Intelligent analog input modules

July 2003 PLCs, DCSs & Controllers Robotics & Mechatronics

A range of analog input modules use microprocessor-controlled, high-resolution, 16-bit, sigma-delta A/D converters to acquire sensor signals such as voltage, current, thermocouple or RTD.

The ADAM-4000 series modules from ProMicro, translate analog data into either engineering units, % of FSR, two's complement or ohms. After receiving a request from the host computer, data is sent in the desired format over the RS485 network. Modules may be remotely configured for 14 different combinations of input types and ranges such as T/C, mA, V and mV. This reduces stock requirements, as only one model is required for all functions.

ADAM-4018M features six differential and two single-ended channels. Its 128 KB of Flash memory can accommodate up to 38 000 data samples and will write until the memory is exhausted. With a remotely configurable sampling interval of 2 s to 18 h, the module is the ideal link between industrial processes and the PC, enabling remote process monitoring from virtually any computer.

For more information contact Elton Prytz, ProMicro, 011 706 7913, info@promicro.co.za, www.promicro.co.za

Further reading:

Loop signature Part 2-6
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
This instalment of the Loop Signature series introduces frequency plot theory as a foundation for understanding process dynamics, explaining Bode plots, dynamic gain, phase lag and their relationship to control loop tuning.

Read more...

---

The rise of software-defined brownfield automation
Schneider Electric South Africa PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Automation Expert is enabling brownfield operators to modernise incrementally, decoupling control logic from hardware to bridge legacy equipment and future-ready operations without disrupting production.

Read more...

---

Upgrading alarm systems for critical industries
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Omniflex’s OMNI16R alarm annunciator platform provides a direct replacement for legacy CSA systems such as MPAS 90 and SA9100, enabling operators in oil and gas, nuclear and power generation to modernise alarm infrastructure without sacrificing the clarity required for safe operations.

Read more...

---

How DCS can step off the hardware obsolescence treadmill
Schneider Electric South Africa PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Schneider Electric argues that virtualising DCS environments breaks the cycle of hardware obsolescence, giving plant operators a smarter path to lifecycle modernisation without production disruption.

Read more...

---

Loop signature Part 2-6
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
The Loop Signature series turns to frequency plot theory, explaining Bode open-loop plots and how dynamic gain, phase lag and crossover frequency can be extracted from test data to inform more accurate control loop tuning.

Read more...

---

OMRON Robotics demos next-generation autonomous mobile robots
Editor's Choice News & events Robotics & Mechatronics
Advancing smarter material flow with the all-new LD-150 and LD-300 AMRs, OMRON Robotics demonstrated the next generation of its flagship LD series autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) at Automate 2026 in June.

Read more...

---

PC-based control in surgery
Beckhoff Automation Editor's Choice PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Researchers at the University of Basel are using Beckhoff PC-based control technology to develop a miniature laser robot for minimally invasive bone surgery.

Read more...

---

IIoT controller for the field and control cabinet
ifm - South Africa PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
The IIoT controller from ifm is a powerful, communicative and flexible PLC solution in machine and plant digitalisation.

Read more...

---

How the DCS can step off the hardware obsolescence treadmill
Schneider Electric South Africa PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Ageing servers and unsupported operating systems are quietly eroding the stability of process plants that rely on distributed control systems. Kobus Vermeulen of Schneider Electric explains how virtualising the DCS environment can break the hardware obsolescence cycle without disrupting operations.

Read more...

---

Centralised control rooms where growth is elastic, not physical
Schneider Electric South Africa PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Modernised control rooms feature distributed control system architecture consolidated into centralised compute environments. replacing traditional PCs with thin clients.

Read more...

---