Understanding Distributed Processor Systems for Controls explains how modern control systems manage industrial processes. It guides readers through the purpose of control systems, the hardware and software components inside controllers and how operators interact with plants using video displays and human-machine interfaces. It balances explanations of older technologies still in use with the rapidly changing innovations shaping today's systems, emphasizing that the true goal is improved plant productivity, not just impressive features.

This book covers the process of planning, specifying, selecting and implementing a control system, including vendor comparison, testing and project management. It also examines human factors, such as how operators perceive information, design principles for clear screens and alarms, and methods to make interfaces intuitive and safe. Technical ideas are presented clearly so that engineers, managers, technicians, and newcomers (including non-engineers) can ask the right questions and make better decisions about control systems.

Samuel M. Herb, P.E. is currently with Moore Process Automation Solutions, Spring House, Pennsylvania. He previously worked with Leeds & Northrup (North Wales, Pennsylvania) and Honeywell (Ft. Washington, Pennsylvania), and has been in the utility and process controls industries for nearly four decades. He has performed various roles in marketing, business development, control applications, product management, systems engineering, project management, product evaluation, technical publications, and education.
Background ranges from design and testing of components within instrumentation, to responsibility for overall product line viability. Experience includes sensors, transmitters, pneumatic and electric controllers, final control elements, indicators and recorders, each as individual products as well as their combined use within systems. For over two decades, he has been primarily involved with microprocessor-based distributed process control systems.
Mr. Herb holds a bachelor's of science degree in electrical engineering from Drexel University, and is a member of the Industrial Computing Society as well as ISA. He served six years on the faculty of Spring Garden College, Pennsylvania and has served as a consultant to several companies. The author of dozens of journal articles and technical papers, both domestically and internationally, for a variety of professional societies and technical publications. Mr. Herb has developed and presented internationally seminars and courses in instrumentation for over two decades. He is a member of the ISA SP95 committee, a consultant on several ISA videotape series, and coauthored the textbook Understanding Distributed Process Control.