Plants are now deploying the best solution for each individual function. “A common trend in utilizing industrial networks is the picking of best-of-breed networks for the application,” says Scott Saunders, vice president of sales and marketing at Moore Industries-International Inc., an automation products supplier in North Hills, Calif. “In prior years, it was quite common for a customer to choose a major automation supplier and leave it up to the supplier to decide and install their proprietary networks.”Saunders notes that plant engineers now recognize that no one industrial network effectively meets all of their needs. He explains what protocols typically go with individual functions:• On/Off valves are usually handled more efficiently with protocols such as AS-interface, DeviceNet or Profibus.• Control valves and process transmitters usually are installed with Foundation Fieldbus, Hart Communication Foundation or Profibus PA.• Remote input/output (I/O) devices and motor control centers usually incorporate DeviceNet, Modbus RTU, Modbus TCP or Profibus DP.• Security, fire protection and even remote data gathering requirements are usually installed with wireless technologies such as frequency hopping spread spectrum. They are usually proprietary and encrypted—or even over standard but encryption-capable Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) networks.
Related Feature - Robust Networks Become Essential To Running PlantsTo read the feature article relating to this story, go towww.automationworld.com/feature-7648.Related Sidebar - Integrated Messaging Enables Pre-Emptive Data Center Cooling AutomationTo read the article accompanying this story, go towww.automationworld.com/feature-7649.
Forget complex programmingget smarter, faster automation with MOVI?C. With scalable performance, multibus flexibility, and safety built in, its control tech that adapts to ...
Looking for speed, accuracy, and zero maintenance? SL2 synchronous linear motors deliver high-performance motion without wear partsperfect for pick-and-place, handling, and precision...
Say goodbye to complex programming and hello to effortless automation. With SEW-EURODRIVEs MOVI-C control tech, you get powerful motion control, ready-to-use software modules...
Discover how one of the busiest airports in the U.S. upgraded its baggage handling system to meet strict energy goals and boost performance. See how SEW-EURODRIVE helped American...