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Defining Scalar and Vector Control in VFD Outputs

Defining Scalar and Vector Control in VFD Outputs

Two common methods exist for driving induction motors with VFDs - linear scalar control, which is often labeled as V/f, and vector, or field-oriented control, which can be a bit more complex to understand.


Banner Engineering’s Snap Signal System for Easy IIoT Development

Banner Engineering’s Snap Signal System for Easy IIoT Development

The Snap Signal System by Banner Engineering brings industrial IoT to all devices, including sensors and actuators - regardless of age or origin.


News Apr 26, 2022 by Seth Price
How to Use Analog to Digital Converters in a Control System

How to Use Analog to Digital Converters in a Control System

Using an ADC can be very useful when dealing with analog devices in microprocessors, and a necessity when adding analog devices to an industrial controller. But once you connect the hardware - what next?


Rugged Robotics Awarded $9.4 Million for Autonomous Construction Technology

Rugged Robotics Awarded $9.4 Million for Autonomous Construction Technology

Rugged Robotics receives $9.4 million in Series A funding led by BOLD Capital Partners and Brick & Mortar Ventures to develop and deploy floor layout marking robots for construction projects.


News Apr 25, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida
Blockchain in Industrial Control Systems and Implications for Engineers

Blockchain in Industrial Control Systems and Implications for Engineers

Blockchain recording can reduce risks associated with data transactions such as data theft and erroneous information. But what implications, if any, does blockchain hold for industrial control system engineers?


Hospital Robot Investigation Reveals Potential Cybersecurity Risks

Hospital Robot Investigation Reveals Potential Cybersecurity Risks

Increasing use of autonomous robotics in hospital and patient care environments means more careful examination of security risks - and immediate measures to patch vulnerabilities when detected.


News Apr 22, 2022 by Damond Goodwin
Dynamic Braking Resistors for Motor Control Applications

Dynamic Braking Resistors for Motor Control Applications

Large DC and AC motor drives often provide terminals for installing a braking resistor. What are these resistors, and how do they slow down a machine? What hazards and cautions must be considered?


Replacing a Control Cabinet with Modules? Beckhoff Says Yes!

Replacing a Control Cabinet with Modules? Beckhoff Says Yes!

Beckhoff Automation is advancing the concept of reducing cabinet space and lowering construction time with their recently announced MX-System.


News Apr 21, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich
Introduction to Safety Relays

Introduction to Safety Relays

Redundancy and safety are often seen together in industrial safety systems. Safety relays monitor emergency devices to switch contacts based on status - but what makes them different from normal relays?


SmartScan: Could it Improve the Quality of Metal 3D Printed Parts?

SmartScan: Could it Improve the Quality of Metal 3D Printed Parts?

A University of Michigan team recently created a new control software called SmartScan, which promises to increase speed and reliability of printing (particularly in metal) by optimizing toolpath based on material properties.


News Apr 20, 2022 by Damond Goodwin
Mechanisms of Linear Sensing and Linear Encoding

Mechanisms of Linear Sensing and Linear Encoding

Linear sensors use electrical means to determine their position. Common linear position sensors are resistive, inductive, capacitive, and many rely on a property called magnetostriction.


ANYbotics Introduces First Ex-Proof Quad-Legged Inspection Robot

ANYbotics Introduces First Ex-Proof Quad-Legged Inspection Robot

ANYbotics announces the release of its new four-legged inspection bot, ANYmal X, for use in extreme environments, designed specifically for the oil & gas and chemical industries.


News Apr 19, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida
How-To: Programming with IO-Link Devices

How-To: Programming with IO-Link Devices

Advanced features such as programmable limits, diagnostics, and remote configuration are available with IO-Link devices. Learn how to connect an example IO-Link block into an actual PLC project.


Igus Designs ReBeL Collaborative Robot with Plastic Motion Elements

Igus Designs ReBeL Collaborative Robot with Plastic Motion Elements

Plastic is well-known for being inexpensive and lightweight, but not very resilient to friction and heat. Plastic motion pioneer Igus aims to overcome challenges and present a new solution.


News Apr 18, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich
Industrial Protocol Standards and The IEC

Industrial Protocol Standards and The IEC

This article covers the prominent IEC 60870 standard for SCADA in electrical power systems, as well as background information on the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the publishing organization.


Beewise Employs AI, Robotics, and Vision to Monitor and Safeguard Bee Populations

Beewise Employs AI, Robotics, and Vision to Monitor and Safeguard Bee Populations

Beewise receives $120 million in funds to continue the development of its solar-powered, artificial intelligence-driven beehive management technology.


News Apr 15, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida
Linear Position Sensors - Control is Only as Precise as the Feedback

Linear Position Sensors - Control is Only as Precise as the Feedback

Linear position sensors are used in electrical and fluid-actuated motion devices. They allow extremely precise position, velocity, and acceleration control, and provide feedback to ensure product quality and tolerance compliance.


Vehicle Recycling Uses AI and 3D Imagery To Reduce Waste

Vehicle Recycling Uses AI and 3D Imagery To Reduce Waste

Vehicle part recycling locates and reads part numbers to know which vehicles a replacement part may fit - but wear and tear, grease, and corrosion can make them hard to truly identify, even to an experienced eye.


News Apr 14, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich
Web-Based Industrial HMIs: What’s The Difference?

Web-Based Industrial HMIs: What’s The Difference?

With the increasing appearance of “web-based” HMIs, we investigate these devices, learn how they differ from the graphical HMIs, and see implications for our modern control system architecture.


Control Techniques Launches VFD With App-Based Commissioning Tools

Control Techniques Launches VFD With App-Based Commissioning Tools

Commander S series of variable frequency drives from Control Techniques enables parameter upload and download as well as performance monitoring through secure NFC, app-based communication.


News Apr 13, 2022 by David Peterson