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Proportional Gain and Proportional Band Explained

Proportional Gain and Proportional Band Explained

Learn about proportional gain and proportional band, two key proportional control concepts, to better understand the most popular control system method in industrial automation.


Edge-to-Cloud Industrial Data Hub from Rockwell Automation and Cognite

Edge-to-Cloud Industrial Data Hub from Rockwell Automation and Cognite

Rockwell and Cognite have partnered to develop a more efficient method for data scaling and plant efficiency using the cloud. They also have created a new way for customers to work more efficiently via cloud–based software.


News Nov 01, 2022 by Damond Goodwin
Understanding the Differences Between Protection Relays vs Control Relays

Understanding the Differences Between Protection Relays vs Control Relays

Protection systems are critical in today’s fast-paced industrial revolution for the safety of people and processes. This article discusses electronic protective relay types and how they differ from standard relays.


Differences Between a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and a Remote Terminal Unit (RTU)

Differences Between a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and a Remote Terminal Unit (RTU)

Despite the many overlaps, PLCs and RTUs are two different devices, each with specific suitable applications.


Control Automation Update: New Online Calculator Tools

Control Automation Update: New Online Calculator Tools

Most engineers are not intimidated by simple mathematics, but when designing mission-critical systems, it’s important to have easy access to reliable tools and calculators. Introducing our first new set of tools designed for control engineers.


News Oct 25, 2022 by David Peterson
Control Automation Online Textbook: The Best Just Got Better!

Control Automation Online Textbook: The Best Just Got Better!

Control Automation is proud to announce updates to several chapters of our popular online textbook. Check out the improvements in the PLC, Feedback Control, and Power Generation sections.


News Oct 23, 2022 by David Peterson
Git Version Control - Back Up Automation Code Seamlessly

Git Version Control - Back Up Automation Code Seamlessly

Copia reduces the strain of backing up automation code on the factory floor with their latest software release DeviceLink. This automated backup software makes use of the Git workflow and backup running code automatically.


News Oct 18, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich
Feedback for Fluid Cylinders: Bang Bang Control

Feedback for Fluid Cylinders: Bang Bang Control

Tracking the position of a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder is often accomplished at a basic precision level, detecting only end stop limits with discrete digital values… But what methods accomplish this?


CAN-to-fiber Converters for Long-distance Sensor Monitoring

CAN-to-fiber Converters for Long-distance Sensor Monitoring

Moxa releases a CAN bus to fiber optic converter for industrial automation and automotive applications, giving the CAN bus protocol a speed and distance boost.


News Oct 17, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich
Understanding NPN vs. PNP for 3-Wire Sensors

Understanding NPN vs. PNP for 3-Wire Sensors

You are bound to encounter two terms associated with sensors and some loads: ‘NPN’ and ‘PNP’. You must understand the relationship between the field device and the control module in order to choose and install components properly when needed.


Managing Multi-user PLC Programming: Git Version Control

Managing Multi-user PLC Programming: Git Version Control

PLC and other automation project software can be easier and more efficient to update and maintain thanks to the introduction of Git control, already a staple for typical programming of large-scale projects.


Driving Motors Faster: Rockwell’s New PowerFlex 6000T VFD

Driving Motors Faster: Rockwell’s New PowerFlex 6000T VFD

Increasing motor speed is critical in many situations, but it also poses serious risks in both electrical and mechanical performance if not driven properly. Enter Rockwell Automation’s new PowerFlex 6000T.


News Oct 13, 2022 by David Peterson
Siemens’ 120 V Solid-state Circuit Breaker Now UL Listed

Siemens’ 120 V Solid-state Circuit Breaker Now UL Listed

Siemens breaks new ground by having a solid-state circuit breaker UL listed for residential, commercial, and light industrial use.


News Oct 12, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich
8 Steps To Successful Predictive Maintenance Implementation (with examples)

8 Steps To Successful Predictive Maintenance Implementation (with examples)

We'll run through the eight basic steps for implementing a predictive maintenance strategy in your business to improve critical asset availability, reduced maintenance costs, and enhanced revenues over time.


Rockwell Set to Acquire CUBIC for Strengthened Motor Control Offerings

Rockwell Set to Acquire CUBIC for Strengthened Motor Control Offerings

Rockwell Automation announced plans to acquire the electromechanical solutions provider, CUBIC, to promote intelligent motor control offerings worldwide.


News Oct 09, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida
Info Byte: The Mystery of Ice Cube Relays–Coil Polarity

Info Byte: The Mystery of Ice Cube Relays–Coil Polarity

Relay and other coil devices pose a few confusing questions: How can the relay still work if you connect a DC supply in reverse? How can an alternating voltage attract and hold the load consistently?


HP Unveils its Autonomous Construction Site Layout Printing Solution

HP Unveils its Autonomous Construction Site Layout Printing Solution

HP announced the release of its autonomous, lightweight, and transportable robotic solution—the HP SitePrint—for printing construction site layouts.


News Sep 30, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida
Why is 4-20 mA Current Used for Industrial Analog Sensors?

Why is 4-20 mA Current Used for Industrial Analog Sensors?

Industrial analog sensor devices primarily use 0-10 volt or 4-20 milliamp. For those mA signals, learn the reasons for why the lower and upper limit standards were determined as 4 mA and 20 mA.


Industrial Control Panel Design Standards and Best Practices

Industrial Control Panel Design Standards and Best Practices

Industrial control panels are at the heart of control systems. Learn about the standards and regulations that dictate industrial control panel design for safety and efficiency, including NFPA 70, UL 60947-4-1, and NFPA 79. 


Bosch Rexroth Seeks Increase in North American Market Share

Bosch Rexroth Seeks Increase in North American Market Share

Bosch Rexroth announces the expansion of its operations with a new manufacturing facility in Queretaro, Mexico, hoping to expand its share in the industrial automation market in North America.


News Sep 25, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida