The main categories of industrial control computers are: IPC (PC bus industrial computer), PLC (programmable control system), DCS (distributed control system), FCS (fieldbus system) and CNC (numerical control system).
IPC (PC Bus Industrial Computer): IPC is an abbreviation for IP Camera. IP is Internet Protocol, and Camera is a camera or video camera. As the name suggests, IP Camera is a network camera. It is a new generation of camera that combines traditional camera technology with network technology.
PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) is a digital control system with a microprocessor used for automation control. It can load control instructions into memory for storage and execution. A PLC consists of a CPU, instruction and data memory, input/output interfaces, power supply, and digital-to-analog converters, among other functional units.
DCS (Distributed Control System): DCS generally refers to a distributed control system (or distributed control system). A distributed control system is a new generation of instrument control system based on microprocessors, employing the design principles of decentralized control functions, centralized display and operation, and balancing decentralized autonomy with integrated coordination. The abbreviation DCS can also be translated as "distributed control system" or "distributed computer control system." It adopts the basic design concept of decentralized control and centralized operation and management, and uses a multi-level, hierarchical, cooperative, and autonomous structure. Its main characteristics are centralized management and decentralized control. DCS has been widely used in various industries such as power, metallurgy, and petrochemicals.
FCS (Fieldbus System): A Fieldbus Control System is a fully digital serial, bidirectional communication system. Measurement and control devices within the system, such as probes, actuators, and controllers, can be interconnected, monitored, and controlled. In the hierarchy of factory networks, it serves both as a local network for process control (such as PLCs, LCs, etc.) and the application of intelligent instruments (such as frequency converters, valves, barcode readers, etc.), and also has embedded functions for distributing control applications across the network.
CNC (Computer Numerical Control System): A CNC system is short for Numerical Control System. It is a dedicated computer system that executes some or all numerical control functions based on control programs stored in its memory, and is equipped with interface circuits and servo drive devices. It uses digital instructions composed of numbers, text, and symbols to control the movement of one or more mechanical devices, typically controlling mechanical quantities and switching quantities such as position, angle, and speed.
Industrial control has always been a bottleneck restricting the upgrading of China's equipment manufacturing industry and even its products. The equipment manufacturing industry is the core and foundation of industry, determining the level of a country's industry and technology, as well as its position in the global division of labor.
For industrial machine tools, domestic manufacturers rely on Siemens or Mitsubishi for comprehensive motion control solutions. Core motion control products, such as linear motors, AC servo motors, and systems, are the main components and application solutions for precise motion control, provided entirely by foreign multinational corporations. From product design to technology, everything is handled by foreign companies. Domestic machine tool manufacturers, on the other hand, understand the functions of these key components from an application perspective, focusing on how to use them and ultimately integrating them into a complete machine. This highlights the gap in manufacturing and the direction for improvement.
