Electronic operator interfaces for drive systems

Drive systems for fibers and textile applications are increasingly moving toward software based solutions. This is due to the increased value/dollar that software solutions offer to the customer. Customers are insisting on increased flexibilty in their system designs. End users are demanding that increased performance, improved up time, and faster change overs be provided to allow more production time. To support these market needs the interface to the operator is moving from simple discrete devices to intelligent electronic interfaces that offer more information than ever before. This paper explores the changing nature of control systems, design guidelines for operator interfaces, and application concerns.