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Control Wiring for Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)

Control Wiring for Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)

Many VFDs use digital inputs to control operation, rather than PLC-driven network communications. Learn about 2-wire and 3-wire digital input control schemes for ABB, Omron, Rockwell, and others.


Comau Designs Mobile Cobot, Sees Use in Projects Across European Union

Comau Designs Mobile Cobot, Sees Use in Projects Across European Union

Comau has created a mobile cobot arm to help manufacturers implement the benefits of both collaborative and autonomous robots in a single mobile platform. The solution has been implemented in several projects across Europe.


News Apr 12, 2023 by Damond Goodwin
Fluid or Electric Power? Understanding Hydraulic and Pneumatic Motors

Fluid or Electric Power? Understanding Hydraulic and Pneumatic Motors

There are many different kinds of electric motors used for industrial power transfer, but there are also hydraulic and pneumatic motors that can lend advantages in some situations.


Understanding Temperature Sensors and Their Use in Industrial Automation

Understanding Temperature Sensors and Their Use in Industrial Automation

Converting thermal energy into electrical signals, temperature sensors such as RTDs and thermocouples are fundamental in the maintenance and operation of industrial environments and equipment.


Motor Control Expanded: Rockwell Automation Announces Product Upgrades

Motor Control Expanded: Rockwell Automation Announces Product Upgrades

Motor control is accomplished by circuit devices from simple contactors to complex frequency drive systems. Rockwell Automation recently added a host of new features and upgrades to common product lines.


News Apr 11, 2023 by David Peterson
What Is Instrument Calibration and Why Is it Needed?

What Is Instrument Calibration and Why Is it Needed?

Calibration can be a time-consuming process requiring expensive traceable tools, but high-accuracy signals result in higher-quality products, better customer satisfaction, and, ultimately, greater returns.


Ladder Logic for the Arduino Opta PLC: Creating Your First Program

Ladder Logic for the Arduino Opta PLC: Creating Your First Program

Arduino’s Opta mini PLC platform is supported by the new PLC IDE. Learn to create and download your first program and take advantage of built-in I/O for an easy introduction to the platform.


New Possibilities for Power, Data, and Fluid from Fischer Connectors

New Possibilities for Power, Data, and Fluid from Fischer Connectors

Fischer Connectors has released several new series of heavy-duty cable layouts, allowing reliable fastening of single-pair Ethernet (SPE) and USB 3.2, as well as offerings for combined data and fluid connection.


News Apr 04, 2023 by David Peterson
Cybersecurity for Industrial Control Systems

Cybersecurity for Industrial Control Systems

Cybersecurity is all about processes and people. A lot of threats can be mitigated through technology, but only if people understand how cybersecurity affects control systems and related technology.


Multi-network Module Simplifies Networking, Supports CC-Link IE TSN and EtherNet/IP

Multi-network Module Simplifies Networking, Supports CC-Link IE TSN and EtherNet/IP

Mitsubishi Electric releases a new module that combines IoT asynchronous messaging with deterministic cyclic messaging typically found in field I/O.


News Mar 24, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
The Basics of Optical Sensors and Common Types

The Basics of Optical Sensors and Common Types

Optical sensors are one of the most popular sensor types in industrial automation. This article covers optical sensor basics and commonly used types, including fiber optic, photoelectric, and optical encoders.


 Rugged and Intelligent Sensing: Inductive Proximity Sensors with IO-Link Capabilities

Rugged and Intelligent Sensing: Inductive Proximity Sensors with IO-Link Capabilities

Carlo Gavazzi has released a new family of full-metal inductive proximity sensors with an IP69K rating and standard IO-Link capabilities to suit any automation application.


News Mar 21, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Introduction to Industrial Sensors

Introduction to Industrial Sensors

Industrial sensors can be found in nearly every modern industrial process, regardless of complexity. Learn the history, evolution, and variety of sensors that make manufacturing the modern marvel we see today.


Faster Computing in a Smaller IPC: The Helix 401

Faster Computing in a Smaller IPC: The Helix 401

Industrial computing leader OnLogic sets the stage for more reliable data processing at the edge with the new Helix 401 IPC with expanded I/O and faster CPU/GPU capabilities, all in a rugged, fanless enclosure.


News Mar 14, 2023 by David Peterson
New Study on Soft Robotics Takes Inspiration From Octopus Arm Muscles

New Study on Soft Robotics Takes Inspiration From Octopus Arm Muscles

Scientists from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have developed an octopus-inspired soft robot model that is accurate in design and control.


News Mar 09, 2023 by Bob Odhiambo
Modbus to Analog Hub For Controlling Analog Devices with RS485 Interface

Modbus to Analog Hub For Controlling Analog Devices with RS485 Interface

Banner Engineering's new R90C Modbus to Analog Hub allows users to easily add analog output to a system that uses Modbus or RS485 without purchasing expensive output cards or replacing outdated equipment.


News Mar 09, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
ASRock Industrial IoT Controller Sees Upgrades for Greater Power and Performance

ASRock Industrial IoT Controller Sees Upgrades for Greater Power and Performance

ASRock Industrial has introduced a new addition to their IoT controllers. The iEP-5010G is packed with communication and input/outputs for modern IoT controller solutions.


News Mar 08, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Siemens TIA Portal and S7-1200 Tutorial 2: Analog Inputs

Siemens TIA Portal and S7-1200 Tutorial 2: Analog Inputs

Programming simple coil and contact commands is an easy matter in most PLC IDEs. Connecting and configuring analog inputs can be more challenging with various bit resolutions and conversion commands.


Understanding Controller Memory Types and Conservation

Understanding Controller Memory Types and Conservation

Insufficient controller memory can result in reduced HMI and SCADA response speed and longer scan times. Know the differences between RAM, ROM, and removable memory, and how to keep program sizes in check.


An Engineer Explains the Hexadecimal and Octal Number Systems

An Engineer Explains the Hexadecimal and Octal Number Systems

Computers understand values as long strings of binary bits, but we humans convert them to other systems for convenience. Decimal makes sense, but what about hexadecimal and the lesser-known octal systems?