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Grounding and UL 508A Standards - Part 2, Sizing and Power Supplies

Grounding and UL 508A Standards - Part 2, Sizing and Power Supplies

Additional rules for the grounding and bonding of industrial control panels include the sizing of ground conductors and the conditions that dictate when power supplies and transformers must be grounded.


Toyota Reveals Diffusion Policy Best Way to Teach Today’s Robots Tomorrow’s Tricks

Toyota Reveals Diffusion Policy Best Way to Teach Today’s Robots Tomorrow’s Tricks

New, generative AI-based approach set to revolutionize robotic programming.


News Sep 26, 2023 by Steve Kuehn
Opto22 Updates Groov Rio With New 3.5 Firmware

Opto22 Updates Groov Rio With New 3.5 Firmware

Opto 22's Groov Rio now includes a CODESYS runtime engine for a better degree of edge-of-network application control.


News Sep 20, 2023 by Michael Levanduski
PLC CPU Modes Explained: Run, Stop, and Program

PLC CPU Modes Explained: Run, Stop, and Program

A PLC can be placed in Run or Stop, or occasionally Program mode, usually through physical or virtual methods. But what do these modes mean, and when should they be used?


Festo Releases Low-Cost Pneumatic Service Units

Festo Releases Low-Cost Pneumatic Service Units

The MS-Basic is Festo's low-cost compatible cousin to its high-end MS series.


News Sep 18, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Ethernet Ports on Controllers: How Many, and What do They Do?

Ethernet Ports on Controllers: How Many, and What do They Do?

Some controllers and network devices have one port, while others have two. Why is there a difference, and what advantages does having two network ports actually provide?


Pack Accordingly: Pack Expo Returns to Las Vegas on Sept. 11-13

Pack Accordingly: Pack Expo Returns to Las Vegas on Sept. 11-13

With all eyes on innovation, Control.com will be in attendance, ready to learn about the latest products and solutions from the industry’s top experts and industry minds.


News Sep 04, 2023 by Steve Kuehn
PLC Programming With Function Block Diagrams

PLC Programming With Function Block Diagrams

Function block diagram (FBD) programming is a common language for PLCs following the IEC 61131 standard. What is FBD, and how does it differ from the familiar ladder logic programs?


Dold Develops SSR for Precise Control of Variable AC Loads

Dold Develops SSR for Precise Control of Variable AC Loads

Dold now offers a solid state relay (SSR) capable of burst firing mode for controlling electric heaters and infrared lamps.


News Aug 29, 2023 by Seth Price
Teledyne FLIR’s Lepton 3.1 R Thermal Camera Module Ideal for Integrators

Teledyne FLIR’s Lepton 3.1 R Thermal Camera Module Ideal for Integrators

The size of a dime, Teledyne FLIR introduces a versatile new infrared thermal camera with one of the widest fields of view on the market.


News Aug 26, 2023 by Seth Price
What Can Go Wrong With Electrical Process Measurements?

What Can Go Wrong With Electrical Process Measurements?

Whether working with measurement tools or process controllers, it is important to recognize faulty display values and the best ways to fix them.


Littelfuse Introduces The World’s Smallest Reed Switch

Littelfuse Introduces The World’s Smallest Reed Switch

Sensing that size does matter to automating engineers, Littelfuse introduces the world's smallest reed switch sensor.


News Aug 23, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Human Factor Engineering: Designing an Intuitive HMI

Human Factor Engineering: Designing an Intuitive HMI

Designing a control system is a difficult task in itself, but designing the graphical interface for an everyday user can be a very different kind of challenge that involves mental and physical considerations.


Schneider Electric Launches Managed Security Services

Schneider Electric Launches Managed Security Services

Schneider Electric offers its Managed Security Services (MSS) geared towards shoring up industrial data security and readiness.


News Aug 22, 2023 by Seth Price
WAGO Debuts New Protocols for Its CC-100 PLC

WAGO Debuts New Protocols for Its CC-100 PLC

WAGO recently added new features to its compact CC-100, offering users a versatile PLC with a wider range of protocols.


News Aug 21, 2023 by Damond Goodwin
SMC Releases New Direct Operated 2-Port Solenoid Valve

SMC Releases New Direct Operated 2-Port Solenoid Valve

SMC has engineered a new lineup of stainless steel 2-port solenoid valves for use in potable, drinking water applications.


News Aug 17, 2023 by Damond Goodwin
PATLITE Debuts New USB-Controlled Signal Beacon

PATLITE Debuts New USB-Controlled Signal Beacon

Signal beacons are an important part of most automated manufacturing processes. Recently PATLITE developed a new line of sensors with several mounting options and USB programming capabilities.


News Aug 15, 2023 by Damond Goodwin
System Dynamic and Frequency Response Analysis

System Dynamic and Frequency Response Analysis

Understanding the building blocks of s-domain analysis and magnitude response theory can go a long way in helping engineers predict how and why some system design choices are made over others.


Explaining User-Defined Data Types for PLC Programming

Explaining User-Defined Data Types for PLC Programming

User-defined data types (UDTs) are a powerful and useful tool when applied to their full advantage. However, misused, they can become problematic and introduce roadblocks to troubleshooting and upgrading PLC programs.


Recent Advancements Improve Autonomous Visual Inspection’s Industrial Capabilities

Recent Advancements Improve Autonomous Visual Inspection’s Industrial Capabilities

We take a look at the latest visual inspection technologies from Boston Dynamics and Telit Cinterion.


News Aug 08, 2023 by Stephanie Leonida