Great point, TJ. Certainly engineered cables need to be designed carefully and tested extensively at longer distances. If it isn't right, I'm sure Rockwell will find out about it. But that's still a legitimate concern for system engineers.
The important part of single cable servo hardware is the cable. Rockwell will need to impress experienced engineers that they've designed the cable so that the feedback signals are immune to the noisy power signals.
Obviously added EtherNet/IP to their mid-range motion control offering is the main story, but the single cable combining power and feedback might be the most unique benefit. Also covers both servos and induction motors with single platform.
Yes, it seems to be the case, you're right. Putting more functionality in one device reduces the need for multiple components, as you point out. And Ethernet/IP is becoming more prevalent in device design as it seems that everything is required to be connected to a network these days.
Elizabeth, it seems that the trend is to increase integration of these types of devices. Many in the past were made up of separate components. The use of EtherNet/IP also eases integration and cuts costs. Interesting application.
New versions of BASF's Ecovio line are both compostable and designed for either injection molding or thermoforming. These combinations are becoming more common for the single-use bioplastics used in food service and food packaging applications, but are still not widely available.
Andrew Morris designed a circuit that could detect a stroke victim's groan and convert the sound into a signal so caregivers would know when help was needed.
New disc magnet motors fit into the design trend of stepping up to closed loop performance while maintaining the cost advantage of stepper motor technology.
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For industrial control applications, or even a simple assembly line, that machine can go almost 24/7 without a break. But what happens when the task is a little more complex? That’s where the “smart” machine would come in. The smart machine is one that has some simple (or complex in some cases) processing capability to be able to adapt to changing conditions. Such machines are suited for a host of applications, including automotive, aerospace, defense, medical, computers and electronics, telecommunications, consumer goods, and so on. This radio show will show what’s possible with smart machines, and what tradeoffs need to be made to implement such a solution.
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