Signal transmission in process instrumentation and control systems is largely done via electrical transmission but there are a few areas where pneumatic transmission of signals is vital especially where electrical signals or sparks can ignite combustible materials for example in … Read more
Tag: Industrial automation
Phase Locked Loop High Precision Motor Speed Control System
AC generators can be utilized in high precision control systems. The AC generator rotor is rotated by the rotating shaft (i.e. the shaft from the motor being controlled). The output AC frequency is proportional to shaft speed. Zero crossings per … Read more
Principle of Operation of Magnetostrictive Position Sensors
Magnetostrictive sensors detect the location of a magnetic ring that slides along a conductive metal tube; in other words this sensor operation utilizes the effect of a magnetic field on magnetostrictive wire to function. The figure below illustrates a Magnetostrictive … Read more
How to Connect Discrete Sensors to PLC Inputs
Discrete Sensor Outputs
Basically sensor outputs can be categorized into two types: discrete also referred to discrete or logic and proportional also called analog. Discrete sensors supply a single logical output (1 or 0) e.g. a flow switch used … Read more
NAMUR NE 107 Standard for Modern Instrumentation Diagnostics
NAMUR NE 107 is a standard adhered to by manufacturers during the design and fabrication of instruments. NAMUR NE 107 provides status signals that communicate clear messages and remedies. These status signals or diagnostic codes are categorized into four standard … Read more
Valve Positioners: Function & Types
Basic Features of a Positioner
Pneumatically operated valves depend on a positioner to take an input signal from the process controller and convert it to valve travel. In other words, a positioner is a motion control device made to actively … Read more
Input & Output Modules of a PLC – Types & Applications
The input/output modules act as the signal interface between the monitoring sensors and actuators, and the controller. Additional they provide electrical isolation, if needed, to convert the input signals into an electronic format appropriate for evaluation by the … Read more
The IEEE-488 Instrumentation Bus (GPIB)
A bus in computer systems means a collection of unbroken signal lines that interconnect computer modules; these connections are usually made by taps on the lines. Examples of parallel bus architectures and protocols include: IBM PC bus (IBM PC/XT/AT), the … Read more
Programmable Automation Controllers (PACs) – Features & Applications
What are Programmable Automation Controllers?
Programmable automation controllers (PACs) are process controllers with an open configuration and possessing the enterprise integration power of a PC-based structure. In other words, PACs are industrial controllers that combine the functionality of a programmable … Read more
The Role Played By Edge Computing in Manufacturing
Edge computing can be defined as a distributed computing framework that brings enterprise applications closer to data sources like local edge servers. In manufacturing, edge computing offers an effective processing and storage choice since intensive data handling and storage can … Read more