This section provides an overview for sequencers as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 15 sequencer manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked sequencer companies as of November, 2024: 1.CIDR, 2.PacBio, 3.Biocompare.
Table of Contents
A sequencer, also called a programmable logic controller (PLC), is a device that controls the operation of a machine according to a programmed condition or sequence.
Its name comes from the sense of something that moves a machine in sequence. In recent years, sequencers can also control analog signals such as pressure and communicate information between devices.
Sequencers are mainly used industrially. They can be found in a wide variety of applications, ranging from heavy industrial infrastructure such as power plants and waste disposal plants to processing plants that make microchips. Sequencers are mainly used to automate machinery and equipment. They allow machines to automatically perform repetitive operations, thus saving labor.
Home appliances such as washing machines also use sequence control, but microcomputers are used for the control devices. This is because it is more economical to use microcomputers for mass-produced machines. Sequencers are often used for certain industrial equipment, and in everyday life, you may see them in the driver's seat of a train.
A sequencer consists of a power supply unit, board, input unit, output unit, memory, and arithmetic unit (CPU). The internal drive power supply of the sequencer is a weak DC voltage; a commercial power supply of about 100 VAC to 240 VAC is converted to a weak DC voltage in the power supply section.
The power supplied from the power supply unit is distributed to each part by the board. The board also transmits input/output signals from the arithmetic section to the input/output section. Input signals from sensors and pushbutton contacts are transmitted to the input section of the sequencer. Depending on the type of input section, contact digital signals or voltage analog signals can be input.
In the sequencer, decisions are made based on a program written in advance by the arithmetic section. The arithmetic section constantly scans the program at ultra-high speed. When an output decision is made by the program, an output signal is sent from the output section of the sequencer.
The output signals are used to operate motors, lamps, and other devices. Like inputs, output signals can be analog or digital outputs. Programs and input/output devices on/off information are temporarily stored in the sequencer's memory. The ladder diagram method, in which the sequence circuit is logicized, is frequently used for the program.
Programming tools exist for each device of each company, and these tools are used to edit the program. Inside the sequencer, analog signals are also treated as digital signals. Digital signals refer to data represented only by 0s and 1s, while analog signals represent not only 1s and 0s but also continuous data. Examples of analog data include measuring instruments such as thermometers and pressure gauges.
The greatest advantage of using a sequencer is the labor-saving wiring for control. In the case of digital input/output only, it can be reproduced by a relay circuit without using a sequencer. However, if relay circuits are used for complex control, the wiring becomes more complicated, and production and maintenance take an enormous amount of time. In complex control, sequencers are often used for labor and cost reasons.
In recent years, automatic data collection and complex signal processing can also be realized with sequencers. Some devices can communicate with the Internet via an Ethernet port or wirelessly with a PC. Sequencers have also become more reliable, with redundant power supplies and arithmetic units becoming possible. Today, sequencers are indispensable in industrial settings.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
Sort by Area
PacBio is a manufacturer in the biotechnology sector based in California, USA. Founded in 2004, the company specializes in manufacturing DNA sequencing platforms. One of its notable offerings is the Revio DNA Sequencing System. This product represents a pinnacle of genetic analysis technology, designed to cater to the needs of researchers, scientists, and professionals seeking insights into DNA sequences. Researchers benefit from the ability to uncover intricate genetic variations, structural arrangements, and epigenetic modifications with accuracy. The company's clientele comprises a diverse array of stakeholders in the scientific and research communities.
Illumina, Inc., founded in 1998, and headquartered in San Diego, California, is a manufacturer of research equipment for cancer research, biomarker recovery, molecular diagnostics & disease association applications. Its product range includes sequencing instruments, microarray kits, molecular biology reagents, in vitro diagnostic (IVD) products, software and services, catering to industries such as pharmaceutical, academic, clinical, and forensics. Its products are used for DNA analysis, facilitating gene expression studies, aiding in genetic research, and for medical testing and diagnostics.
Incorporated in 1965, Analog Devices, Inc. designs, manufactures, tests, and markets integrated circuits (ICs), software, and subsystems that leverage analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing technologies. The company provides data converter products, power management and reference products for power conversion, driver monitoring, sequencing, and energy management applications in the automotive, communications, industrial, and high-end consumer markets. In addition, the company provides digital signal processing and system products for high-speed numeric calculations. It serves clients in the industrial, automotive, consumer, instrumentation, aerospace, and communications markets.
baghouse.com was founded in the early 1980s and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. The company is a manufacturer of baghouse dust collection systems used across industries. The company’s product segments include baghouse filters, industrial dust collectors & dust collection systems, dust collector filter cages, and accessories including leak test supplies. The company’s services include baghouse filter replacement, maintenance programs, turn-key system installation, system audits, and leak testing. The company also offers technical advice and training courses to assist customers perform maintenance in-house.
Integrated DNA Technologies, Inc., established in 1987 and headquartered in Coralville, Iowa, is a manufacturer and supplier of custom DNA and RNA oligonucleotides. Specializing in synthetic biology, the product offerings encompass an array of molecular biology tools, including primers, probes, and gene fragments. With a diverse portfolio, the company supports groundbreaking research, diagnostics, and therapeutic developments. Its precision-engineered solutions are pivotal in fields such as genomics, diagnostics, and gene editing, enabling scientists to unravel the complexities of life. Through modernization and promise, the company remains a cornerstone of progress in molecular biology globally.
AdvancedSeq LLC, based on Lindbergh Avenue in Livermore and launched in 2013, is a manufacturer and distributor of DNA sequencing and PCR reagents, and other items for life science research. The products are for Sanger sequencing processes and fragment analysis. Sanger sequencing procedures include template preparation, cycle sequencing, clean-up, sample loading, and regenerations applied to businesses and labs. The firm creates DNA templates such as plasmids, genomic DNA, rolling cycle amplification products, and cosmid DNA.
Ohkura Electric Co., Ltd. was established in 1933 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The company is a manufacturer and designer of measuring and flow control products for industries such as power generation, manufacturing, and semiconductors. The company has three product groups: Industrial Instruments Group, Telemetering & Control Group, and Semiconductor Equipment Group. The Industrial Instruments Group’s products include systems equipment, pressure transmitters, electrometers, and gas monitors as individual components and as systems. The Telemetering & Control Group products include transmission systems, modems, and power converters. The Semiconductor Equipment Group products include renewable equipment, furnaces, and precision thermometers.
JTEKT was born from the merger of bearing maker Koyo Seiko and machine tool maker Toyoda Machine Works. JTEKT focuses on environmental sustainability to create automotive-specific components as well as industry-agnostic components including sensors, gears, displays, storage devices, and hydraulic units. JTEKT also creates and designs machine tools and equipment necessary for machine production. JTEKT is also developing "internet of everything" (IoE) solutions for modern industry.
MGI Tech Co., Ltd., founded in 2016, is a manufacturer of clinical throughput gene sequencers, and its multi-omics platforms include medical imaging, genetic sequencing, and laboratory automation. The company’s product categories are sequencers, lab automation, and novel products. The sequencer products include sequencing reagents, genetic sequencers, library prep kits, and bioinformatics analysis. The lab automation products are automation systems and sample treatment kits applied in population genomics, spatial-temporal omics, DNBSEQ technologies, and research applications.
Trinity Electronics Systems Ltd. was founded in the 1980s and is based in Edmonton, Alberta. Trinity Electronics Systems designs and manufactures custom electronics and handles modifications, upgrades, and warranty repair as well. Trinity Electronics Systems product list includes power measurement products, audio products, lighting products, industrial electronics, sensors, and miscellaneous products. Trinity Electronics Systems services begin with product development and create proposals for complete products including packaging, instruction manual, software, and prototyping. Electronic design services including retrofitting and even re-manufacturing of boards created by defunct manufacturers. Other services include PCB, Hazloc, and microprocessor software development and contract manufacturing.
Omron Corporation, started in 1933 and headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, is a manufacturer of automation components, equipment, and systems, and it developed the first contactless proximity switch in 1960. It has four domains, including industrial automation, electronic components, healthcare, and social systems, and it provides products and services in around 120 countries and regions. Some of its products include microsensing devices, access control systems, industrial robots, surveillance cameras, and blood pressure monitors. In 1971, it developed the first online cash machine, and in 1972, it established Japan’s first welfare factory.
Phoenix Contact is headquartered in Blomberg, Germany, originally founded in 1923. Phoenix Contact’s Israeli subsidiary was founded in 2006 and located in Quadima Tzoran. Phoenix Contact provides tools and components for e-mobility, power, infrastructure, process industry, production manufacturing, system manufacturing, and others. Phoenix Contact’s product lines include automate including cloud computing, connect including PCB terminal blocks, “mark, assemble, and install” including hand tools, “supply, charge, and protect” including power distributors, and “switch, measure, and monitor” including relays and optocouplers.
Swan Analytical is a privately held provider of online analytical systems for the water industry. The company is based in Wheeling, Illinois, and has about 50 employees. Swan Analytical has been developing and manufacturing analytical instruments since 1991. Swan’s portfolio includes analyzers for feed water, steam & condensate, pool & sanitary, wastewater & effluents, to cooling water systems. Their analyzers provide measurement and monitoring solutions for parameters like ammonium, hydrazine, phosphate, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity. Swan primarily serves power plants, semiconductor facilities, pharmaceutical processes, and drinking water plants.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | CIDR |
17.9%
|
2 | PacBio |
11.9%
|
3 | Biocompare |
11.9%
|
4 | Baghouse.com |
11.9%
|
5 | Analog Devices, Inc. |
10.7%
|
6 | Integrated DNA Technologies, Inc. |
9.5%
|
7 | AdvancedSeq |
8.3%
|
8 | Illumina |
6.0%
|
9 | MGI Tech Co., Ltd. |
4.8%
|
10 | Trinity Electronics Systems Ltd. |
2.4%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the sequencer page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
United States of America | 8 | 61.5% |
Japan | 2 | 15.4% |
China | 1 | 7.7% |
Canada | 1 | 7.7% |
Germany | 1 | 7.7% |
2 products are listed.
Hans Turck GmbH & Co.
50+ people viewing
Turck's industrial HMI touch screen offers a modern and robust solution that supports visualization and control tasks. In addition to simple HMI mo...
Masaie Co., Ltd.
30+ people viewing
Last viewed: 8 hours ago
■ Features Mitsubishi Electric's inverters, motors, and sequencers are used in many industries, in response to a wide range of needs. In automatic ...