2015 marks the 25th anniversary of the introduction of PROFIBUS technology to world markets. To celebrate this momentous year, alongside the 27th combined meetings of PI, we are delighted that Ireland was selected as the venue for the meetings and celebrations. (more…)
The PROFIBUS & PROFINET International (PI) booth at Hanover Fair this year saw a heavy amount of foot traffic. News from the trade-show includes announcements about PROFINET testing, a new Regional PI Association (RPA) in Chile, new PI Competence Centers in Bolivia and Peru, and IO-Link node counts. An informal, but more detailed look at the Fair is on the PROFIblog. (more…)
The official theme of this year’s Fair was “Integrated Industry – Join the Network” but the real theme was “Industry 4.0,” sometimes spelled the German way “Industrie 4.0.” And PROFINET, PROFIBUS, and IO-Link feed the Industrial Internet of Things portion of Industry 4.0. (more…)
Did you know that IO-Link allows automatic parameter assignment by the PLC?
With IO-Link, the parameter assignment of the devices is stored in the higher-level automation system and is transferred automatically if a device is replaced. Moreover, the PLC can access, read, and write any parameters during operation. (more…)
Development of Fortescue Metals Group’s (FMG) 60mtpa (Million Tons Per Annum) Solomon Iron Ore Project in Western Australia’s Pilbara was completed in just over two years – including the construction of two new mines, primary and secondary crushers, two ore processing facilities, PROFINET & PROFIBUS control networks, 15km of overland conveyors, rail, and other infrastructure. (more…)
This month’s PI Updates include turning a widely-read PROFIBUS book, Catching the Process Fieldbus: An Introduction to Profibus for Process Automation, into a free eBook, announcing a 25-year retrospective video, and PROFIblog posts about the Industrial Internet of Things and Hanover Fair including a look at the “lighter side”. (more…)
The month of June is shaping up to be a busy month for training. Find an event in your area and increase your expertise in PROFIBUS, PROFINET, or both! Free and paid classes are available, catering to varying levels of experience. In Germany there will be a plugfest and PROFINET workshops. In North America, free PROFINET training classes continue. Two IO-Link workshops are scheduled in Europe. (more…)
News from around the world this month comes from China and the UK. The first Chinese-produced PROFINET product is certified with the product certificate being presented in a ceremony at the PI Booth at Hanover Fair. PI UK reports first graduates from a Certified PROFIBUS System Designer class. The class was developed to fill a need of UK water companies. (more…)