The age of the PLC platform is now

摘要

Can an automation system be more than just the sum of its parts? Barry Weller argues that it can and that the age of the PLC platform is now bringing a host of benefits that extend far beyond ease of programming and simplicity of integration Replacements and upgrades aside, it is rare today that automation components are purchased in isolation. More commonly, a mix of controllers, PLCs, inverters, servo components, networking cards, HMIs, I/O modules, will be purchased as a total solution, building a system for machine control, process control, positioning, production line automation and even factory-wide coordination.