what language is better for programming automated machinery, java or C++?

how does the physical information, positioning switches etc find its way into the computer?

for example, if a positioning sensor indicated that material had reached a certain position, how would it trigger the programmatic environment to react? the postion sensor cant effectively input from a keyboard or a mouse, so how does it do it?

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either the position sensor outputs a digital signal or you will need analog to digital conversion. C++ would be a better choice than Java.

if the input is digital you would probably use an absolute encoder. there is inherent accuracy loss with A/D conversion. Is your axis of motion linear or rotational? Are you measuring the distance of travel of the accuator or actual position of the object?

need more info...

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it would be process equipment in an industrial environment.

would the interface from sensor to computer be via a plcc? would that be the effective 'network' environment between the machine and the computer holding the control code?

would the plc be programmed via a terminal connection or be reliant on a pc type computer?

say a piece of material needs to be assesed according to dimension, weight, moisture density, positioning, speed, or any other combination of variables...

the physical sensors would send digital information to a centralized location and the programming code would react accordingly, right?

what I think I need to know, specifically, is the make up of, including the various components of the interface environment between the physical world and the programming code in an industrial processing environment. there must be a basic set of components that in one form or another assess and relay this information.

my question at this point doesnt hinge on a matter of rotation, linear motion, or any singularly specific action or quantity.

I am thinking that the interface structure is the first thing to become familiar with, then I can work on the various components of that interface structure, including the programming language most generally appropriate

am I in the ballpark?

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Last edited by me? I dunno... on 05-19-04 at 06:25 AM

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Yes, a PLC will probably be your best solution. They come in a variety of sizes depending on your I/O count, funtionality and memory requirements.

You will typically interface with the PLC via a PC for programing and HMI.

Here is a good tutorial which may answer a lot of your question:

http://www.htservices.com/Tutorials/plc_tutorial_5.htm

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You are just too da*n smart!




Again with the 300 seconds thing--WEBMASTER--WHAT'S THE DEAL!!!!!

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quote:

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Yes, a PLC will probably be your best solution. They come in a variety of sizes depending on your I/O count, funtionality and memory requirements.

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thanks for the link, that should keep me busy for quite a while.

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keep me in the loop. automation & controls is my main gig.

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quote:

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Originally posted by yanqui
You are just too da*n smart!




Again with the 300 seconds thing--WEBMASTER--WHAT'S THE DEAL!!!!!

---

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quote:

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Originally posted by Supertech
Yes, a PLC will probably be your best solution. They come in a variety of sizes depending on your I/O count, funtionality and memory requirements.

You will typically interface with the PLC via a PC for programing and HMI.

Here is a good tutorial which may answer a lot of your question:

http://www.htservices.com/Tutorials/plc_tutorial_5.htm

---

Say... that IS a pretty nice site! Thanks for the link.

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