Latest Building Articles

Industrial network switches connect automation equipment, controllers, and other such devices. Learn about unmanaged,…

Industrial network switches connect automation equipment, controllers, and other such devices. Learn about unmanaged, managed, and PoE enabled switches, as well as the differences between switches, routers, and hubs.

Memory for data is among the most pressing challenges to Industry 4.0. Given the evolving nature of Industry 4.0 and…

Memory for data is among the most pressing challenges to Industry 4.0. Given the evolving nature of Industry 4.0 and associated memory solutions, however, some memory-based trends are becoming apparent.

Designing a system with motor motion always includes a consideration of safety. Incorporating safety contactors might be…

Designing a system with motor motion always includes a consideration of safety. Incorporating safety contactors might be the correct prevention to protect equipment and users but may add additional challenges.

Programmable Logic Controllers, or PLCs, are designed to receive signals and influence load devices automatically. Learn…

Programmable Logic Controllers, or PLCs, are designed to receive signals and influence load devices automatically. Learn how to connect and program discrete output devices like solenoids, relays, and lights.

Previously, we described how to use the new Arduino PLC IDE to control discrete devices. This tutorial will describe how…

Previously, we described how to use the new Arduino PLC IDE to control discrete devices. This tutorial will describe how to connect various peripheral equipment (VFD and robot) using analog inputs and outputs.

Linear and switch-mode power supplies provide direct current to power control components and electrical devices. Learn…

Linear and switch-mode power supplies provide direct current to power control components and electrical devices. Learn about the differences between the two power supplies and which one is best for your control system.

Many control product manufacturers offer these downloadable ‘EDS files’ for peripheral equipment, but what exactly is…

Many control product manufacturers offer these downloadable ‘EDS files’ for peripheral equipment, but what exactly is an EDS, and how can they aid in the development of a project?

PLCs and microprocessors have largely replaced timing functions in control circuits. But these timer relays still hold…

PLCs and microprocessors have largely replaced timing functions in control circuits. But these timer relays still hold many necessary tasks. What’s inside these devices might be more complex than you imagined!

Following the release of the official Arduino PLC IDE, this tutorial will introduce programming and understanding of the…

Following the release of the official Arduino PLC IDE, this tutorial will introduce programming and understanding of the function blocks common to all IEC 61131 languages, starting with bit commands, timers, and counters.

Crouzet introduces the "slimmest PLC" to the industrial automation market. At only 17.5mm wide, the Millennium Slim is…

Crouzet introduces the "slimmest PLC" to the industrial automation market. At only 17.5mm wide, the Millennium Slim is changing the way we think about control automation topology.

Coil, field winding, rotor, stator, eddy current… When it comes to motors, there are numerous terms that describe the…

Coil, field winding, rotor, stator, eddy current… When it comes to motors, there are numerous terms that describe the theory of operation, but what is inside a 3-phase motor? Take a look, and learn how they work.

At Control.com, we’re PLC and machine enthusiasts, but we are also makers at heart. This recent announcement by Arduino…

At Control.com, we’re PLC and machine enthusiasts, but we are also makers at heart. This recent announcement by Arduino is ready to make waves and break boundaries in control cabinets around the world!

Human-machine interfaces, or HMIs, provide visual process data and allow access to process parameters and diagnostics…

Human-machine interfaces, or HMIs, provide visual process data and allow access to process parameters and diagnostics information. What’s inside these touchscreen displays, and how do they actually work?

Learn how to make complex calculations for validating data easily with the STD instruction, and learn how to display…

Learn how to make complex calculations for validating data easily with the STD instruction, and learn how to display array sizes programmatically with the SIZE instruction.

With the growing global robotics market, ABB seeks to capitalize on the growing demands by opening a "state-of-the-art"…

With the growing global robotics market, ABB seeks to capitalize on the growing demands by opening a "state-of-the-art" mega factory in Shanghai for manufacturing next-generation robots.

LIDAR technology, critical for mobile robotic and logistic applications, has been the subject of new breakthrough…

LIDAR technology, critical for mobile robotic and logistic applications, has been the subject of new breakthrough research led by Phlux Technology, using innovative materials to solve barriers to progress.

Learn how to streamline your ladder logic by searching and sorting arrays with the FSC and SRT instructions in the…

Learn how to streamline your ladder logic by searching and sorting arrays with the FSC and SRT instructions in the Rockwell (Allen-Bradley) Studio 5000 programming software.

Thought leadership from Rockwell Automation execs point to future trends and how to leverage technology and skills to…

Thought leadership from Rockwell Automation execs point to future trends and how to leverage technology and skills to increase productivity and the security of operational technology (OT).

Parker Hannifin has recently designed and released the new VA series valve control system for use in the mobile equipment…

Parker Hannifin has recently designed and released the new VA series valve control system for use in the mobile equipment industry. The new series is capable of increased versatility and efficiency over their older valve systems.