Automation Trends
comprehensive software tool offers detailed insights for maintenance and operation. These features enhance machine performance by supporting the creation of interconnected and intelligent manufacturing ecosystems.
Ethernet was developed 50 years ago at the Xerox Palo Alto Research Center. The initial version delivered 10BASE5 and let Alto computers communicate. Then the need for computer-to-computer communication increased — especially as computers found their way outside of control rooms and into ruggedized environments. The shock and vibration conditions of field applications exceed the capabilities of RJ45s typically used as Ethernet connectors. What’s more, data-rate requirements have also increased. Now, 10GBASE-T is needed for communications. Yet another constraint is the need to keep a consistent footprint to minimize the need to respin PCBs, enclosures, and other associated components. Dura-Con High-Speed Micro-D Connectors are suitable RJ45 replacements in ruggedized environments. The MIL-DTL-83513-based micro-D connectors use twist-pin-tosocket contacts providing seven points of contact. Each twist pin bundle compresses when engaged with the socket so it’s under constant pressure. That in turn helps them withstand shock and vibration surpassing levels tested on Naval ships during shock shake-out trials. The micro-Ds also feature a metal shell that provides a ground plane and shields against EMI. The nine-position micro-D size has the perfect number of contacts needed to deliver 10GBASE-T while also meeting the size and weight constraints. — Brad Taras Senior product manager for Mil-Aero Products Cinch Connectivity
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Klotz: For years, Festo has supported the use of fiber-optic connectors. For example, several of our valve terminals destined for harsh environments feature fiber-optic connectivity. Graham: Interfaces at the component level that transmit complex data (beyond basic information provided) go a long way towards simplifying machine designs. Instead of several I/Os with cabling and wires from every direction coming into the controls, things can be streamlined to localized data hubs and communication channel back to the controls. This in turn trims cost and sets up the overall architecture for success. What’s emerging for fog computing and distributed control? Klotz: Festo’s AX Industrial Apps are AI-based added-value apps that simplify predictive maintenance and predictive energy implementation. They’re also container-based, so can run on a container runtime on-edge (at an onpremises industrial PC) or in the cloud. Cachro: The Dynapar HS35iQ encoder with PulseIQ technology is an addition to the field of smart manufacturing. Its capabilities include system-fault indications for quicker troubleshooting as well as programmable output for increased flexibility. The encoder also features advanced monitoring for detecting various issues such as cable integrity, coupling slip, and temperature fluctuations. The encoder’s
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T. Burke: The latest CLPA protocol is CC-Link IE TSN. It leverages Ethernet with new updates for time-sensitive networking (TSN) functionality. That allows the combining of control networks with realtime and general communications into a single Ethernet. When combined with edge connectivity through gateways, it renders all devices — control-oriented as well as information-oriented — available through edge access. This in turn facilitates troubleshooting and performance management. Our partner Mitsubishi Electric Edge offers gateway modules to access PLCs and information — and share information with cloud resources. Mignano: There’s been significantly increased availability of wireless vibration-monitoring solutions for rotary bearings and rotating machinery. Such technologies have been made possible by the combination of enhanced battery capability (thanks to lithium thionyl chloride-based systems) and low-power micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors. The advancement of these two technologies in robust packaging and advanced communication protocols has enabled myriad wireless batterypowered sensors to arrive on the market over the last three to five years. In contrast with past systems (from more than five years ago) today’s wireless vibration-monitoring solutions are robust, cost effective, and functional. They also provide ROI in months or even weeks in some cases. Sensors that can measure vibration as well as temperature, pressure, flow, humidity, and so on are now available from various vendors for a broad range of applications. Edge-computing devices and data availability are now common and integral to the reliability strategies
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5/31/24 12:28 PM