the system reacts to inputs or changes in the system as well as the network scan rate. Be sure that the rates are fast enough to accommodate the application. Otherwise, sluggish performance may be the end result. For instance, multi-axis motion control requires high levels of synchronization, so low levels of jitter or signal variability are essential. On the other hand, a relatively slow conveyor system may not require fast speeds at all and so jitter may not be an important parameter in that case.

Another factor is the existing control system. Selecting a network may depend on what network(s) the motion controller supports, or whether or not there is already a protocol in place used by other equipment, something like a legacy network. And it’s possible that using a network that one is familiar with and has experience working with can eliminate the need for a learning curve, saving development time.

Diagnostic capability may also be a key consideration. Older networking protocols had minimal diagnostic capabilities, but contemporary motion control networks generally have a range of diagnostic functions. These can include diagnosing communication issues, device errors and faults, as well as pinpointing the source of issues so they can be quickly identified and corrected.

Other points to consider may be the level of enterprise connectivity needed or required, third-party device support, and as always, cost.

Fortive selling Portescap, Kollmorgen, and Thomson to Altra Industrial Motion

March 9, 2018 By Lisa Eitel Leave a Comment

Fortive Corp. — a 2016 spinoff of Danaher — has agreed to combine four operating companies from its Automation & Specialty platform (A&S platform) with Altra Industrial Motion Corp. to form a global leader in the power transmission and motion control market.

The A&S business includes the market-leading brands of Kollmorgen, Thomson, Portescap, and Jacobs Vehicle Systems.

This A&S platform generated approximately $907 million in revenue for its fiscal year ended December 2017.

The $3.0 billion deal includes $1.4 billion in cash proceeds and debt reduction for Fortive and 35 million newly issued Altra common shares to Fortive’s shareholders — valued at $1.6 billion.

“We’re excited about this announcement, as it represents a major step forward in portfolio enhancement work towards increasing focus on software and service exposure, while adding significantly to our M&A capacity,” said James A. Lico, President and CEO of Fortive.

According to Lico, the combination represents value creation for Fortive and Altra shareholders, customers, and employees.

“We have great respect for the Altra team and their commitment to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction,” added Lico. “This combination of powerful brands and remarkable people creates an organization well-positioned to capture robust Industry 4.0 growth opportunities.”

“This transaction transforms Altra and represents a major milestone towards accelerating the acquisition strategy,” said Carl Christenson, Chairman and CEO of Altra. “The addition of the A&S platform bolsters our ability to compete effectively on a larger global scale in the broader automation space, to further our continuous improvement journey … and to optimize our portfolio in an expanded acquisition universe.”

The combination will be effected as a Reverse Morris Trust (and expected to be tax-efficient to Fortive). Fortive shareholders will get shares representing approximately 54.4% of the issued and outstanding shares of Altra after giving effect to the transaction and valued at approximately $1.6 billion. In addition, Fortive will directly receive added consideration of $1.4 billion through a combination of cash proceeds and debt reduction. Until closing (expected before the end of 2018) the A&S platform businesses will operate within the Industrial Technology segment of Fortive, and financial results will be reported in continuing operations.

Fortive will have the right to designate one member of Altra’s board of directors, expected to initially be Patrick J. Murphy — Senior V.P. of Fortive.

Fortive is a diversified industrial growth company comprised of Professional Instrumentation and Industrial Technologies businesses that are saw leaders in attractive markets. With 2017 revenues of $6.7 billion, Fortive’s well-known brands hold leading positions in field instrumentation, transportation, sensing, product realization, automation and specialty, and franchise distribution. Fortive is headquartered in Everett, Washington and employs a team of more than 26,000 research and development, manufacturing, sales, distribution, service and administrative employees in more than 50 countries around the world. With a culture rooted in continuous improvement, the core of the company’s operating model is the Fortive Business System. For more information, visit www.fortive.com.

Wireless condition monitoring prevents unplanned downtime with machine learning

March 8, 2018 By Danielle Collins Leave a Comment

Banner Engineering, a leading provider of technology for industrial automation, announces its wireless condition monitoring solution with machine learning for more intuitive predictive maintenance.

The QM42VT wireless vibration monitoring sensor from Banner continuously measures RMS velocity, high frequency RMS acceleration, and temperature. This enables the sensor to identify machine problems before they become severe and result in unplanned downtime. It also allows facility managers to plan maintenance more efficiently and reduce labor costs by eliminating manual checks.

Using a proprietary machine learning algorithm, Banner’s condition monitoring solution collects data from the sensor to establish a machine’s vibration baseline and automatically set warning and alarm thresholds.

When a threshold has been exceeded, the wireless node can provide local indication, send the vibration and temperature data to the gateway for long term collection and analysis, and send a text or email alert. The solution serves as a simple “check engine light” for machines; however, data on a variety of vibration characteristics can also be collected over time for more in-depth analysis of machine performance.

The wireless vibration and temperature sensor is ideal for a variety of machine monitoring applications, including motors, pumps, blowers, and other types of machines throughout a facility.

Manufactured with a robust zinc alloy housing, Banner’s wireless vibration and temperature sensor provides reliable performance in harsh environmental conditions. The sensors can be easily mounted using a standard bracket, a magnetic bracket, or a two-sided thermal transfer mounting tape to accommodate diverse applications.

Banner Engineering

Innovations in connectivity from cables and connectors for motion designs

March 5, 2018 By Lisa Eitel Leave a Comment

Easy connections to sensors, field devices, and other automation solutions are becoming the norm in motion control — that’s according to Brian O’Connor, director of product and market development at Aerotech. In fact, increasing affordability of electronics (and subsequent rise of IIoT) have spurred all branches of industrial automation to more networking. But even basic machine designs have benefitted from new cable and connector options that impart simplicity.

Our recent survey of connectivity experts yielded details on these and other cable and connector designs for power and networking components. This cable panel included Rich Buchicchio and Howard Lind of Cicoil Corp. and Eric Rice of Applied Motion Products; and Horst Messerer, data, network, and bus technology sales manager at HELUKABEL; and Mark Kojak, V.P. of product management and business development in the Americas at Harting Inc.

Read on for what they had to say — and be sure to visit motioncontroltips.com/category/networking-iot as well as wireandcabletips.com for additional insight from other sources on IIoT trends and where Ethernet-based networking protocols are overtaking traditional fieldbuses.

Image courtesy HELUKABEL

Buchicchio • Cicoil: Components with electronic functionality are clearly gathering and using more data than ever. We support this market segment with lightweight designs that exhibit reliability without signal degradation. More specifically, we’ve seen significant demand for data cable — including twisted shielded-pair data cables; Cat 5e, Cat 6A, and 50 & 75 W Coax cable; and HDMI, FireWire, Camera Link, and IDC ribbon cable.

Cicoil 0.025-in. IDC cable is suitable for tight spaces that need high signal density. Its ultra-flexible jacket is resistant to flames and harsh environments; single and double-row connections are suitable for mass termination — with up to 64 conductors. The cable also withstands temperatures to 260° C.

Messerer • HELUKABEL: We’re seeing a trend towards more use hybrid cables (those that combine power with control and data) for one-cable setups. More design engineers than ever are requesting these cables for use in drag-chain and torsion applications.

Related from sister site wireandcabletips.com: Single-cable solutions simplify servomotor design

Buchicchio • Cicoil: We stock and sell a wide variety of standard flat cable for motion control, data and video, and power-plus-signal applications … But engineering custom cable and assemblies is at the heart of our company. We manufacture sophisticated assemblies and cable harnesses for demanding applications — including those for military and aerospace, medical devices and diagnostics, and semiconductor-equipment manufacturers. We also offer value-added overmolding, box builds, plug-and-play designs, and other engineering design services … and custom assemblies are fully tested before delivery.

But others are taking a different tack to separate connections on relatively small motion components — to let engineers choose proprietary connectors only if they work for the application at hand.

Rice • Applied Motion Products: We now offer a daisy-chain board connector for NEMA-11-frame StepSERVO Integrated Motors that separates communication terminals into two standalone power and I/O connectors — making it easier to establish daisy-chain connections on RS-485 and Modbus RTU networks.

Some Applied Motion Products NEMA-11-frame StepSERVO integrated motors (left) separate terminals. In contrast, standard configurations integrate them.

In contrast, standard configurations of Applied Motion’s TSM11 (NEMA-11-frame) motors incorporate a single 12-pin header that provides a power supply, input, output, and RS-485 communication terminals in a small integrated space … without sacrificing input and output connectivity to other devices, controllers, or HMIs on the machine.

In traditional servo designs, the servo motor and controller connect by two cables — one for power to the motor and one for the transmission of sensor or encoder data. Now HELUKABEL TOPSERV single-cable solutions include conductor for the transmission of signals and power.

Of course, the materials from which cable and connectors are made continue to have significant impact on overall design.

Buchicchio • Cicoil: Our products are suited to an array of emerging applications. All of our flat cables feature flexibility and durability; the rugged outer jackets withstand environments that are hot, cold, indoors, outdoors, on land or sea or in the air … or even space. Our cable is also compatible with sensitive environments (that are cleanroom rated) and where designs require kink-free cable.

Related from sister site wireandcabletips.com: What are flat cables?

Messerer • HELUKABEL: We sell molded M12 connectors in D and X-coded versions (male and female) for use with Category 5 and 6A cables (which cover higher data transmission rates to 10 GBit/sec). But materials are important here; the metal casing of both the connector and socket makes the assembly robust and resistant to dirt and moisture — even to IP67.

Lind • Cicoil: Thinner-jacketed (more flexible) versions of our data cables maintain EMI/RFI protection … and we’ve recently developed round Cat5e cable, HDMI cable, and Micro IDC cable with a 0.25-in. pitch. These feature ultra-fine wire stranding and Flexx-Sil jacketing for unsurpassed flexibility, durability, and usability in extremely harsh environments.

Related from sister site wireandcabletips.com: Cat5e shielded industrial Ethernet patch cords

Messerer • HELUKABEL: PVC insulation in standard and hybrid cables is being reduced and replaced with PE or PP-based compounds. The latter compounds make cables low smoke and halogen-free (LSZH) … plus necessitate a smaller cable diameter (and lighter weight) because of reduced wall thickness. This in turn is due to the fact that PE and PP have higher insulation resistance than PVC compounds.

PVC is cheaper, but isn’t low smoke or halogen-free … and has limited insulation resistance (which is why cables with PVC jackets necessitate thicker walls to get adequate voltage-resistance levels).

Buchicchio • Cicoil: We’ve formulated a silicone rubber polymer called Flexx-Sil that works as a flat-cable outer jacketing … Plus we use ultra-fine wire stranding in conductors. The combination of this conductor wire and supple Flexx-Sil jacketing (made with our extrusion process) produces a cable unsurpassed in flexibility — one that weighs less and consumes less physical space than conventional round cable with comparable electrical and signal performance.

In addition, Flexx-Sil cable jacketing is translucent and waterproof; UV and chemical resistant; and can withstand temperature extremes (operating from -65° to +260° C and remaining flexible even at -100° C); has the natural flexibility of silicone rubber (which is more than twice as flexible as PVC and PTFE insulation); and exhibits high material stability and low outgassing (with zero halogen). The cable jacketing is also durable with a durometer rating of 65 (Shore A) or a durometer rating of 85 (Shore A) in a SuperTuff version.

When asked about cable and connector options to impart simplicity or turnkey operation, our sources cited modular and universal systems.

Messerer • HELUKABEL: Our UL/CSA-approved pre-assembled data cables for Industrial Ethernet systems can include molded M12 and RJ45 industrial connectors, so engineers can modularly assemble any possible combination of cables and connectors to design product built exactly for their needs. Plus with high-speed data cables (with transmission rates to 10 GBit/sec) the molded M12 and RJ45 connectors guarantee a faster and more reliable connection within control cabinets, machinery and in-the-field operations.

Kojak • HARTING: Connectivity components must be compact, so we’ve expanded the Han-Modular product line with Smart Han modules that allow connection of active components. Using the same footprint as other Han-Modular modules, these let engineers create custom connectors using off-the-shelf modules that join in any combination to integrate power, control signals, and data into a single connection. This connector series revolutionized the industry when released in 1994 and remains our fastest-growing product line.

Messerer • HELUKABEL: We offer one RJ45 connector that has bandwidth to 500 MHz and supports data rates up to 10 GBit/sec … so it’s suitable for demanding industrial applications. The connector comes in a linear or angled version so works in industrial areas with limited space.

Lind • Cicoil: EZ-Flexx Flat Cable features a new external profile and inner jacket that makes it just as easy to strip and terminate with connectors as conventional round cable — even allowing use of automated stripping equipment. This lets OEMs and other commercial users to capitalize on the advantages and benefits of flat cable attributes and performance, without the labor overhead experienced with other types of flat cable.

Rice • Applied Motion Products: Designing very small integrated motors — motors with a NEMA 11 frame size, for example — means fitting as much functionality as possible into a tiny footprint. Because many users of our NEMA-11 motors had space for a slightly larger connector arrangement, we configured a new three-connector arrangement as an optional add-on component to three lengths the TSM11. (These integrated motors include TSM11Q-1RM-H01, TSM11Q-2RM-H01, and TSM11Q-3RM-H01.) Owners of existing single-connector modules also can upgrade their TSM11 integrated motors in the field by purchasing the daisy-chain connector board separately.

Lapp Group USA ÖLFLEX SERVO 7TCE oil-resistant servo cable with TC-ER approval works on industrial machines and in cable trays — and eliminates the need for two cable or conduit types. A thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) jacket and cross-linked XLPE insulation can withstand temperatures to 105° C.

In some cases, sizing software simplifies the specification process.

Lind • Cicoil: Our online Flat Cable Configurator provides fast and easy custom cable design on desktop and mobile devices. Point and click to add any of a wide variety of conductors (including pre-configured modules) for many standardized functions — such as USB 3.0, Cat 6a, and Camera Link. A click-and-drag function lets users position their selected conductors anywhere they choose on the cable. Then engineering drawings, custom part numbers, and cost per foot are delivered immediately to the engineer’s email inbox.

More cable and connectivity offerings are designed with miniaturization or compactness in mind.

Buchicchio • Cicoil:

Micro IDC ribbon cable with 0.025-in. pitch is compact — and it’s more flexible (and can tolerate higher voltages) than standard designs … so is especially suitable for use in confined areas.

Machine monitoring is an option with igus intelligent robot cable that warns users of impending failure. If certain parameters are exceeded during dynamic cable operation, a warning is triggered, indicating that the cable must be replaced. The cable concept is based on igus’ Chainflex cables — stranded and shielded to maximize life with an array of jacket materials.

Connectivity and IoT expand control design functionality (a Motion Trends report)

March 5, 2018 By Lisa Eitel Leave a Comment

A recent survey of industry experts had many underscore that connectivity in manufacturing is nothing new … bu there are significant new developments in IIoT.

MEET THE CONNECTIVITY and IoT EXPERTS …

O’Connor of Aerotech

O’Connor • Aerotech: Connectivity in manufacturing is not a new idea — it’s been around for decades — but what is new in IIoT is the volume and type of equipment (and devices) on the market that now offer connectivity. For an extreme example, there are now smart toilet-paper roll holders that let one know (from a mobile device) that one needs to change the roll. Products like this didn’t exist a decade ago.

The proliferation of low-cost sensors and communication devices gives engineers (and hobbyists) easily accessible devices to integrate into their products.

Kawaller • ISL Products: IIoT provides opportunities for new devices that may or may not require electromechanical functions to complete a task (and provide data to a client or system) … of course, motors we design and supply work in systems that support IIoT.

Messerer of HELUKABEL

Messerer • HELUKABEL: Electronic components are clearly gathering and using more data than ever … and cables are passive components on machinery that support all this active equipment (such as electronic sensors or Ethernet cables with protocols to sense component failures). Here, if the system reaches a critical sum of failures, spare-part orders from a purchasing system might automatically execute to avoid downtime.

Leveraging the connectivity of consumer phones and tablets (and user familiarity with them) is a common refrain.

O’Connor • Aerotech: IIoT is a hot area. In our everyday lives, we expect devices to connect and just work. We carry those habits to our jobs. Manufacturing plants and the teams that run them expect systems to connect and work together. That means motion systems are becoming smarter as well as more connected … which is why we currently have designs in the field as well as designs in development that simplify connectivity and improve intelligence of automation and motion-control systems.

Rojas of WEINTEK

Rojas • WEINTEK USA: We believe HMIs should access all machine information — and communicate with different brands of controllers or I/O systems; gather valuable information; and send that data to cloud storage for real-time analysis. We think the HMI will come to be the IIoT gateway for all machines … and that HMIs will be the “spokesman” of every machine — to help machines “talk” with controller networks and the Internet.

cMT Viewer is free remote-control (and viewer) software for Weintek cMT series HMIs. With careful engineering, users can get real-time information even on an unstable WiFi network. The software runs natively on mobile devices, so machine operators can use off-the-shelf phones and tablets (including iOS and Android products) to control up to 50 cMT machines.

But it’s not just HMIs that incorporate connectivity features for support of IoT — though they certainly continue to lead in this arena.

Kawaller of ISL Products Intl. Ltd.

When asked about increasingly networked manufacturing, some cited motor products and servo drives that integrate with control systems for IoT functions as well.

Kawaller • ISL Products: Electromechanical devices with networking capabilities are emerging rapidly where functions are performed, and data is captured for analysis — yielding everything from buying trends to demographic information to restocking alerts and other relevant marketing data.

Zumbusch • Eaton Hydraulics: IoT has changed the landscape tremendously, particularly over the last few years. This has allowed products with onboard intelligence (such as our AxisPro valves) to interpret upstream fluid signatures and communicate critical information … including machine performance and prognostics for maintenance of large and complex systems.

As IIoT continues to expand, we’ve seen a steady increase in needing to address both hydraulic as well as electric machines’ performance … such as variable speed electric drives coupled with variable displacement pumps to provide faster response times while still reducing energy use.

Ocampo • Bosch Rexroth: One example of motion-component IoT functionality is the drive-based software called Productivity Agent, which supports predictive maintenance and local data processing in real time while boosting machine availability and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).

Feketa • LinMot USA: On the topic of IoT, servo drives with connectivity allow access to (and recording of) drive vitals … and that’s helpful because more OEMs and design engineers now want data collected by servo drives to include specific data points — especially those important to operations. Plus engineers want real-time communication of this data to PLCs — where they can access and interpret the data. Real-time data flow allows faster decision making and is especially important for predictive maintenance. On a related note, we also see servo drives including more safety features — including safe-torque-off and safe speed settings. Safety is a core concentration, and we predict industry will soon see far more products that integrate safety.

Zumbusch of Eaton Hydraulics

Zumbusch • Eaton Hydraulics: One of the most powerful outcomes of IoT has been the increase in component intelligence. These devices now offer myriad customized features for specific applications through the use of software. As machines identify new needs, over-the-air programing can update the software and add new system features that end users may decide to adopt. IoT functions even address motion-control issues such as oscillation and stability problems on the fly (even as machines are modified and systems change).

Others also stress the usefulness of software tools to boost productivity and (in some cases) even get automation information to enterprise-level functions.

Rojas • WEINTEK USA: EasyBuilder Pro (programming software for our HMIs) offers native client support of the OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA) machine-to-machine communications protocol. That helps users save time because it makes browsing PLC data structures easy. Native MQTT and AWS IoT support also reduces the time needed to setup secure telemetry servers and environments. An encrypted connection to the user’s own AWS IoT service allows gathering of machine information.

Some motion-component manufacturers cite in-house experience with their own software for implementation of IIoT as valuable in understanding OEM engineers’ own IIoT projects and challenges.

Ocampo • Bosch Rexroth: More than 250 Bosch plants worldwide have implemented IIoT lines or projects. One Bethlehem, Pa. plant completed implementation of a smart multiproduct line (MPL) for hydraulic valves in 2017 with numerous Rexroth IIoT technologies. The MPL can output more than 30,000 product variants — switching on the fly from one valve type to another. One online tool supporting communications for IoT setup is Improvidus software, which lets engineers analyze OEE data before implementing IIoT in their factories. Improvidus is a Rexroth IIoT (I4.0) online consulting tool for OEE analysis. The partially free tool gives design engineers access to I4.0 experts with a subscription.

In fact, the term “smart” is often shorthand for IIoT functions — as in the name for Weintek’s cMT-G01 smart communication gateway explained below — or in reference to connectors.

Kojak of HARTING

Kojak • HARTING: Han connectors are the first to integrate “smart” functionalities … and are compatible with the Han-Modular series, so are a safe choice for IIoT applications. Currently, there are three smart Han modules: One is a Current Surge Protection Module (to protect sensitive electronics from over-current conditions) and another is an ID Module (which stores information that might be serial identification or a BOM of all modules in a connector). Where the latter is installed in an inaccessible place, it can be interrogated via a CAN interface to feed information out.

In short, we design products that enable IIoT connectivity … and soon, we’ll be releasing modules and setups with even more functionality — including power measurement and analog-to-digital conversion.

Gateways are core to many basic IoT functions — including the management of cross-platform communications and access to HMIs (and PLCs) from remote locations.

Rojas • WEINTEK USA: EasyAccess 2.0 (our remote assistance and control software) helps engineers save time and money … as when a machine triggers an alarm, the software sends a push notification to mobile devices. A pass-through function even lets users control or program PLCs via an HMI or IIoT gateway … and setup the system to get detailed permission control through a Domain-User architecture.

Ocampo • Bosch Rexroth: IIoT is inspiring new product development — as our IoT Gateway to connect legacy machine infrastructure to IoT-based systems, for example. This IoT Gateway connects PLC and sensor hardware with cloud and data-processing systems for simple implementation of local dashboards, data processing, and data streaming to Cloud services (such as Bosch Cloud, Microsoft Azure, or Oracle). Product functions and tools are based on an open and distributed control architecture.

In addition, a Data Analytics Server supports data analysis and monitoring for new and existing machines. Real-time data can be saved, evaluated, and visualized close to the machine. Plus users can quickly setup predictive maintenance and other IIoT (I4.0) uses based on machine learning.

On the topic of increasingly networked manufacturing, some primarily view higher connectivity as a way of improving the overall lifecycle of machines.

Rojas • WEINTEK USA: IoT is more about industry and helping operational technology (OT) adopt technologies from IT. After all, aggregation and statistical tools can support OT tasks … and data sent and collected can inform ideas for next-generation machines. Such data can also help day-to-day machine use — to maximize workflow and machine efficiency, and optimize user experience.

NEXT PAGE for IoT in motion machinery →

MEET THE CONNECTIVITY and IoT EXPERTS

Horst Messerer — Data, network, and bus technology sales manager at HELUKABEL

Steve Zumbusch — Director of technology development at Eaton’s Hydraulics business

Brian O’Connor — Director of product and market development at Aerotech

Ken Kawaller — President of ISL Products Intl. Ltd.

Mark Kojak — V.P. of product management and business development in the Americas at Harting Inc.

Steven Feketa — Regional sales engineer for LinMot USA Inc.

Oscar Rojas — Senior software engineer at WEINTEK USA

Joaquin Ocampo — Product manager of motors and drives at Bosch Rexroth

Illustrations ⚙ of IoT in motion machinery →

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

IDEC releases iOS and Android apps for PLC access

February 22, 2018 By Miles Budimir Leave a Comment

IDEC Corporation announces the release of its WindEDIT Lite app for iOS and Android devices, providing two-way access to its family of MicroSmart FC6A PLCs. The app provides much quicker, simpler and easier connection as compared to browser-based access.

With the WindEDIT Lite app, users can monitor any PLC parameter, and change set points and other values. Data register, input, output, timer and counter values can be monitored and controlled using the standard Dialog Interface. The WindEDIT Lite app also has a custom Dialog Interface that the user can configure to allow only certain PLC parameters to be monitored and controlled. Trending is supported within the app, with users able to plot multiple register points for graphical views.

The WindEDIT Lite app runs on any iOS or Android mobile device, typically a smartphone or tablet. Once the app is downloaded to the device, it interfaces to the MicroSmart FC6A PLC via wireless Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Ethernet for two-way local or remote access. Bluetooth is an ideal solution for local, limited-range connections where an Ethernet network may not be available, such as within an industrial plant or facility. Wi-Fi has more range, and can be used for communications over longer distances.

Because the connection is wireless, users never have to worry about having the right cable or the latest programming software to download or upload a MicroSmart FC6A PLC user program, as these tasks can be accomplished with the app. Users can also update the PLC to the latest firmware.

The WindEDIT Lite app provides access to an SD memory card installed in the PLC, so logged information stored in the SD memory card can be easily accessed. The logged data can be viewed, and then attached to a text message or an email, either of which can be sent to recipients.

Logged data can also be pushed to a local or cloud-based database, or to a data storage platform such as Dropbox, Google Drive, Apple iCloud, etc. In addition to logged data, other data such as user programs, firmware, recipes, etc., can be sent and retrieved from databases and storage platforms.

To provide the required security, access to the PLC via the WindEDIT Lite app needs to be configured in the PLC for each user, with each app user required to provide his or her correct username and password—otherwise access will be denied. Read/Write protection is configurable for each designated user, allowing restricted access based on the user’s needs; for example, only read and no write privileges.

Free to Download
The WindEDIT Lite App is available for free download in the Apple App Store or at Google Play.

As with all its products, IDEC offers free tech support for the WindEDIT Lite App, with no service or support contract required.

For more information, visit www.idec.com.

POSITAL Motor Feedback Kit Encoders — now with open-source BiSS interface

January 25, 2018 By Lisa Eitel Leave a Comment

Rotary encoder specialist POSITAL has expanded its interface offerings for its magnetic Kit Encoders with support for the nonproprietary open-source BiSS Line communication protocol. This enables the practical implementation of single-cable technology, which is becoming increasingly popular with motor and robot manufacturers. POSITAL’s easy-to-install motor feedback kits, which feature 17-bit electronic resolution, bridge the gap between simple resolvers and more complex and expensive optical encoders for servomotors, robot joints and other applications where absolute rotary position feedback is required.

POSITAL’s magnetic Kit Encoders support open-source BiSS Line communication protocol, enabling Single-Cable technology.

Single-cable technology involves the transmission of power and encoder signal in a single cable. The one-cable approach offers significant benefits for smaller motors where the placement of two connectors has always been awkward because of the lack of space. What’s more, reduced cabling reduces costs, while reducing the number of connectors reduces susceptibility to connector failures. A special feature of the BiSS Line interface is the implementation of the Forward Error Correction function (FEC), which improves availability of data communications, even with faulty cables and plug connections.

“All in all, BiSS Line is a suitable interface for servomotors … and not just for cost reasons, but also for optimized performance,” says Christian Fell, POSITAL’s V.P. of Technology and General Manger for the Americas. A four-wire setup (with separate conductors for communication and power supply) or a two-wire variant (with combined communication and instrument power supply on a wire pair), are also available, based on the same communications protocols.

From their original introduction, the new motor feedback kits were available with vendor-neutral digital communication interfaces such as BiSS-C or SSI for absolute measurements. “A number of optical feedback systems on the market make use of proprietary interfaces such as Hiperface or Endat, which means an ongoing dependency on the encoder manufacturer. We deliberately took a different approach,” emphasizes Fell. “We are whole-hearted advocates of open-source interfaces – and stick to them consistently.” POSITAL’s commitment to the open-source strategy is affirmed by the fact that the encoder manufacturer is a founding member of the BiSS Association e.V. This new user organization (founded at the end of September) will promote the distribution of the free-of-charge BiSS family of open-source communication protocols worldwide.

POSITAL is a supplier of advanced industrial position sensors used in a wide variety of motion control and safety systems. The company is also an innovator in product design and manufacturing processes and a pioneer of Industry 4.0 (Industrial Internet of Things/IIoT), offering customers the benefits of built-to-order products combined with the price advantages of mass-production. POSITAL is a member of the Intl. FRABA group, whose history dates back to 1918, when its predecessor, Franz Baumgartner elektrische Apparate GmbH, was established in Cologne, Germany to manufacture relays. Since then, the company has played a trendsetting role in the development of rotary encoders, inclinometers and other sensor products. POSITAL has a global reach with subsidiaries in Europe, North America and Asia – and sales and distribution partners around the world.