An industry-wide Power over Ethernet (PoE) standard was officially ratified in 2003 with IEEE 802.3af, and since then the use of PoE technology has grown rapidly. Analysts estimate that by 2012 one quarter of all Ethernet ports will be PoE enabled. As knowledge of PoE’s capabilities and benefits has spread, more and more system operators have taken advantage of PoE technology. However, the IEEE 802.3af standard has a few limitations that make it unsuitable for certain demanding applications. In response, the IEEE 802.3at standard, also known as PoE Plus, was ratified to expand the scope and capabilities of standardised PoE devices further.
This white paper will identify the key advantages offered by PoE Plus and explore the enormous potential of this new technology in scenarios that previously could not take advantage of PoE.
PoE – A brief history
Ethernet technology has been used for decades and Ethernet cables can now be found in enterprise offices, residential homes, and industrial automation. In most systems Ethernet cables already go nearly everywhere, so it would naturally be more efficient if these Ethernet cables could deliver both data and power. This would completely eliminate the need to find a local power supply for each device, dramatically expanding deployment flexibility and eliminating power cabling costs. The PoE idea was so promising that many vendors, such as Cisco, 3Com, and Intel, developed proprietary PoE technology. Users who adopted proprietary solutions were on the ‘bleeding edge’ of technology – while they enjoyed the benefits of PoE technology, they also needed to deal with countless headaches such as interoperability and compatibility issues, vendor lock-in, and inconsistent support. The fact that these proprietary solutions were used at all, despite their many hazards, testifies to the fundamental usefulness of PoE technology.
Fortunately, in 1999 the IEEE began to work on a PoE standard, which was finalised in 2003 with IEEE 802.3at. With a standardised, documented, and widely available technology, PoE truly took off. PoE can supply power to devices in locations where it was previously difficult, if not impossible. Examples of such devices include remote network switches, security cameras, and outdoor WLAN access points.
Readers wanting to find out more about the limitations of IEEE 802.3af and how IEEE 802.3at (PoE Plus) transforms the situation can visit: http://instrumentation.co.za/+C14513
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...How IEC 61162 standards are building smarter fleets RJ Connect
IT in Manufacturing
The maritime industry is moving through one of the most important transformations in its history. Ships that once operated as collections of independent systems are now evolving into integrated digital ecosystems, where navigation, monitoring and control systems must exchange a constant flow of data. At the heart of this transformation lies the IEC 61162 family of 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