Electricity + Control 2019

CONTROL SYSTEMS + AUTOMATION

along with the devices. Depending on the tech- nology, different formats are used (EDDL, GSD, GSDML, IODD). The challenge in connecting field devices is loading and interpreting the device descriptions and making the data supplied from the field devices accessible in the data platform using a generic set of semantics. Ideally, data from field devices can then be accessed without needing to know the communication technology that has been used. Pepperl+Fuchs has worked with Neoception and CodeWrights, to develop a solution for process engineering field devices.

Sensor data is transmitted by accessing the platforms via an application programming interface (API), which is unique to every system. To connect an edge gateway, the gateway software must use this platform's API. Pepperl+Fuchs has created a spin-off company for such software services to give its customers flexibility in choosing a data platform. Neoception combines expertise in sensors and IT know-how and provides links (known as connec- tors) to all cloud systems available on the market. There is a range of different protocols for com- munication on the sensor/actuator level, but no uniform set of semantics. For each type of field device, appropriate commands must be generated according to specific rules and the answers must be interpreted in accordance with these rules. The specific properties of the field devices can be found in the description files (‘Device Description’, DD), which are supplied by the manufacturers

Sensors deliver data on industrial processes as well as about their identity and condition; parameter sets can be adapted to different applications.

For more information contact Pepperl+Fuchs, email: info@pepperl-fuchs.com, or visit: www.pepperl-fuchs.com

round up

CONTROL SYSTEMS + AUTOMATION

A growing online engineering community

- an advanced 3D CAD tool based on direct mechanical model- ling techniques - a fully specified electrical CAD package for the design of con- trol panel, machinery and electrical systems - a library of schematic symbols and PCB footprints, which are - the DesignSpark Toolbox app for engineers, and other tools. DesignSpark further provides a platform for members to share their projects and opinions and connect with other engineers and students. Last year, RS Components launched its Africa website which is geared to meet the requirements of a growing mar- ket with demand from various industries such as manufac- turing, mining, automotive, utilities, electronics and industrial IoT. The new website enables customers to receive their prod- ucts more quickly, delivery costs are cheaper and customers can pay online. This opens the door for more markets in Sub- compatible for leading PCB software packages - 3D models available to use in CAD designs

RS Components (RS), the trading brand of Electrocomponents plc, a global multi-channel provider of industrial and electronic products and solutions, recently announced that its DesignSpark online en- gineering community has grown to more than 750 000 members. DesignSpark was launched in 2010 to provide design engineers and students around the globe with free tools, resources and con- tent to help them remove barriers, save time and turn their ideas into reality. Mike Bray, Vice President of DesignSpark, said, “We would like to say a huge thank you to every single member of the DesignSpark community. There is a great feeling of togetherness within the community and it is great to see how engineers support each other to achieve amazing things with the help of our tools and resources. “Since day one, RS has sought to give something back to the electronics industry through DesignSpark, by providing free pro- fessional tools and resources for engineers. We are proud to see the continuing growth of the community and are committed to further enhancing our platform for the growing user base.” During the nine years since it launched DesignSpark, RS has continued to improve the functionality and range of resources available through the online ecosystem. This has resulted in an increase in new members; more than 35% of DesignSpark’s cur- rent membership joined in the past two years. Registering on DesignSpark is free of charge and all members gain access to: - a professional-grade schematic-capture and PCB design soft- ware package

Saharan Africa to access prod- ucts through the dedicated e-commerce platform. Enquiries: RS Components. Tel: +27 (0)11 691 9300, or visit: www.rsonline.africa DesignSpark offers members an interactive platform to share projects and ideas.

Electricity + Control

JUNE 2019

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