BEST OF THE BLOG

Learning Electronics

During my trip to National Instruments a couple of weeks ago, I saw a demo that took me back to my youth when I was studying electronics. I got my hands on a kit with instructions where there was a breadboard and a huge pile of resistors, capacitors, coils and other cool components and I learned to build and troubleshoot circuits. Well take this idea into the 21st century... Read more

Wireless News

There are two news items from the ISA Wireless Networking committee this week. Behind the scenes, there is still considerable debate about how to handle the WirelessHart standard. But the first letter ballot of the ISA100.11a Working Group is underway. After an initial flurry of posturing by various companies about whether there should be just one ubiquitous standard for all wireless networks... Read more

Automation Minutes

Thoughts on Microsoft/Yahoo and HP/EDS with an automation spin. Also a report on Gary's Texas trip and ISA100... Read more

Breakthrough in CAD?

Siemens PLM Software has announced what it terms a significant breakthrough in CAD technology. For those of you who have not kept pace with acquisitions, Siemens PLM was formed with the acquisition of UGS, which itself was a CAD/PLM player that acquired Tecnomatix that in turn had acquired SCADA... Read more

Living in interesting times

I'm a long-time fan of Levenger and Steve's "Well-Read Life" blog. Here's a life post that has some quite valuable thoughts about living in a time of change... Read more

ANNOUNCEMENT

Upcoming Webcast -- "Why Safety PLCs are Not Enough"

In this Webcast from Automation World, you'll learn why a safety PLC is not enough to provide adequate safety protection. The speakers will provide an overview of machine safety, including component selection, and will discuss how to perform a safety risk assessment. Register Now
Sponsored by Bosch Rexroth Corp.