1. Used for switch quantity control

The ability of PLC to control switch quantities is very strong. The number of input and output points controlled can range from a few dozen or tens of points, to several hundred, thousands, or even tens of thousands. Due to its ability to connect to the internet, the number of points is almost unlimited, and no matter how many points are controlled, the logic problems controlled can be diverse: combination, timing, real-time, delayed, non counting, counting, fixed order, random work, and so on, all of which can be carried out.

The hardware structure of PLC is variable, and the software program is programmable, making it very flexible when used for control. If necessary, multiple sets or groups of programs can be written and called as needed. It is very suitable for the needs of multiple working conditions and state transitions in industrial sites.

There are many examples of using PLC for switch quantity control, which are needed in almost all industrial industries such as metallurgy, machinery, light industry, chemical industry, textile, etc. At present, the primary goal of PLC is incomparable to other controllers, which is that it can be conveniently and reliably used for switch quantity control.

2. Used for analog control

Analog quantities, such as current, voltage, temperature, pressure, etc., vary continuously in magnitude. Industrial production, especially continuous production processes, often requires control over these physical quantities.

As an industrial control electronic device, if PLC cannot control these quantities, it is a major drawback. Therefore, various PLC manufacturers are conducting extensive development in this area. At present, not only large and medium-sized computers can perform analog control, but even small computers can also perform such control. PLC should be equipped with A/D and D/A units for converting analog and digital signals for analog control. It is also an I/O unit, but a special I/O unit.

The A/D unit converts analog signals from external circuits into digital signals and sends them to the PLC; The D/A unit converts the digital signals of the PLC into analog signals and sends them to the external circuit. As a special type of I/O unit, it still has characteristics such as anti-interference of I/O circuits, isolation of internal and external circuits, and exchange of information with input/output relays (or internal relays, which are also an area of PLC working memory that can be read and written).

The A in A/D here mostly refers to current, voltage, and also temperature. A in D/A is mostly voltage or current. The range of voltage and current variation is mostly 0-5V, 0-10V, 4-20mA, and some can also handle positive and negative values. The D here is mostly an 8-bit binary number for small computers, and a 12 bit binary number for medium and large computers. A/D and D/A have both single and multiple channels. There are multiple input and output relays that occupy multiple channels. With A/D and D/A units, the remaining processing is all digital, which is not difficult for PLCs with information processing capabilities. Medium and large PLCs have stronger processing capabilities. They can not only add, subtract, multiply, and divide numbers, but also perform square root and interpolation. They can also perform floating-point operations, and some even have PID instructions. They can perform proportional, differential, and integral operations on deviation measures, thereby generating corresponding outputs. Computers can calculate almost everything they can. In this way, it is completely possible to achieve analog control using PLC.

PLC performs analog control, and there are units combining A/D and D/A, which can be controlled using PID or fuzzy control algorithms to achieve high control quality. The advantage of using PLC for analog control is that while analog control is being carried out, the switch quantity can also be controlled. This advantage is not possessed by other controllers, or the implementation of control is not as convenient as PLC. Of course, if the system is purely analog, using a PLC may not be as cost-effective as using a regulator.

3. Used for motion control

The actual physical quantities include not only switch quantities and analog quantities, but also motion control. The displacement of machine tool components is often expressed in numerical quantities. The effective method for motion control is NC, which is digital control technology. This is a computer-based control technology born in the United States in the 1950s. It is already very popular and well-established today. At present, the CNC rate of metal cutting machine tools in advanced countries has exceeded 40% to 80%, and some even higher. PLC is also based on computer technology and is becoming increasingly sophisticated. PLC can receive counting pulses with frequencies ranging from a few k to several tens of k hertz, which can be received in multiple ways and can also be received in multiple channels. Some PLCs also have pulse output function, and the pulse frequency can reach several tens of k. With these two functions, coupled with PLC’s data processing and computing capabilities, if equipped with corresponding sensors (such as rotary encoders) or pulse servo devices, various controls can be fully implemented according to the principle of NC. High and mid-range PLCs are also developed with NC units or motion units, which can achieve point control. The motion unit can also achieve curve interpolation and control curve motion. So, if the PLC is configured with this type of unit, it is entirely possible to use the NC method for digital quantity control. The newly developed motion unit even released a programming language for NC technology, providing convenience for better digital control using PLC.

4. Used for data collection

With the development of PLC technology, its data storage area is becoming larger and larger. For example, the data storage area (DM area) of Kewei Company’s PLC can reach 9999 words. This vast data storage area can store a large amount of data. Data collection can use a counter to accumulate and record the number of pulses collected, and periodically transfer them to the DM area. Data collection can also be done using A/D units. After converting analog signals into digital signals, they are periodically stored in the DM area. The PLC can also be configured with a small printer to regularly print out data from the DM area.

PLC can also communicate with computers, and the data in the DM area is read out by the computer and then processed by the computer. At this point, the PLC becomes the data terminal of the computer.

Power users have used PLC to record their electricity consumption in real-time, in order to achieve different charging methods for different electricity usage times and pricing, and encourage users to use more electricity during low electricity consumption periods, achieving the goal of reasonable and energy-saving electricity consumption.

5. Used for signal monitoring

There are many self-test signals and internal components in PLC, and most users have not fully utilized their functions. In fact, it can be fully used to monitor the PLC’s own work or to monitor the controlled objects. For a complex control system, especially an automatic control system, monitoring and even further self diagnosis are very necessary. It can reduce system failures, make it easy to find faults, increase the cumulative average time between failures, reduce fault repair time, and improve system reliability.

6. Used for networking and communication

PLC has strong networking and communication capabilities, and new networking structures are constantly being introduced.

PLC can be connected to personal computers for communication, and computers can participate in programming and control the management of PLC, making it more convenient to use.

In order to fully utilize the role of computers, a single computer can be used to control and manage multiple PLCs, up to 32 of which can be used. A PLC can also communicate with two or more computers to exchange information and achieve multiple monitoring of the PLC control system. PLC and PLC can also communicate, with one-on-one PLC communication and several PLCs communication, up to tens or hundreds.

PLC, intelligent instruments, and intelligent execution devices (such as frequency converters) can also be networked for communication, data exchange, and mutual operation. It can be connected into a remote control system, with a system range of up to 10 kilometers or more. It can form a local network, not only PLC, but also high-end computers and various intelligent devices can enter the network. It can be either a bus network or a ring network. The net can also be fitted with a net. Networks can also be bridged. Networking can organize thousands of PLCs, computers, and intelligent devices into one network. Nodes between networks can communicate and exchange information directly or indirectly.

Networking and communication are meeting the needs of today’s computer integrated manufacturing systems (CIMS) and the development of intelligent factories. It can enable industrial control from point to line and then to Aero, connecting equipment level control, production line control, and factory management control as a whole, thereby creating higher efficiency. This infinitely beautiful prospect has become increasingly clear in front of our generation.

The above points of application are emphasized from a qualitative perspective. In terms of quantity, PLCs come in both large and small sizes. So its control range can also be large or small. Small ones only control one device, even one component, one site; Large ones can control multiple devices, one production line, and even the entire factory. It can be said that PLC is indispensable in various occasions of industrial control.

1. The new generation of electromagnetic flowmeter product portfolio simplifies the original product series, dividing ABB electromagnetic flowmeters into two powerful categories: ProcessMaster and AquaMaster

2. The new ProcessMaster and AquaMaster product lines integrate high performance, modularity, and IoT connectivity capabilities, optimizing the choices of industrial and utility customers

3. The new product line will ensure customers’ future investments, and existing devices can be directly upgraded and connected to various latest IoT environments on the provided module upgrade path without the need for large-scale reinvestment

ABB has launched a new generation of electromagnetic flowmeter product portfolio, bringing high-precision, high connectivity, and high flexibility flow measurement experience to utility and industrial applications. This product portfolio strategy simplifies the electromagnetic flowmeter product portfolio, divided into two categories of powerful ProcessMaster and AquaMaster products. These products integrate high performance, modularity, and IoT connectivity capabilities.

Ms. Han Meina, Global Head of ABB’s Measurement and Analysis Instrumentation Business Line, said, “Customers expect us to continuously expand the functionality and performance boundaries that instrumentation can provide. By integrating high-performance, modular, and IoT connectivity capabilities, we redefine our electromagnetic flowmeter products based on customer expectations, ensuring that they achieve high precision, high connectivity, and high flexibility in various applications

The new ProcessMaster series is suitable for flow measurement applications “inside” industrial and utility factories, while the AquaMaster series is designed for “outside” facility applications in factories, providing excellent measurement accuracy in water distribution and trade metering.

Modularity is key to the new product portfolio, stemming from ABB’s commitment to providing sustainable and future oriented solutions and “reducing waste” for customer operations and ABB’s own operations. All models in the new flowmeter series come from a common technology platform, allowing customers to seamlessly switch transmitter and sensor combinations, customize communication options as needed, simplify the upgrade process, while maintaining backward compatibility with the previous generation of electromagnetic flowmeters. Overall, modularity enables customers to adapt to constantly changing technological environments and operational requirements without the need for major maintenance. This reduces overall cost of ownership and extends the product lifecycle.

The IoT connectivity feature has been embedded in all new flow meter models. Users can choose high-speed communication options based on factory on-site measurement or remote applications to enhance the application performance and control of flow meters, strengthen data analysis and process control.

The new ProcessMaster and AquaMaster production lines also adopt intelligent new manufacturing methods, which can shorten delivery time.

The ABB Process Automation Division provides automation, electrification, and digital solutions for industrial operations, meeting a wide range of user needs from energy, water, and material supply to product manufacturing and transportation. With advanced technology and service expertise, the ABB Process Automation Division’s approximately 20000 employees worldwide are committed to helping customers in process industries, hybrid industries, and maritime industries improve operational performance and safety, empowering a more sustainable and efficient future.

ABB is a technology leader in the field of electrical and automation, committed to empowering a more sustainable and efficient future. ABB integrates engineering experience and software technology into solutions to optimize manufacturing, transportation, energy, and operations. With over 140 years of outstanding history, ABB’s approximately 105000 employees worldwide are dedicated to driving innovation and accelerating industrial transformation. ABB has comprehensive business activities in China, including research and development, manufacturing, sales, and engineering services, with approximately 30 local enterprises and 15000 employees in nearly 130 cities. Its online and offline channels cover approximately 700 cities across the country.

1. International collaborative innovation drives breakthroughs in robotics technology and jointly overcomes global challenges

2. The integration and development of artificial intelligence and robotics industry opens a new chapter in the era of intelligence

3. ABB’s cutting-edge robot products debut at conference, exploring new scenarios for “robot+” applications

The 2024 World Robot Conference will be held from August 21st to 25th at the Beijing Economic and Technological Development Zone Beiren Yichuang International Convention and Exhibition Center. The conference, with the theme of “Cultivating New Quality Productivity and Sharing Intelligent New Future”, focuses on three major areas of industrial development, collaborative innovation, and technological innovation, exploring the new changes and opportunities faced by the global robotics industry, and sharing how diverse application scenarios can continuously promote global economic development and social prosperity.

Gu Chunyuan, Chairman of ABB China, Marina Bill, President of the International Federation of Robotics, Global Head of Marketing and Sales for ABB Robotics Business Unit and Global Head of Digital Empowerment Center, and Han Chen, President of ABB Robotics Business Unit China, attended the conference and delivered speeches.

Marina Bill delivered a speech at the opening ceremony of the conference and delivered a keynote speech on the current status, trends, and prospects of the global robotics market at the main forum. She pointed out, “In recent years, robot technology, with its unique charm and enormous potential, is reshaping our world. From industrial production to healthcare, from household services to emergency rescue, robots have become an indispensable part of human society.”

“The global robot market continues to grow strongly, and by 2023, the total number of robots worldwide has exceeded 4 million. This number is not only a powerful proof of the rapid development of robot technology, but also heralds the arrival of a new era of intelligence. The deep integration of artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and 5G technology will endow robots with higher intelligence, flexibility, and efficiency.”

ABB China Chairman Gu Chunyuan, as a guest speaker at the main forum of the World Robot Conference, held a wonderful roundtable forum with leaders and experts from relevant industry organizations at home and abroad on the topic of global robot development and governance. He said, “The development of the global robotics industry has accumulated rich successful experience, but also faces many new challenges. Since the birth of robots, safety has been one of the cores of robot governance, and the entire industry has closely cooperated to establish sound global safety standards. Now, the continuous emergence of new technologies and applications, especially AI connecting robots with the physical world, has brought more severe challenges to robot governance. This requires us to attach great importance to it, continue to work together, and jointly explore effective solutions.

As a model of cutting-edge technology, robots are demonstrating higher intelligence and autonomy, and are increasingly becoming intelligent partners in our work and life. However, more importantly, the development of robots should benefit all countries and regions, bringing welfare to more people. The advancement of robot technology, cost reduction, and remote technical support have made many tasks that were once impossible a reality today.

ABB actively engages in international cooperation and extensive exploration and innovation in areas such as addressing global climate change, protecting biodiversity, ensuring food security, promoting industrial green transformation, and life sciences and new energy materials. For example, it collaborates with the international non-profit organization Junglekeepers to use YuMi robots and RobotStudio cloud technology to assist in the reconstruction of the Amazon rainforest; Using ocean recycled plastic to 3D print customized items, turning plastic pollution into new business opportunities; Support the creation of intelligent automated laboratories to accelerate the research and development of new drugs; Develop AI based automation solutions for laboratory cultivation of seafood products; Provide PixelPaint no overspray technology for electric vehicle production lines, achieving zero waste while improving efficiency.

The rapid development of artificial intelligence and robotics technology has also brought new opportunities to the fields of education and training. Guided programming and natural language processing have greatly lowered the threshold for programming, shifting the focus of education from simple programming skills to how to more efficiently utilize robots to assist human work. This transformation contributes to the popularization of robotics technology, alleviating labor and skill shortages while opening up new employment prospects. In recent years, ABB has continuously enriched its educational robot product line, extensively carried out school enterprise cooperation, and has been committed to supporting the cultivation of young scientific and technological innovation talents and skilled talents in China’s automation field through activities such as the ABB Cup Intelligent Technology Innovation Competition.

Han Chen, President of ABB Robotics China, focused on the current hot topic of artificial intelligence at the World Robot Conference main forum and delivered a keynote speech titled “ABB Robots Assist AI and Industry Integration”, showcasing ABB’s latest application achievements in the field of artificial intelligence and sharing in depth how to integrate AI into robots and automation products to help various industries further explore and unleash their value potential.

Han Chen stated that artificial intelligence is becoming an important driving force for the new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation, and will play a key role in the application of industrial automation in the future. Artificial intelligence endows robots with unprecedented speed, precision, and flexibility, enabling them to undertake more tasks in complex environments such as production factories, warehouses, logistics centers, and laboratories. At the same time, the autonomy and adaptability of robots have also been elevated to a new level, enabling more intelligent and efficient functions such as precise grasping, quality inspection, autonomous navigation in dynamic environments, and human-machine interaction through natural language commands.

Manager: Jinny

E-mail:sales1@xrjdcs.com

Tel: + 86-15359273791 （WhatsApp）