Festo Type IPC FEC Standard PLC. This slimmed down PLC has more going for it than its compact size (156.8 x 105 x 35 mm, W, H, D) for smaller cabinets. Its front panel plug-in sensor/actuator wire connector (SAC) eliminates the need for terminal strips for those peripherals, saving space and installation time. In addition to providing connection of inputs, outputs, and the power supply, the SAC has a status indicating LED. The three-wire version of the connector has internally connected bridges for 0 and 24V dc, which allow for any sensor or actuator to feed directly into the connector. Set up is further speeded up by the FST Software PLC programming language that uses simple IF/THEN/OTHERWISE statements. And Palm Top-based teaching can be used for configuring the controller. (www.festo-usa.com) Enter 582
WIDE-SPECTRUM, MODULAR DRIVE
Bosch Rexroth IndraDrive M. Flexibility of this modular drive system is enhanced because of its wide output spectrum, from 1.5 to 120 kW. The system incorporates both servo drive and frequency converter technology on one platform, which includes open- and closed-loop control, notes Daniel Schiopu, Product Support Engineer. Thus the same drive package, interfaces, and power section can be used for machines with different requirements. The modular and scalable hardware design is combined with basic software packages for servo modes and available, standardized extension packs for function upgrades—which include axis-error correction, synchronization of axes, and industry-specific functionality via the drive-integrated PLC. Furthermore, IndraDrive M supports all standard control communication systems as well as analog and parallel interfaces. (www.boschrexroth-us.com) Enter 583
PLC REDUNDANCY
Omron Electronics CS1D Duplex PLC. Designed with redundancy for critical processes and systems, this controller can initiate its backup CPU within one program scan of detecting a primary CPU malfunction. "This is on the order of 1 ms, compared to 100-150 ms of previous controllers," notes John Giardina, market manager for automation. Engineers cut the time by running the duplex communication bus on the backplane along with a duplex module for synchronizing the two CPUs. Redundancy is also found in twin power supplies, both of which run at half load for long life. System software will also shut down communications and I/O cards if there is a malfunction, allowing these modules to be hot-swapped without shutdown. (www.info.omron.com) Enter 584
Almost every automaker has had to 'pick a side' when it comes to alternative fuel options and ways to divest from a reliance on gasoline. Fiat is looking to back compressed natural gas or liquid propane as an interim solution.
Designing and filling a new type of water bottle might take less engineering work, but the description will help kids understand how science, math, and engineering influence their lives even through things that seem mundane.
Against a backdrop of mounting product complexity and a need to keep a lid on development costs, companies are recognizing a need to make simulation a more integral part of the design process. In response, vendors in the CAD world are building out CAE functionality as part of their CAD suites while simulation vendors are building tighter integrations to leading CAD tools. Keith Meintjes, Ph.D., Practice Manager, Simulation and Analysis at CIMdata, Inc., joins Design News CAD Editor Beth Stackpole in this radio program to explore the new face of integrated CAD and CAE, how companies are benefitting from this tighter partnership between platforms, and how integrating CAE earlier in the development cycle pays off in optimized product designs.
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