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Keywords:
programmable logic controller, PLC, Industry 4.0, Micro PLC
APPLICATION NOTE 6159
MEETING THE INTEGRATION CHALLENGE IN
PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC CONTROLLERS
Abstract: Industrial manufacturing is deploying the latest sensor technologies, adopting new control architectures, and starting to
discover the potential of “big data” and analytics in a transition called Industry 4.0. Manufacturing is increasing the number of
sensors used to track environmental and process variables. This is, in turn, accelerating the transition to a distributed-control
architecture, where plant operators reduce bottlenecks and shorten control loops by moving programmable logic controllers
(PLCs) closer to the processes that they control. In this app note we discuss how the promise of improved operational
efficiencies and yields will lead to the largest overhaul of plant operations since the invention of the PLC, and to the need for
much more analog integration in PLCs and Micro PLCs.
Introduction
In today's highly competitive global economy, small improvements in manufacturing processes can yield huge competitive
advantages.
This mindset is driving fundamental transformations across the factory floor. Manufacturers are deploying the latest sensor
technologies, adopting new control architectures, and starting to discover the potential of "big data" and analytics. Often called
Industry 4.0, what's happening in manufacturing is nothing short of a revolution (
Figure 1).
Figure 1. Once again, technology advances are transforming the production environment. Contemporary technology is offering
significant advantages to manufacturers who invest in the
latest control and automation equipment.
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