In this Technology Tuesdays podcast, Marissa Tucker of Parker Hannifin chats with Design World’s Lisa Eitel about IEC 61131-3 and the industry’s new programmable automation controllers (PACs). Tucker details how open languages can help design engineers pick the best technologies for their machine builds and other designs; she also explains how basing design choices on standards (not hardware brand) can help experienced engineers be productive faster ... even after switching projects or even organizations.

Listen in for:

• Reassuring words on the enduring value of (and support for) ladder logic; an explanation of where function blocks improve designs

• Details on the benefits of "blended" or hybrid control schemes that leverage the best of the IEC 61131-3 framework

• A candid exchange about the supremacy of technical support and lead times.

Marissa Tucker is product marketing manager of controls and HMIs at Parker Hannifin. She’s a mechanical engineer with a background in product development and product management; among other things for Parker Hannifin, Tucker develops and leads product training and seminars for internal and external sales teams.