Website developed for control engineers and technicians.
Understanding the technology and architectures of Ethernet can be of great value as this communication becomes more common in a variety of industrial applications. From scada to PLC I/O, Ethernet is not just one network but can be many different networks in an industrial application. However, finding a location that can help simplify the technology and how it relates to industrial automation applications has been a challenge until now.
Ethernet Direct with a local office in Johannesburg www.ethernetdirect.co.za has established a reference library of information specifically oriented to industrial Ethernet. This library is not a collection of Ethernet terms or computer scientist definitions, but a comprehensive library written by control engineers for control engineers. It relates the use of industrial Ethernet to past communication techniques. Written by individuals who have spent the last 10 years applying Ethernet to control and PLC applications, this library is an invaluable tool for anyone designing or supporting Industrial Ethernet.
In the library members have access to:
* Ethernet terms and how they relate to industrial applications.
* Network architectures and recommendations.
* Industrial Ethernet software tools and their value.
* Understanding the proper use of VLANs.
* Filtering and how it could affect multicast traffic.
* Plant floor issues.
* Important organisations and their functions.
With over 100 diagrams and expert comments, this location provides a unique training platform. From individuals just starting to learn about Ethernet, to experienced Network professionals trying to understand the subtle differences when applying the technology to realtime control applications, this site offers something for everyone.
The following is one of the topics relating to network design that provides a great deal of insight. This is just one of many available to individuals who join this free support area:
10 common misconceptions about industrial Ethernet networks
1. Ethernet exists as a single network on the plant floor with everything connected to this common network.
2. Industrial devices with Ethernet connections all operate the same way.
3. Auto-negotiation is an effective method to simplify connections to a switch for all connected devices.
4. It is not important to organise devices on the network.
5. The MAC address is a unique identifier for every Ethernet device.
6. Physically isolating a network from the outside world prevents any viruses or worms from infecting the network.
7. The same principles applied to office Ethernet can be used on the plant side.
8. All outsource service providers can provide adequate response to communication issues on the plant floor.
9. Using higher power switches Layer 3 is better than using layer 2 for applications.
10. Multicast filtering will help keep automation networks running properly.
Join the Ethernet Direct technical library and learn about the issues relating to topics that will help optimise network designs and improve support. There are currently over 1000 members from 55 countries that have joined. To become a member go to http://www.ethernetdirect.com/members/membersRegistrationForm.asp and join.
Why secure industrial communication depends on deployment as well
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
The Industrial Security Harmonisation Group has released a joint industry perspective highlighting a critical truth in industrial cybersecurity: secure communication is not determined by protocols alone, but by how they are deployed and managed in real-world environments.
Read more...A single platform for all automation functions Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
The introduction of TwinCAT in 1996 marked a decisive evolutionary step for PC-based control. Today, the TwinCAT platform combines all automation functions in a strictly deterministic real-time environment, from PLC and motion control through CNC and measurement technology and beyond, to vision, robotics and pioneering AI tools.
Read more...Loop signature Part 2-4: Feedforward Control: Part 3 Michael Brown Control Engineering
Editor's Choice Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
In the previous articles in this series, the basic theory behind feedforward control was discussed, and it was also shown how to apply feedforward in practice. In this article, it will be shown how well feedforward can work in practice by giving a couple of examples.
Read more...Control Station and Dimension Software partner to connect control performance monitoring with enterprise operations intelligence
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Control Station has entered into a strategic technology partnership with Dimension Software, a leading provider of industrial operations management platforms. The collaboration connects Control Station’s PlantESP control loop performance monitoring platform with Dimension Software’s Asset Intellect operations intelligence environment, enabling manufacturers to operationalise control performance insights across their organisations.
Read more...Precise, synchronised control for automated steel mesh handling system
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Automation specialist Hambi Maschinenbau has developed a world-first system that automates the cutting, handling and stacking of heavy reinforcing steel mesh – a task that previously required up to six human operators.
Read more...Loop signature Part 2-3: Feedforward Control: Part 2 Michael Brown Control Engineering
Editor's Choice Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Feedforward control tuning is not nearly as critical as feedback tuning, and fairly simple models are usually fine for the purpose in hand.
Read more...Upgrading radiological surveillance systems in nuclear facilities Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Nuclear plant operators face an uncomfortable reality. Many of the control and monitoring systems still in use today were never designed to support the full operational lifespan of the facilities they serve.
Read more...Next-level CAN Software enables easy access to CAN XL Industrial Data Xchange (IDX)
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
With the release of its PCAN-Explorer 7, PEAK delivers a major update that adds full support for CAN XL, multiple symbol files per connection, Python scripting and flexible licensing including floating licenses.
Read more...Loop signature Part 2-2: Feedforward Control: Part 1 Michael Brown Control Engineering
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Feedforward control is a powerful technique that can dramatically improve control variance in cases where load changes cause big deviations from setpoint and the actual process dynamics are too slow to allow the feedback controller to operate fast enough to catch these disturbances.
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