Top 10 Control Engineering articles, April 9 to May 9: PLC scanning, Engineers’ Choice, data acquisition and analysis, more

The top 5 most read articles online, from Apr. 9 to May 9 for Control Engineering covered PLC scanning, managing automation upgrades, data manipulation, data acquisition, and neural network training. Link to each article below. Also see what ranked 6-10 over the last month. 

1. Ladder logic 105: PLC scanning

Understanding how scanning works in a programmable logic controller (PLC) is something that needs to be addressed for a user regardless of the program being used.

2. Managing automation upgrades, retrofits

From minor modifications to major overhauls, an automation system will significantly change during its lifecycle. Good planning, research, and following these guidelines can ensure a successful upgrade.

3. Ladder logic 402: Data manipulation and filtering

Once values from an analog card have been captured, there are methods to filter the data and methods to simulate a filter using Microsoft Excel before it is coded into a PLC. 

4. Ladder logic 401: Data acquisition and analysis

A programmable logic controller (PLC) is designed to not only provide information on signal levels, but it can also capture data and it can be analyzed, but there are a number of challenges the user faces from a software and logistical standpoint.

5. Neural networks in process control: Neural network training, implementation 

Part 2 of this 2-part series covers preparing the dataset for training, neural network model training and validation, implementing a neural network model on a control platform, and human-machine interface (HMI) requirements.

More popular stories on Control Engineering

As an online-only feature, we’re featuring the stories that finished 6-10 over the past month.

6. Neural networks in process control: Neural network architecture, controls

Neural networks have been used in process control strategies for years, but they’re still not commonly found in industry. This technology has been applied in a number of fields with great success. With proper training to lift the veil from the technology, it can be more widely applied—without mystery—to solve some of the most nagging process control problems.

7. Ensuring network cybersecurity

Good cybersecurity requires understanding network risks, threats, and the technical safeguards that can prevent unwanted plant data intrusions.

8. Cybersecurity protection enters a new era

Watch for a backdoor cybersecurity assault. End users, integrators, and device manufacturers need to adapt and prepare for this new reality. Follow these cybersecurity steps.

9. Getting to the bottom of subsea repairs

Older pipelines need more attention, and operators need a repair strategy.

10. U.S. motor-driven system energy savings

Efficiency of motor-driven systems: Motor-driven system regulations are changing in the U.S. to improve efficiencies beyond individual motors. Considering the motion control system can deliver more than six times the power savings compared to motor efficiencies alone, according to NEMA committee members.

The list was developed using CFE Media’s web analytics for stories viewed on controleng.com, April 9 to May 9, for articles published within the last two months.  

Chris Vavra, production editor, CFE Media, cvavra@cfemedia.com.

Original content can be found at Oil and Gas Engineering.

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