Servo drives are an integral part of a servo system. Working in tandem with a motor, controller, and a feedback device, servo drives receive instructions from the controller for the prescribed motion for the motor. It then sends the right amount of electrical current to enable the motor to perform the motion required. There are…
So, can a microcontroller be used in place of a PLC? The answer is in a very narrow set of circumstances, such as straightforward control requirements in a low duty environment, then the answer is yes. However, the differences above highlight that PLCs are designed for industrial and high-volume service applications that require safety, redundancy, ease of programming, and a host of other features that microcontrollers cannot provide.
As smart factories, facilities and cities continue to grow, so does the need for improved visualization and functionality in Human Machine Interfaces (HMI). By bringing that visualization down to the operator and technician level at the machine level, machine state, error messaging, real-time running conditions, and other information can be graphically displayed to assist in…
The VersaView line combines monitors, industrial PCs, and thin clients that work on an open architecture platform. The VersaView line also has fewer connectors than the Panelview and Component classes and is fanless, reducing commissioning time and setup costs.
Continuing our article series on Programmable Logic Controller selection, we’ll look next at Rockwell Automation’s line of Allen-Bradley Micro800 PLCs. These controllers are particularly well positioned to tackle basic single-machine control, offering a versatile range of form factor, expansion, and connectivity options. Despite their modest cost and size, the Micro800 series is packed with advanced…
Allen Bradley has long offered an extensive line of HMI products for any application. From standalone machines to complex control systems integrating entire operations, they provide reliable, accurate, and robust HMIs for any need. These HMIs allow operators, system designers, and technicians access to real-time machine conditions and process status by choosing the appropriately sized…
