IEN: What are the major concerns facing automation, and how can they be addressed?
Lupo: One of the major concerns facing automation still remains in the communication protocols and standards. The "fieldbus wars" of the 90s have turned into the "protocol wars" of the 2000s. It''s clear that Ethernet is sizing up to be the communications highway of choice. However, the industrial issues with the technology still focus on protocol standardization. Right now, it looks like Modbus TCP, Ethernet IP, FF-HSE, and upcoming Profinet are the "polarizing" protocol camps driving the industrial automation markets.
Once you get past this, the real time/cost drivers plaguing automation then remain in solving the design / install / commission / service / product life of these networks. This involves building a skilled labor force and solving issues such as standard software / programming tools, diagnostic tools, hardware/instrumentation addressing, switching, security, and redundancy, among other things. Acromag has developed leading edge and cost-effective Ethernet Switching Technology and I/O devices that use Modbus TCP and Ethernet IP standards. These products solve many of the concerns facing automation today.
IEN: What innovations are in store in software, systems, intelligent field devices, digital manufacturing, customization, optimization, and other areas?
Lupo: I would expect to see more browser-configurable or auto-configurable devices (at the field level). These products will offer more sophistication with onboard diagnostics and should begin to solve the issues noted earlier (i.e. software, addressing, switching, security, and redundancy) to help build a more reliable, easier to use, "plug-n-play" automation network.
IEN: What are the R & D hotspots, and which R & D areas are closest to commercialization?
Lupo: R & D hotspots are focusing on the communications protocols in regard to further definitions and safety systems. Communication mediums are also an R & D hotspot relating to wireless, fiber optics, and Ethernet switching technologies. Acromag''s Model 900EN-S005 offers the latest technology advances in Ethernet switching. It''s a 5-port switch housed in 1 in. wide Din Rail package. It offers 10/100 Communications, Isolation on all ports, auto mdi/mdix on all ports, performance over -25 to 70C, CE/UL/cUL CL1Div2 approvals and whole host of advancements in Ethernet switching technology.
IEN: Can obstacles to wireless applications be overcome?
Lupo: Eventually they''ll be minimized and reduced greatly. However, for the foreseeable future it will continue to be difficult to use or justify wireless communications in critical systems with a zero downtime tolerance. For this reason, the popularity and security of copper-wire will continue and fiberoptics will grow.
IEN: Can 24/7 preventive or predictive monitoring be assured in Ethernet-based systems?
Lupo: Sure. More importantly, Ethernet provides a terrific opportunity to build "redundant" systems, not just intelligent systems.
IEN: How much progress has been made in preventing software and hardware debugging issues? Installation challenges?
Lupo: Acromag''s latest Ethernet I/O products offer many advancements in remote/distributed I/O technology. The products include built-in web pages that are viewed using any Internet browser (i.e. no added cost for special software configuration/communication tools), isolated 10/100 Mbps communications, Modbus TCP or Ethernet IP protocols, support addressing to be performed in one of three ways (i.e. Static IP addressing set by user, DHCP/BootP, or DHCP/BootP w/fallback values), while being designed to operate over -25 to 70C and located in areas rated up to CL1Div2 without the need of a special housing.
Another very important advancement is that the units support up to 10 sockets in each module. This means that the Ethernet network may have up to 10 different masters accessing the same I/O module at virtually the same time. Supporting up to 10 masters at the same time opens many doors in network design possibilities but it also makes debugging and troubleshooting easier as you can "jump on the network" while it''s working to check things out.