IT Technology for industrial controls

It is the author’s opinion that integration of the controls networking  and the IT network is inevitable. It became inevitable the moment the controls industry chose to use Ethernet as the medium with which to communicate data. The controls industry may choose to be dragged kicking and screaming into the modern automation  era, or it can gracefully embrace the change. Embracing means the controls industry would be able to leverage the myriad rich, existing technologies that have been proven foolproof in the IT world. To be dragged kicking and screaming into the modern communications era would do a terrible injustice to those who have worked diligently to bring it about. This could quite possibly add an entirely new facet to the fieldbus wars, which I hope have not been forgotten.

With that said, the controls world is going to be moving with an industry that has a definite consumer bias, with product development and release cycles of six months or less. In an industry where the average life expectancy of an automotive production line is eight years, it is impossible to expect the networking in an industrial setting to keep up with modern IT standards. Therefore, we turn our attention to the technologies that have existed the longest, with the most open standards and the very best support. These are the protocols we wish to use and keep, and this article highlights and explains some of these technologies.

refer to:

http://www.automation.com/leveraging-it-technology-for-industrial-controls-applications

Security and reliability is an utter-most issue

A factory is only as strong as its weakest link, so every Internet of Things client in the factory needs protection from viruses, malware, and hacking to prevent costly interruptions to factory operation. The 4th generation Intel Core processor adds a number of features to its security portfolio, including McAfee’s Deep Defender technology, which resides between the memory and embedded system to perform real-time memory and CPU monitoring without impacting overall system performance. (McAfee is an Associate member of the Alliance.) As shown in Figure 5 (page 22), additional security elements include multiple solutions. TenAsys also offers the INtime RTOS family, which can run as a stand-alone RTOS or alongside Microsoft Windows as shown in Figure 3. Both products enable users to partition a multicore platform to run mixed fanless embedded systems, making better use of the processor’s advanced features to provide highly integrated  solutions. (Microsoft and TenAsys are both Associate members of the Alliance.)

refer to:

http://embedded-computing.com/articles/transform-factory-the-intel-core-processor/

Intel Core processor family is coming soon!

Throughout history, new fanless embedded systems have transformed the manufacturing industry. From the invention of steam engines to the introduction of computerized controls, these technologies have led to enormous leaps in productivity and quality. Today we are at another turning point. The introduction of embedded systems and Internet of Things technology are enabling unprecedented data sharing and analysis, turning previously disconnected manufacturing systems into an efficient, highly responsive whole.

The 4th generation Intel Core processor family is bringing the Internet of Things to the factory floor. With 2x faster signal processing, the processors support analytics applications like machine vision and equipment monitoring. Newly solutions secure communications tie together the factory floor, control room, and supply chain. And the up to 60 percent faster graphics and flexible I/O permit industrial equipment manufacturers to combine previously separate hardware, reducing cost and complexity.

refer to:

http://embedded-computing.com/articles/transform-factory-the-intel-core-processor/

Power plant efficiency in search

In power plant, the actuator and valve create a single unit — the control valve. Actuators perform different motion sequences, including linear, pivoting and rotating motions, and they are powered by pneumatic, hydraulic or electrical energy. Actuators receive a control signal from automation systems and single board computer. The single board computer is converted into a motion so that the control element of the actuating element assumes a corresponding position. With control valves, this is a stroke motion. With flaps, ball cocks or rotary plug valves, this is a pivoting motion.
Power plants have traditionally used pneumatic actuators to drive the many control valves throughout their facilities. However, major improvements in embedded systems control-valve actuator technology are helping power providers achieve their most important objectives at a lower cost.
The new electric actuators can hold up to the demands of continuous movement.

refer to: http://www.power-eng.com/articles/print/volume-117/issue-8/features/opportunities-to-improve-efficiency.html

Qseven Computer-On-Module (COM) challenges

Increasing numbers of patients, shrinking numbers of embedded computer physicians, and rising costs are pushing the medical field further into the age of telehealth. Unlike traditional clinical platforms, however, telemedicine demands portability, flexibility, and long lifecycle support from Small Form Factor (SFF) technologies. Targeted at low-power mobile applications, Revision 2.0 of the Qseven Computer-On-Module (COM) specification added support for ARM CPUs and defined a "micro" form factor, making it good Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) medicine for next-generation telehealth systems.

Go to doctor’s office. Wait. See embedded computer Primary Care Physician. Get tested. Wait. Get referred to specialist. Get retested. Wait. Get referred to another specialist. Wait. See how much insurance covers. Pay accordingly.

refer to: http://smallformfactors.com/articles/qseven-coms-healthcare-mobile/

Satisfying rugged memory requirements

While demands for ruggedized embedded devices continue to rise, memory module suppliers continue to make technology advancements and associated manufacturing enhancements that meet the needs of OEMs. DDR3 SODIMM, DDR3L, and lower-profile DDR3L are all examples of new technologies that help satisfy rugged memory requirements. These advancements solve many design challenges, including low power, enhanced thermal dissipation, and extended-temperature tolerance while delivering the performance needed for today’s complex embedded systems.

refer to : http://embedded-computing.com/articles/ruggedization-memory-module-design/

Embedded developers challenge to fasten system operating

Developers can often find answers to their questions through the Internet, but no one is on the hook to research and respond to a embedded computer specific question. Open source products are generalized in order to fit the widest array of users and can force designers to modify the hardware configuration, resulting in higher recurring cost for the embedded device. Cost is obviously a major deciding factor when selecting an embedded operating system. Since there is essentially no cost of goods with software, vendors can adjust their pricing model to generate revenue from various sources. Vendors can charge for an initial license fee, development seats per engineer, development tools, per-unit royalties, continuing support, or major upgrades. To fairly compare prices, the overall cost of ownership must be computed for each OS being considered.

 

refer to: http://embedded-computing.com/articles/choose-right-embedded-operating-system/