Top 5 Control Engineering articles, April 11-17: PLC scanning, automation upgrades, data acquisition and analysis, more

Articles about PLC scanning, managing automation upgrades, data acquisition and analysis, ensuring cyber security protection were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from April 11-17. Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra April 18, 2016

The top 5 most read articles online, from Apr. 11-17 for Control Engineering covered PLC scanning, managing automation upgrades, data acquisition and analysis, ensuring cyber security protection. Link to each article below. 

1. Ladder logic 105: PLC scanning

Understanding how scanning works in a programmable logic controller (PLC) is something that needs to be addressed for a user regardless of the program being used.

2. Managing automation upgrades, retrofits

From minor modifications to major overhauls, an automation system will significantly change during its lifecycle. Good planning, research, and following these guidelines can ensure a successful upgrade.

3. Ladder logic 401: Data acquisition and analysis

A programmable logic controller (PLC) is designed to not only provide information on signal levels, but it can also capture data and it can be analyzed, but there are a number of challenges the user faces from a software and logistical standpoint.

4. Ensuring network cyber security

Good cyber security requires understanding network risks, threats, and the technical safeguards that can prevent unwanted plant data intrusions.

5. Cyber security protection enters a new era

Watch for a backdoor cyber security assault. End users, integrators, and device manufacturers need to adapt and prepare for this new reality. Follow these cyber security steps.

The list was developed using CFE Media’s web analytics for stories viewed on controleng.com, April 11-17, for articles published within the last two months.  

– Chris Vavra, production editor, CFE Media, cvavra@cfemedia.com.


Author Bio: Chris Vavra is web content manager for CFE Media and Technology.