Control Technology - What Is It, Actually?
Control technology is a specialized area within automation technology. It involves the design and implementation of control systems. Together with control engineering, it forms the foundation for automating technical processes.
Control Technology and Industrial Development
The industrial development of control technology can be distinguished in four stages:
Stage 1: In 1784, the advent of mechanical looms marked the beginning, which were further developed into weaving machines using control systems with circulating belts.
Stage 2: In 1870, the first conveyor belts with electric drives were introduced in the USA. The drives were controlled by contactor and relay controls.
Stage 3: Since 1969, the first programmable logic controllers (PLCs) were developed by the company Modicon in the USA. PLCs marked a breakthrough in information technology and industrial electronics, setting the stage for mass automation and control of production.
Stage 4: Since 2012, Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) and global networking have been developed and used to optimally control globally organized production.
Types of Control Technology
There are various types of control technology in automation. They can be distinguished based on their function into mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, and electronic controls.
Depending on their design, they can also be categorized into:
- PLC (Programmable Logic Controller)
- VPS (Connection Programmable Control)
- CNC (Computerized Numerical Control)
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)
The PLC system consists of inputs and outputs, an operating system, and an interface for loading user programs. The connection between the PLC and the machine is established through integrated sensors.
Connection Programmable Control (VPS)
VPS, also known as hard-wired or conventional control, is a method for performing control and regulation tasks in process and automation technology.
Computerized Numerical Control (CNC)
CNC is used in machine tools, such as turning, drilling, and milling machines.
Robot Control (RC)
Robot Control was specifically developed for the management of industrial robots. Its design is similar to Computerized Numerical Control.
Indispensable in Industry – Control Technology
The applications of intelligent control systems are diverse. In many areas of industry, the production of goods is automated. This is only possible through control and regulation technology. A crucial part of control technology is machine control, with particular importance placed on robot control systems.
FAQs Frequently Asked Questions about Control Technology
What types of controls are there?
There are binary, analog, and digital controls. In binary controls, input and output variables are binary. Analog controls mean that the input and output variables of the control system are analog signals. The control systems do not have feedback mechanisms.
When is control technology used?
It is used in various industries where, for example, machines need to be controlled.
What is an electronic control system?
In a digital control system, digital signals are processed. Digital signals are multi-bit signals, where the individual bits are components of a coded representation of information.