IEN: What innovations are in store for users of equipment, systems, and peripherals? What enhancements can be expected in software?
Latino: A dedicated handheld tool for assisting in troubleshooting and configuring of distributed I/O. As these devices become more complex, configuration and troubleshooting also become more difficult. While it is true that all C & T can be done via the network, typically a trained engineer is involved during initial stages. But what about replacing and reconfiguring at 3 a.m.? Is the technician on the factory floor trained and prepared to reconfigure a new device using PC-based tools? Does the master PLC always support auto config? A low-cost, rugged, and intuitive dedicated HH tool can be the answer. (Pictured, CPX Handheld from Festo.)
IEN: How much progress has been made in debugging?
Latino: The Festo CPX valve terminal I/O system assists in debugging by retaining the last 40 events, with a time stamp in ms resolution. For example, this can detect power cycle or noise-induced anomalies. Although this data is available via the network, most users don''t spend the effort to program their systems to collect this data. The HH tool is an excellent debugging device, because now all data is available to a technician.
IEN: Will HMI/MMI go wireless?
Latino: Currently, the Festo CPX Handheld Tool is connected via a dedicated RS-232 port. In the future, these connections will definitely exist via a wireless scheme, to easily access devices that are hard to reach. Of course, a major concern will always be security.