| Interface technology: Vital Link |
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Interface technology faces new challenges as the market continues to expand |
The role played by interface technology is not immediately obvious. However interface technology actually helps drive innovation in the world of field communications. Interface solutions bridge the gap between controllers and the field environment, and they also perform signal conversion and monitor field devices.
There have been major changes in the world of process automation during the past three years. Users and manufacturers have had to cope with Ethernet, wireless technology and fieldbus systems, and they have tended to give less attention to interface technology. It is easy to forget that interface systems ensure that the link between all of the automation systems remains intact.
The market for interface products benefits from the growth in automation system sales. Long-term growth is expected to be in the 6-8 percent range. The market for traditional interface technology will also grow, albeit at a slower rate than the fieldbus segment.
The right information
The seamless flow of information on a variety of process variables makes a major contribution to efficiency in the chemical industry. Pressure, temperature, flow rates and levels are some of the key process parameters. Besides analogue (4-20 m) control signals, there is a whole range of digital message and command signals. Process control systems or PLCs process and forward the signals.
On their way to the control layer, these signals pass through the interface layer where the signals are converted into a format which the controller can interpret. The interface can perform electrical isolation, power reduction or signal conversion. Interface circuitry ensures that the signals comply with specifications, and it prevents shorts circuits from effecting other instrumentation. For information flowing in the opposite direction, the interfaces ensure that commands from the control system (PLC or controller) are understood.
Thus interface technology is one of the core elements in an automation system along side of sensors, actuators and controllers. Interface components have to meet the same reliability and
durability requirements as the other subsystems...
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