PLCs, DCSs & Controllers


Home entertainment and building ­automation converge

October 2013 PLCs, DCSs & Controllers

The concept of the ‘intelligent home’ is becoming increasingly popular with a particular focus on user-friendliness. Bang & Olufsen is one of the market leaders for high-end audio and video home entertainment and the TwinCAT Bang & Olufsen Server is a software interface between Beckhoff controllers and B & O products. The controller is coupled with the B & O master link gateway via Ethernet. In this way, a single operating device, e.g. a Bang & Olufsen remote control unit or a Beckhoff control panel, can be used to control audio-visual equipment and make home automation easy.

Virtual buttons are stored in the master link gateway for executing predefined actions in B & O devices. Commands can be sent to devices by activating the virtual buttons from the PLC via the TwinCAT Bang & Olufsen Server. TwinCAT PLC variables can be modified via so-called custom strings, which are also defined in the master link gateway.

Operations affecting both automation and audio/video products can be combined via this bidirectional communication. In this way, the lighting and TV in a kitchen, for example, can be switched on with a single touch of a button if desired. For this purpose, a Beo6 remote control unit, smartphone, touchscreen or a keypad connected with the TwinCAT controller can be used depending on user preferences.

With the TwinCAT Bang & Olufsen Server, Beckhoff now offers a software solution that enables seamless communication between audio/video products and the Beckhoff control system. As a result, a single operating device can be used to control multiple home devices.

For more information contact Kenneth McPherson, Beckhoff Automation, +27 (0)11 795 2898, [email protected], www.beckhoff.co.za



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

All eyes on the modern DCS platform
Schneider Electric South Africa PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Modernised DCS platforms are no longer confined to hardware-dependent architectures. These systems have evolved to combine the strengths of both PLCs and DCS while adding capabilities that make them more open, resilient and collaborative.

Read more...
Automation solution for waste management at incineration facility
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Valmet is to deliver an automation system to Seongnam City’s incineration facility currently under construction in South Korea. By leveraging intelligent automation, the plant will optimise energy production, minimise emissions and deliver efficient, consistent performance throughout its entire lifecycle.

Read more...
Valmet’s supplies DCS to Europe’s largest electric boiler plant
Valmet South Africa PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Valmet will supply an automation system to Helen’s Hanasaari electric boiler plant and a thermal accumulator being built in Helsinki, Finland. Once completed, it will be Europe’s largest electric boiler plant.

Read more...
Technology blueprint paves way for e-methanol fuel expansion
Schneider Electric South Africa PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Schneider Electric has delivered the technology stack behind European Energy’s Kassø Power-to-Xfacility, the world’s first commercially viable e-methanol plant.

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...
PCS Global delivers turnkey MCC installation in Botswana
PCS Global Editor's Choice PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
PCS Global is delivering a turnkey containerised MCC installation for a major copper mining operation in Northwest Botswana.

Read more...
PC-based control for flat wire motors for electric vehicles
Beckhoff Automation Editor's Choice Motion Control & Drives
Special machine manufacturer, ruhlamat Huarui Automation Technologies has unveiled the second generation of its mass production line for flexible stators with bar winding (pins). This enables an extremely short production cycle and line changeover times, supported by PC- and EtherCAT-based control technology from Beckhoff.

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...
New energy-efficient evaporation line for dissolving pulp production
Valmet South Africa PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Valmet will deliver a new evaporation line to Altri Biotek mill in Portugal. This delivery is part of Altri’s €75 million project to convert the Biotek mill to produce dissolving pulp for the textile industry.

Read more...









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.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved