ASi controller with full master functions
April 2000
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Shorrock Automation
The new ASi controller from IFM Electronic is a compact ASi master system with an integrated mini PLC with options on various gateways such as Profibus-DP, DeviceNet, Interbus-S and Modbus, making it suitable for industrial use. If required, one or two masters may be integrated to allow a maximum 248-input and 248-output operation.
The ASi controller has full function capability to the M1 master profile. ASi data can be exchanged with a higher level computer via the built-in serial interface.
Local diagnosis is also possible via the built-in display and faulty slaves, configuration errors or ASi power failure, for example, can be identified.
For commissioning, addressing and parameter setting, functions are available. In addition, the ASi controller has a control processor which can be programmed from any PC via the serial interface, to IEC 1131-3 standards. IFM Electronics’ Ecolog ASi programming system is utilised for this purpose.
Data entered with ASi can be preprocessed and read out directly via ASi and for this purpose a program memory with 32 KB and a data memory of 32 KB are available. It is also possible to operate the ASi DP controller as a simple gateway.
Further reading:
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...
Case History 200: The final case history – desuperheater control problem.
Michael Brown Control Engineering
Editor's Choice Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
For this final article I have chosen to relate a problem that existed in a desuperheater temperature control on a boiler in a petrochemical refinery.
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...
Suppression and safety solutions for fire and gas in mission-critical industries
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
By representing world-leading brands and focusing on fully integrated, certified systems, HMA South Africa is positioning itself as a trusted partner in fire detection, suppression and explosion-proof safety solutions across the continent.
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.
Read more...