For about ten years, Texas Instruments has been developing a software environment of integrated tools for designing, debugging and documenting process control solutions that run on programmable controllers. The product - the Applications Productivity Tool (APT), allows process and control engineers to design and program in a graphical environment that compiles into machine code (relay ladder logic). APT is primarily targeted for the batch manufacturing industry in which engineers combine elements of both discrete and continuous control strategies. The objective of this research was to determine the applicability of APT in discrete parts manufacturing, using two applications of discrete manufacturing. One of these applications was a Fischertechnik model of a manufacturing system, configured to simulate the production of three distinct parts. The other application was the flexible manufacturing system being assembled in the Computer Integrated Manufacturing Laboratory (CIM Laboratory), which is equipped to produce models of a robot and a CNC milling machine. / Master of Science

Thesis (MTech (Electrical Engineering))--Peninsula Technikon, 2002 / This research outlines the development and design of an infrared radiation heating profile controller. The study includes both the theoretical aspects of the design process as well as giving an overview of the practical facets involved. The controller was subjected to comparative testing with a proportional control model, in order to observe its performance and validate its effectiveness. A need exists for these types of controllers and proved to be the motivation to embark on this investigation. Controllers of this nature that are commercially available either lacks the functionality of this unit or are too expensive to implement for research purposes. This unit was designed with cost effectiveness in mind but still meet the standards required of an industrial style controller. To this end the construction was completed using low cost and affordable electronic components. Heating profiles are necessary and useful tools for the proper processing of a host of materials. The controller developed in this research is able to within a fair degree of accuracy track a heating profile. The results confirm that this programmable control model to be a benefit and a valuable tool in temperature regulation. This means that intensive studies into the effects of infrared radiation on materials are now feasible. Research of this nature could possibly expand the application of infrared as a heating mechanism. Although tests were conducted on this controller, they are not meant to serve as an exhaustive analysis. The conclusions of these examinations do reveal the benefit of such a controller. More rigorous investigation is suggested as a subject for further study.