Europe moves to integrated automation components

Wellingborough, UK — European demand for industrial automation products equipped with embedded PLCs is entering a period of strong growth, according to a recent survey by IMS Research.

Despite the relatively small market size, over 75% of purchasers and specifiers surveyed indicated awareness of embedded PLC products, IMS found. Indeed, over two thirds of respondents said they had either purchased these products, or planned to do so within the next three years, its report added.

Looking ahead, the market research firm said over 95% of 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 among respondents using hardware with embedded PLCs, according to IMS. Almost 90% stated that communication with other embedded PLCs and a program backup facility to a PC were important; nearly 80% stated that remote monitoring from a separate PLC was important.

On the other hand, the survey noted concern over the lack of awareness of the importance of IEC-61131 and IEC-61499 programming standards. This, said IMS, points to a need for stronger promotion from the manufacturers and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).