Higher levels of integration, Ethernet options, compact designs and PACs enhance offerings
Al Presher, Contributing Editor — Design News, November 3, 2008 Controller solutions are moving through an evolution in role and functionality, as suppliers continue to add integrated capabilities for motion and machine control. The emergence of multiple network protocols that run on Ethernet is expanding the capabilities of systems and creating increasingly sophisticated control architectures.

In areas of control, the buzz is about PLCs being reinvented as programmable automation controllers (PACs) and there is a blurring between integrated motion and logic controllers and PLCs. On top of that, there is downward pressure on controller sizes and system prices as networking and more powerful processors offer ways to streamline controller architectures.

“Systems are moving to much higher performance, lower costs and more highly integrated hardware. Standards such as Ethernet and IEC 61131 are making it all possible,” says Dan Throne, sales and marketing manager for Bosch-Rexroth. “It is becoming possible because the technology is now there to support it.”

Source: Design News