The communication network is the single most important technological component of a machine or plant control system. Martin Rostan offers some food for thought about how the fieldbus choice is made.
Volker E. Goller discusses time-sensitive networking – He looks at why it is being developed and what advantages it will offer for industrial communications.
Suzanne Gill finds out how industrial communications are supporting and simplifying the digital migration process.
After 30 years Modbus is still one of the most popular industrial networks, despite its simplicity. This could just be the reason for its popularity: just bits and bytes, understood by every programmer. But getting a new network to work is not always simple. Rob Hulsebos aims to make all things Modbus a bit clearer.
Uwe Widmann asks whether single-pair Ethernet (SPE) technology herald a breakthrough for Ethernet right down to sensor connection at field level? And does single-pair Ethernet have what it takes to supplant conventional field bus systems?
Peter Wenzel, executive director of PROFIBUS & PROFINET International, Germany, highlights the importance of standardisation for data communication technologies.
Industrial security is a complicated, multifaceted challenge that cannot be solved by simply purchasing the latest technology. Instead, managing the security of industrial control systems and networks requires improving processes, tools and ultimately balancing risk, says Glenn Schulz.
It is becoming apparent that the reluctance to move beyond 100Mbit Ethernet technology is a very real limiting factor for Industry 4.0 adoption. John Browett, general manager at CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA) Europe, argues that the transition to gigabit Ethernet networking technologies has to start now.
Manufacturers are now gearing up to ride the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) wave. Although the progress has been slow, manufacturers at different stages of their IIoT transformation are already beginning to experience the benefits of digitisation, says Matthew Lee, product manager at Moxa.
John Browett explains why open industrial networks are fundamental components of a smart factory.
Industrial organisations are now able to bring systems, applications and devices together in a unified architecture to exchange information throughout the enterprise thanks to the integration of FDT and OPC UA standards.
Markus Weinländer provides examples of cloud-based quality control to demonstrate the possibilities of Time Sensitive Networking (TSN).
Ross Yu explains the importance of data reliability and network security in IIoT applications, examines real-life case studies, and discusses key considerations when selecting an IIoT wireless solution.
The latest developments to the Advanced Physical Layer project to enable Ethernet to the Field were reported at ACHEMA by three leading standards-based organisations for suppliers of process automation. Suzanne Gill reports.
Toyota upgraded its communication networks to an open, gigabit Ethernet technology to help it increase the availability of its production lines and improve the transparency of data.
Find out more about how Field Device Integration (FDI) technology looks set to provide automation stakeholders with a better user experience and an open, future-proofed standard for integration of field devices with process and enterprise systems.
Control Engineering Europe reports on the latest developments from the FDT Group, which is advancing its open standard for enterprise-wide network and asset integration.
Scott Keller, founder and CEO at SignalFire Wireless Telemetry, offers some advice on determining the best wireless frequency for remote monitoring and control systems.
Marco Reichenbächer explains how AGVs can be freed from their traditional guidance system limitations through the use of wireless communication technology.
Suzanne Gill reports on the issues surrounding industrial digitalisation, and finds out why it is vital to put in the groundwork now to ensure a smarter factory in the future.