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Managing Networks | Why Do I Need an Industrial Grade Switch?

Managing Networks | Why Do I Need an Industrial Grade Switch?

I could run down to the local box store or internet marketplace and buy a 5-port switch for less than 20 dollars, or invest in an industrial switch for hundreds. Why would I choose the industrial switch?


Going Against the Flow | Reversing Single-phase Industrial Motors

Going Against the Flow | Reversing Single-phase Industrial Motors

Three-phase motors are a backbone of the modern industrial control landscape. But plenty of applications still rely on single-phase motors. Can these types of motors be reversed, and if so, how?


OnLogic Releases the New Helix 511 Linking Modern and Legacy Systems

OnLogic Releases the New Helix 511 Linking Modern and Legacy Systems

OnLogic, manufacturer of rugged industrial computers, adds to its existing line of IPCs with a product that boasts connecting to new and legacy components with extended array of communication options.


News Jun 20, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
PID for Your PLC Using SP and PV. So Many Acronyms, So Little Time

PID for Your PLC Using SP and PV. So Many Acronyms, So Little Time

Implementing PID control in a PLC is far more complicated than textbooks would make it appear. There is more to the process than simply picking gain (k) values and calculating an output value.


What’s New? SICK Adds Sensor and Encoder Products to Catalog

What’s New? SICK Adds Sensor and Encoder Products to Catalog

SICK has released a new time-of-flight (TOF) safety vision sensor and a new contactless linear encoder to the product catalog, intended to impact new automation systems in mobile and linear motion designs.


News Jun 15, 2023 by Seth Price
Ignition SCADA Software: What are Tags and How are They Used?

Ignition SCADA Software: What are Tags and How are They Used?

An introduction to the various tag types used within one of the leading supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) software powering IIoT, HMI, and I4.0 applications: Ignition by Inductive Automation.


Controlling and Troubleshooting Common DC Motors

Controlling and Troubleshooting Common DC Motors

Direct current (DC) motors have existed since the late 19th century. What sets these motors apart from AC models, how do you control them, and how can you tell when it’s time to repair or replace them?


Industrial and Robotic Connectors: Choosing Suitable Contacts for Cable Connections

Industrial and Robotic Connectors: Choosing Suitable Contacts for Cable Connections

Selecting a suitable electrical connector is a process that is based on how you will terminate it to the system. This article provides advice on how to make the right contact selection for your industrial or robotic system.


New Mitsubishi Electric Compact PLC: More I/O Power in a Smaller Size

New Mitsubishi Electric Compact PLC: More I/O Power in a Smaller Size

Mitsubishi Electric Automation expands the iQ-F series of compact PLCs with the powerful and affordable FX5S that uses familiar programming software while increasing the range of I/O and communication.


News Jun 11, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Methods and Algorithms in Error Checking for Serial Communications

Methods and Algorithms in Error Checking for Serial Communications

Errors in communications often manifest as a result of electrical noise interrupting the data during the transmission process, leading to various methods for determining whether received data has been damaged.


Phoenix Contact’s New Thermomark E-Series Printers Simplify Wiring

Phoenix Contact’s New Thermomark E-Series Printers Simplify Wiring

Phoenix Contact has announced the release of the new Thermomark E-Series printers to increase the speed of wiring projects and provide a more well-documented future for control cabinet manufacturing.


News Jun 09, 2023 by Seth Price
Siemens Releases a New Virtual PLC, the S7-1500V

Siemens Releases a New Virtual PLC, the S7-1500V

The SIMATIC S7-1500V is Siemens's newest PLC, but it looks completely different than any other PLC… Mainly because it doesn’t physically exist.


News Jun 08, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
5-Point Guide To Set Up A Lean Production System

5-Point Guide To Set Up A Lean Production System

The Lean process uses a method of implementation focusing only on actions providing value to customers. The following five steps break down the process into discrete modules when introducing efficiency to production.


Antaira’s New DC-DC Converters Boost Power for Network Devices

Antaira’s New DC-DC Converters Boost Power for Network Devices

Antaira released two new DC-DC converters capable of producing more power to drive multiport switches, commonly equipped with power over Ethernet (PoE), using a standard industrial line voltage.


News Jun 07, 2023 by Seth Price
How To: Using Set/Reset Instructions in Mitsubishi’s MELSEC PLCs

How To: Using Set/Reset Instructions in Mitsubishi’s MELSEC PLCs

Setting and resetting a PLC output is essential in establishing a holding circuit for a transducer. Learn how to use set/reset instructions in MELSOFT series GX Works2 to latch and release an output.


Voice Commands for Robot Programming? Konica Minolta’s New CoboVox

Voice Commands for Robot Programming? Konica Minolta’s New CoboVox

Starting as an exciting novelty that has gained a foothold in many consumer technologies, voice control has struggled with industrial traction, but Konica Minolta has a new method of programming robotics.


News Jun 06, 2023 by David Peterson
ROEQ Releases New 130kg Cart System for OMRON LD-90x AMR

ROEQ Releases New 130kg Cart System for OMRON LD-90x AMR

ROEQ looks to help OMRON AMR users enhance logistical fleet capabilities through the introduction of their new TMC130 and by use of the TR1000, both increasing AMR payload possibilities.


News Jun 06, 2023 by Damond Goodwin
Closing the Loop: Feedback, Feedforward, and Adaptive Control

Closing the Loop: Feedback, Feedforward, and Adaptive Control

Process automation relies on precise control systems to operate production equipment for everything from lumber to pastries. Using control algorithms produces stable, accurate, and often delicious results.


New Smart Firewall For Emerson’s Distributed Control Systems (DCS)

New Smart Firewall For Emerson’s Distributed Control Systems (DCS)

Emerson has enhanced its DeltaV Distributed Control System with the addition of their NextGen Smart Firewall for better network security as manufacturing and plant connectivity continue to grow.


News Jun 01, 2023 by Damond Goodwin
Engineering Editorial Perspective: 2023 Top Trends in Automation

Engineering Editorial Perspective: 2023 Top Trends in Automation

What are some of the most recent developments making waves in the world of robotics and automation? Learn about a few trends with some editorial thoughts about the future of the technology for end users.


News May 31, 2023 by David Peterson