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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
ContaClip Releases New Push-In, High-Capacity Terminal Blocks

ContaClip Releases New Push-In, High-Capacity Terminal Blocks

ContaClip adds to an existing product line of terminal blocks with versions that support 10mm^2 conductors up to 4 amps, with a double-level version for added wiring capacity.


News Aug 07, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Beginner’s Guide to Programmable Encoders

Beginner’s Guide to Programmable Encoders

Programmable encoders provide engineers real flexibility to adjust process parameters. From operating theory to programming methods, here’s everything you need to know to begin leveraging these handy devices.


Visualize This: Rockwell Introduces New OptixPanel HMI for Process Optimization

Visualize This: Rockwell Introduces New OptixPanel HMI for Process Optimization

Rockwell Automation introduces a new line of more modern, flexible, and customizable human-machine interface (HMI) solutions for machine builders: the new OptixPanel graphic terminals.


News Aug 03, 2023 by Stephanie Leonida
Control Automation Welcomes Steve Kuehn as New Editor-in-Chief

Control Automation Welcomes Steve Kuehn as New Editor-in-Chief

Industrial automation industry leader, Steven Kuehn, joins Control Automation as the new Editor-in-Chief.


News Aug 03, 2023 by Dale Wilson
What You Need to Know: Soft Starters for Industrial Motors

What You Need to Know: Soft Starters for Industrial Motors

Driving motors is one of the most fundamental automation tasks, but understanding and selecting the proper motor soft starter for your application may require more investigation than you thought.


The Annual Control Engineering Survey - 2023 Edition

The Annual Control Engineering Survey - 2023 Edition

The quality of content from our educational site comes from understanding our audience and your needs. Help give us the best snapshot of today’s control industry, along with a free chance to win one of several Amazon card prizes!


News Aug 01, 2023 by David Peterson
Understanding the Automation Lingo: PLC, PAC, RTU, DCS, and SCADA

Understanding the Automation Lingo: PLC, PAC, RTU, DCS, and SCADA

What are these terms, PLC, PAC, RTU, DCS, SCADA? Why are they so important to industrial robotics and automation? Explore how each different piece functions to build a comprehensive automated system.