Learn about the history, framework, and current uses of the Open Platform Communications United Architecture (OPC UA) communication protocol in industrial automation.
Learn about the history, framework, and current uses of the Open Platform Communications United Architecture (OPC UA) communication protocol in industrial automation.
The subject of grounding in electronics is broad and complex, spanning across a variety of functions and objectives. In…
The subject of grounding in electronics is broad and complex, spanning across a variety of functions and objectives. In this article, we will investigate the applications and regulation of grounding in control systems on a fundamental level.
Field-oriented control (FOC), also called vector control, can control 3-phase alternating current motors and brushless DC…
Field-oriented control (FOC), also called vector control, can control 3-phase alternating current motors and brushless DC motors. Read more to learn its advantages, how it works, and its best applications.
Schaffner has added the option of an advanced human-machine interface (HMI) to their existing Ecosine Active Sync…
Schaffner has added the option of an advanced human-machine interface (HMI) to their existing Ecosine Active Sync harmonic filter solution to increase client control and ease of use.
Large motors require a circuit to turn on and off. This may be as simple as a single on/off drum-type switch or as…
Large motors require a circuit to turn on and off. This may be as simple as a single on/off drum-type switch or as elaborate as a VFD unit. Learn about some common control circuit designs for typical three-phase motor requirements.
EMC-compliant panels are an excellent first step in reducing electromagnetic interference from industrial control…
EMC-compliant panels are an excellent first step in reducing electromagnetic interference from industrial control systems. Learn about some features of electromagnetic compatibility in panels.
Using symbols instead of text provides a fast and effective way to describe an electrical system. Learn about the what,…
Using symbols instead of text provides a fast and effective way to describe an electrical system. Learn about the what, when, where, and why of commonly used electrical symbols from the perspective of a controls engineer.
ABB introduces a retrofit program to replace aging protection devices with new multi-function devices. The program…
ABB introduces a retrofit program to replace aging protection devices with new multi-function devices. The program promises to extend the lifespan of switchgears and future-proof equipment for an ever-expanding electrical grid.
Uninterruptible power supplies are beneficial in applications where a consistent power supply protects and operates…
Uninterruptible power supplies are beneficial in applications where a consistent power supply protects and operates sensitive electrical equipment. Traco’s latest TIB-240BCMU module can turn a normal AC/DC power supply into an operable UPS system.
Omron Industrial Automation has released two new styles of industrial relays to its existing lineup. The slim-style…
Omron Industrial Automation has released two new styles of industrial relays to its existing lineup. The slim-style relays are available as mechanical or solid-state and offer a reduced footprint being only 6.2 mm wide.
Machine safety design can be a daunting task with all the different safety devices on the market today. Choosing the…
Machine safety design can be a daunting task with all the different safety devices on the market today. Choosing the correct device for your design can be made easier by understanding when to use the proper device.
We are taught that parallel circuits maintain equal voltage across all branch resistors, equally sharing the source…
We are taught that parallel circuits maintain equal voltage across all branch resistors, equally sharing the source voltage. But reality is often far from ideal, and individual devices certainly impact the rest of the circuit.
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.
Closed-loop motor control is a control system used to regulate the output of a motor. Learn about the four common types…
Closed-loop motor control is a control system used to regulate the output of a motor. Learn about the four common types of closed-loop motor control systems to understand each one’s inner-workings and applications.
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!
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.
Frequency filters remove unwanted variations from signals and power sources. In this article, we explore why we need…
Frequency filters remove unwanted variations from signals and power sources. In this article, we explore why we need frequency filters in industrial automation and where they are commonly found.
Siemens introduces a new addition to the Reyrolle protection product line that is capable of being installed in remote…
Siemens introduces a new addition to the Reyrolle protection product line that is capable of being installed in remote locations with the ability of dual-power sources.
Siemens has released a compact, customizable circuit breaker for power generation plants. The circuit breaker is suitable…
Siemens has released a compact, customizable circuit breaker for power generation plants. The circuit breaker is suitable for new installations or retrofits, thanks in part to the customizations available.
Managing temperature and humidity is crucial to preventing damage in control cabinets and to manufacturing equipment.…
Managing temperature and humidity is crucial to preventing damage in control cabinets and to manufacturing equipment. Banner has created the S15S sensor for use with cloud monitoring, giving manufacturers more efficient environmental control.