NI launches family of powerful industrial controllers
February 2016
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
National Instruments has introduced a family of three new industrial controllers that address the complex requirements of advanced Internet of Things (IoT) applications. These controllers feature 5th generation Intel Core processors, rugged packaging, built-in I/O and extensive connectivity options, so that machine builders and system designers can eliminate the need for separate subsystems within complex machines and consolidate functionality into a single controller. They can simplify system complexity, decrease system cost and reduce overall footprint by integrating different types of I/O, including vision and motion, control and processing into a single, high-performance controller, such as the newly released IC-3173.
“Industrial systems and machines have become more complex, often incorporating several independent subsystems for specialised tasks, such as image processing, multi-axis motion control and operator interfaces. With products such as the IC-3173 industrial controller, system designers can improve performance and simplify system complexity by moving to a centralised approach where one controller is used for many or all of these tasks,” said Jamie Smith, director of embedded systems at NI.
To meet the evolving demands of today’s industrial IoT applications, designers need products that bring together computation, connectivity and control. The IC-3173 industrial controller addresses these requirements with key features, including:
• Powerful processing: Dual-core Intel i7 processors combined with user-programmable Xilinx Kintex-7 160T FPGAs for advanced signal and image processing, customisable digital I/O and high-speed closed-loop control.
• Extensive connectivity: Five independently controlled Gigabit Ethernet ports with four that include power over Ethernet (PoE) support and two full-bandwidth controlled USB 3.0 ports for connecting to and processing images from multiple USB3 Vision and GigE Vision cameras simultaneously.
• Seamless integration: Support for EtherCAT Master, Ethernet/IP, RS-232/RS-485, Modbus serial and Modbus/TCP to communicate with other devices such as PLCs and operator interfaces.
• Software: Full LabVIEW system design software support for customising control algorithms, performing image processing and executing advanced analytics.
For more information contact National Instruments, +27 (0)11 805 8197, [email protected], www.southafrica.ni.com
Further reading:
Innovating control and display solutions
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Mimic Group, founded in 1971, started with electronic and mimic displays before expanding into control desks, software and display electronics.
Read more...
ABB technology for greater circularity in metals and mining industries
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
ABB has been selected by GreenIron, an innovative Swedish company working in the mining and metals industries with its patented materials reduction technology, to provide automation and control system solutions for a first commercial facility in Sandviken, Sweden.
Read more...
EtherCAT Box modules for confined spaces
Beckhoff Automation
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Users of EtherCAT and EtherCAT P Box modules from Beckhoff’s EP and EPP series benefit from 25 years of IP67 expertise in the I/O sector. The broad product range for decentralised distribution of the I/O level directly at the machine or system has been continuously expanded and further developed during this time.
Read more...
ABB updates distributed control system
ABB South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Leveraging 30 years of continuous innovation and reliability, ABB’s updated Freelance 2024 distributed control system (DCS) offers greater plant adaptability, faster and more reliable device communication, improved system security, and seamless data exchange.
Read more...
Four ways modern operations control can boost sustainability and efficiency
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
With the growing importance of digital transformation, HMIs and scada have evolved from control panels to vast operational hubs. Next-gen HMI/scada can bring together data, personalisation, and advanced insights to successfully achieve organisational goals, it is important to think about HMI/scada holistically within the operations ecosystem.
Read more...
The convergence of intelligence: DCS, SCADA and TLC
Schneider Electric South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
In the early days of industrialisation, control systems were primarily mechanical, and relied on manual intervention and simple feedback loops to manage processes. Now, in the 21st century, industrial process automation systems are mind-blowingly intelligent, and provide almost unparalleled control and monitoring capabilities, making them integral to modern industrial systems.
Read more...
PC-based control for advanced hydrogen storage technology
Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
The proportion of renewable energies from solar, wind and water is rising continuously. However, sufficient storage options are of the essence to use these energies as efficiently as possible. GKN Hydrogen offers a particularly compact and safe option, low-pressure metal hydride hydrogen storage systems with PC-based control from Beckhoff.
Read more...
ABB modernises key board mill
ABB South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
ABB has secured a landmark contract to modernise Smurfit Kappa’s Paper Machine 5 at its corrugated cardboard mill near Mexico City. ABB will provide Smurfit Kappa with DCS, accompanied by a comprehensive paper machine drives system, encompassing some of the market’s most advanced drives and motors meticulously designed to optimise PM5’s performance.
Read more...
The synapses of the distributed control system
Schneider Electric South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Industrial operations require a distributed control system (DCS) to coordinate and control their process subsystems in real time. Like the brain, a DCS is a multitasking maestro, controlling and coordinating complex processes in a myriad of industrial setting such as large manufacturing plants, providing valuable top-down control.
Read more...
Modular assembly platform for clean manufacturing
Beckhoff Automation
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
JR Automation delivers custom automated solutions for numerous industries. It has done this through its scalable, modular automation platform, FlexChassis, which speeds up time to market while cutting costs. The company chose the XTS linear transport system from Beckhoff because of its speed, and modular design that allows for multiple configurations.
Read more...
printer friendly version