Profibus is a highly reliable and robust industrial communications system. However, due to poor adherence to installation guidelines, the effects of time or human error, the network may experience communications failures and thus, unexpected downtime. Minimising the frequency and duration of costly downtime is possible through good preventative maintenance practises, and the availability of skilled personnel to diagnose the state of the network and take rapid corrective action if stoppages do occur.
Procentec’s COMbricks is the first Profibus automation system that unites network components, permanent monitoring, and remote I/O in a modular platform. COMbricks is invaluable in providing diagnostic assistance during stoppages because it facilitates the comprehensive remote monitoring of installations from anywhere in the world. COMbricks allows skilled on-site engineers, or those available remotely through the South African Profibus Competence Centre (PCC), to assess the state of a network and provide expert assistance to site maintenance personnel. The condition of the network can be remotely inspected in any web browser using features such as a device live-list, key network statistics, and electrical signal quality analysis through network voltage level and oscilloscope measurements. The device can also be configured to send email alerts if any faults do or are likely to arise, or switch a connected digital output, for example, to provide a local site alert. Most notably, the device is able to log network events and messages around the time of a failure, assisting engineers to accurately assess the events leading up to the fault.
While providing these remote monitoring and permanent diagnostic features, the COMbricks modular platform allows for flexible configurations of repeater, fibre optic, Profinet, ProfibusR PA link/coupler and general I/O modules. This means it can be tightly integrated into the network, providing common network functionality alongside diagnostic features.
Introduction to Part 2 loop signatures and process transfer functions
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
The previous series of loop signature articles dealt with the basics of control loop optimisation, and concentrated on troubleshooting and ‘SWAG’ tuning of simple processes. In this new series, consideration will be given to dealing practically with more difficult issues like interactive processes, and with processes with much more complex dynamics.
Read more...Siemens sets new standards in drive technology
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Siemens is setting new standards in industrial drive technology with the launch of its new high-performance drive system, Sinamics S220. This offers a seamless and innovative drive system with comprehensive simulation and analysis capabilities and advanced connectivity features that enable full integration into digital work processes.
Read more...PC-based control in the plastics industry Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Nissei Plastic, an injection moulding machine manufacturer based in Japan is implementing a worldwide tend towards open automation systems from experienced specialists using PC and EtherCAT-based control technology from Beckhoff.
Read more...Loop Signature 31: Non-linearity in control loops (Part 2) Michael Brown Control Engineering
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
This article is a continuation of Loop Signature 30 published in the last issue in this series, exploring reasons for non-linearities which may be encountered in feedback control loops
Read more...PC-based control optimises robotic parts handling on plastics machinery Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
NEO is a cartesian robot developed by INAUTOM Robótica in Portugal for parts removal on plastics machinery. Its aim is to increase system productivity. NAUTOM Robótica has entered into a strategic partnership with Bresimar Automação to increase the working speed of the cartesian robots using advanced control and motion solutions from Beckhoff. The result is a comprehensive, future-proof automation solution for its entire family of cartesian robots.
Read more...PC-based control for flat wire motors for electric vehicles Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Special machine manufacturer, ruhlamat Huarui Automation Technologies unveiled the second generation of its mass production line for flexible stators with bar winding. This enables extremely short production cycle and line changeover times, supported by PC- and EtherCAT-based control technology from Beckhoff.
Read more...PC-based control technology in additive manufacturing Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
As an open control platform, PC-based control supports different engineering approaches, including low-code programming. The machine builder, Additive Industries uses this to create the code for the TwinCAT runtime of its 3D printers.
Read more...Integrating fire alarm systems into building management systems Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Fire alarm systems work independently of the building automation system. Schrack Seconet has developed a flexible gateway using ultra-compact industrial PCs and TwinCAT from Beckhoff, which can be used to flexibly convert a customer-specific communication protocol to a wide range of transmission standards.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version