Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1091269
38 PCB007 MAGAZINE I MARCH 2019 tool controller. PLCs became a major device in machine control (Figure 1). PLCs are the most abundant smart control- lers on the factory floor today. They come in all sizes, capabilities, and price ranges; some start at $60 USD. Many are hardened for harsh environments or outdoor use. Further, the flex- ibility of PLCs comes from the variety of units that can be plugged into them, such as convey- ors, robots, PID process controllers, inspection, and test. Figure 2a shows an Ethernet group controller, and Figure 2b demonstrates a typi- cal PLC and display monitor. Software and Network Protocols For factory automation software, HP devel- oped CAD tools for PCB design and mechanical engineering that had data acquisition, SCADA, and test systems. The business computer divi- sion developed MRP and ERP software. In 1982, HP acquired Genesis Corporation, including IC- 10 and six others, such as PC-10 and software products for factory control. HP had a complete software solution for factory automation con - nectivity that they developed for General Mo- tors and the MAPS TM implementation. As this new software group was made into a division, they expanded their product line to include quality, test, and inspection systems; a CNC system; materials handling software; and an in - dustrial process control system licensed from Mount Isa Mines. HP's products were intended for typical factory automation networks typified by the four-level hierarchies seen in prior publi- cations and by the ISA-95 standard. Application software can be much more complex, as shown with the seven-level ISO model. Figure 3 shows the data structures and data ownership that the application software needs to embrace to fulfill its command and control for levels 3–7. Figure 1: In the smart factory, Ethernet is used to network PCs, controllers, displays, CNC, AOI, and other intelligent, industrial automa- tion controllers to higher factory-wide software and lower level-networks often used to connect controllers to field instruments and sensors. (Source: Siemens)