Comms/networks

Using HART with asset management systems 24/04/2013
Being the most broadly deployed smart device platform, HART is the right choice for your plant’s asset management system, argues John Yingst, a senior principal product manager for Honeywell Process Solutions. Full Story...

What can the Cloud offer the process industry 19/03/2013
Tim Taberner, of Eurotech, looks at some of the benefits and barriers to adoption of Cloud-based technologies within the process industry. Full Story...

Connecting robot cells to any industrial network 19/02/2013
Svensk Industriautomation in Sweden is using Anybus X-gateways to connect its DeviceNet-based robot cells to any network requested by customers. Full Story...

A fast synchronous network as the basis for achieving a high-performance overall system 23/11/2012
What are the factors for successful automation? Factors such as speed or the performance capability of a particular sensor are often mentioned. However, the outstanding features of an individual component are only an advantage if the design of the overall system is compatible. In practical terms, this means that high-precision sensors are of little use without a fast synchronous network, and vice versa. Full Story...

FDI – A common solution for device management? 25/09/2012
Suzanne Gill reports on the emerging FDI standard, and finds out why end-users should be taking an interest in this latest set of specifications, which aims to offer a single source integration solution for managing the functionality offered by intelligent devices. Full Story...

FDT2 goes public 04/09/2012
The long-awaited public release of the FDT2 standard was announced at the Hannover Messe in April where the FDT Group AISBL took the opportunity to discuss some of its enhancements. Suzanne Gill reports. Full Story...

Preventing unplanned shutdowns with wireless technology 17/07/2012
Rosemount Analytical wireless transmitters are being used to monitor changes in boiler condensate conductivity, detecting leaks that could cause boiler damage at a Heat and Power energy facility. Full Story...

Making wireless instruments self-sufficient 10/07/2012
Suzanne Gill reports on a recent development in energy harvesting technology, which looks set to pave the way for the first generation of truly autonomous wireless instrumentation. Full Story...

Wireless offers flexibility for life 25/06/2012
Suzanne Gill looks at the benefits that are being reported by industrial wireless networks, both during the project implementation stage and throughout the life of a plant. Full Story...

CC-Link and the Gateway to China 18/05/2012
Suzanne Gill reports on a recent webinar, presented by John Browett, acting general manager of the CC-Link Partner Association for Europe, explaining the benefits that CC-Link can offer those looking to export to China. Full Story...

Mobile SCADA increases staff efficiency in logistics operation by 15% and cuts support call costs by 60% 21/11/2011
SCHAD, the developer of the EXTEND7000 mobile SCADA system has implemented a mobile solution for BAUR, a German multichannel retailer. Full Story...

Fieldbus Foundation issues Transducer Block Specification for Wired and WirelessHART devices 11/11/2011
The Fieldbus Foundation has issued a FOUNDATION Wireless and Remote I/O (WIO) preliminary specification addressing fieldbus transducer blocks for wired HART and WirelessHARTdevices, together with updates to the WIO System Architecture and WIO Data Structures related to the transducer block specification. Full Story...

Switching to wireless level detection 08/11/2011
New developments in wireless communications offer a solution for level monitoring without the need for cabling or the associated risk of damaging the existing installation, and enabling configuration and troubleshooting from a central location. Full Story...

Industrial video solution helps users meet safety and security regulations 08/11/2011
Honeywell has introduced the latest addition to its industrial wireless portfolio. The new OneWireless Video Solution, which allows for the enhancement of perimeter security by deploying industrial video cameras over the OneWireless network. Full Story...

CC-Link opens 'Gateway to China' for device vendors 25/10/2011
China’s ongoing industrial development is set to be one of the main driving forces behind global growth for decades to come; market accessibility is therefore vital to many automation companies’ growth prospects. Full Story...

Switched on to analogue, fieldbus and Ethernet 27/09/2011
The launch of MTL’s 9200 series of Industrial Ethernet switches continues to build on the company’s broad networking offering including the Tofino Network Security solution, the 9400 series of Intrinsically Safe Ethernet and a range of wireless solutions. Full Story...

Fieldbus organisations get together to provide simplified wireless communication 06/09/2011
In a bid to convince the process industry to make the best use of wireless communication technology, PROFIBUS & PROFINET International (PI), Fieldbus Foundation (FF) and the HART Communication Foundation are currently working on the development of an architecture for a WirelessHART gateway. Full Story...

Features and benefits of EtherCAT 16/08/2011
Martin Rostan, executive director at EtherCAT Technology Group, explains more about the features and benefits of the EtherCAT industrial Ethernet communication solution. Full Story...

Communications equipped for the future 26/04/2011
Process plant operators demand a high level of reliability and profitability in production. Plants must function in a harsh industrial environment over many years without interruption. The automatic interaction of different systems and components of various manufacturers must be ensured on a continuous basis. Communication systems provide the basis for this type of interaction… Full Story...