An increase seems likely in the European automation market for components where PLC functionality is embedded. This is a clear conclusion from a recently published report from IMS Research, a leading supplier of market studies on Industrial Automation.
Key findings from a survey of purchasers and specialists of industrial automation components included:
- Over three-quarters of respondents were aware of products being offered with embedded PLCs. Since the market for these is currently very small, this is encouraging news.
- Over two-thirds of respondents either purchased some embedded PLC products today, or planned to do so within the next three years.
- Nearly all (>95 per cent) respondents believed that embedded PLCs would cost less than separate PLC solutions, and that embedded PLC components would cost less to install.
- Profibus-DP, Ethernet TCP/IP and CANopen were the most popular communication protocols used by respondents with hardware embedded PLCs.
- Nearly 90 per cent stated that communication with other embedded PLCs and a program backup facility to a PC were important; nearly 80 per cent stated that remote monitoring from a separate PLC was important.
One concern raised by survey responses was a widespread lack of awareness of the importance of IEC 61131 and IEC 61499 programming standards. This highlights a need for stronger promotion from the manufacturers and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
