New ISA book explains networks and applications

Finding the right network when today's manufacturing processes and controls require multiple network applications presents a significant challenge to automation + control experts

Finding the right network when today's manufacturing processes and controls require multiple network applications presents a significant challenge to automation + control experts.

ISA's new book Automation Network Selection by Dick Caro helps make sense of all the different industrial automation networks on the market.

A 45-year veteran of industrial automation, author Dick Caro provides a complete overview of the various industrial networks, including sensor, fieldbus, and control networks, and then explains their typical applications.

He emphasises the intended application for each network, noting, "Any bus can generally be used for any application; however, stretching a bus technology outside its intended area creates more problems than it solves".

Caro ventures far beyond the factory in exploring network technologies, covering Ethernet, LON, and Profibus, as well as explaining building controls such as those that run HVAC, distributed process controls, and Internet issues.

The author even offers reasons for the proliferation of networks that has so complicated the lives of controls technicians and engineers.

An invaluable reference for anyone involved in networking, Automation Network Selection covers the topic from A to Z in a refreshingly unbiased style.

Available for purchase on the ISA Network, Automation Network Selection is a featured new book at ISA EXPO 2003, 21-23 October at the Reliant Centre, Houston, Texas.

Dick Caro will be on hand at the ISA Bookstore at 11:00 am on 21 October to answer questions about networks and their applications.

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