Drives - the great communicators

摘要

Serial communications has virtually revolutionised the way we install and operate drives. Modern fieldbus protocols and Ethernet connectivity now enable a drive to be placed at the centre of a control scheme, where its communications capabilities and inbuilt intelligence can be used to greatest effect. Ten years ago, serial communication systems were being taken up only by visionary and so called 'early adopters'. In the past ten years however, serial communications has grown enormously and moved into the mainstream as systems designers and consultants have become more aware of its significant advantages. Many of the early protocols are still going strong, though some have been enhanced and their capabilities expanded as a result of strategic business areas adopting them to meet their own specific needs.