Basic components of industrial automation systems
Industrial automation systems can be categorized by their constituent hardware and software components, including automation equipment, instruments and measuring devices, automation software, transmission equipment, computer hardware, and communication networks.
(1) Automation equipment: including programmable logic controllers (PLC), sensors, encoders, human-machine interfaces, switches, circuit breakers, buttons, contactors, relays and other industrial electrical appliances and equipment.
(2) Instruments and measuring equipment: including pressure instruments, temperature instruments, flow instruments, level instruments, valves and other equipment.
(3) Automation software: including computer-aided design and manufacturing systems (CAD/CAM), industrial control software, network application software, database software, data analysis software, etc.
(4) Transmission equipment: including speed controller, servo system, motion system, power supply system, engine, etc.
(5) Computer hardware: including embedded computers, industrial computers, industrial control computers, etc.
(6) Communication network: including network switches, video surveillance equipment, communication connectors, and bridges.
