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Finally: Phoenix Contact Unveils XTV Push-in Connector Type Suitable for Stranded Wire

Finally: Phoenix Contact Unveils XTV Push-in Connector Type Suitable for Stranded Wire

Three main terminal block styles have dominated the control landscape: screw-down, spring-clamp, and push-in. Although this last style speeds up troubleshooting and installation, it has been a challenge to accept stranded wires, until now.


News Aug 02, 2022 by David Peterson
Collaborative Robot Cells: Simple and User-friendly Design Priorities

Collaborative Robot Cells: Simple and User-friendly Design Priorities

Learn about the common applications, programming procedures, and safety protocols of collaborative robot work cells, which are often simpler and less expensive than industrial robot work cells.  


CTRL F3: Factory Explosion Field Study

CTRL F3: Factory Explosion Field Study

The CTRL F3 series reviews field studies and failures in the field focused on control fails, fixes, and facts. This article covers an explosion at an industrial sawmill.


Negative Effects of Grounding (Earthing) a DC Power Supply

Negative Effects of Grounding (Earthing) a DC Power Supply

DC voltage systems exist to provide controllers and field devices with stable power, but it is not always clear when these systems should be bonded with the earth ground of the AC line voltage supply.


Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Hardware

Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Hardware

Programmable Logic Control (PLC) systems are the core of most industrial control systems that drive modern manufacturing. In this Control Automation video, we discuss the important hardware elements that define a PLC, regardless of its size or purpose.


Introduction to Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)

Introduction to Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)

Programmable Logic Control (PLC) systems are the core of most industrial control systems that drive modern manufacturing. In our Control.com video tutorials, we will share information, experience, and tips for working with PLCs—from the hardware, to the wiring, to the programming logic of inputs, outputs, and communication processes.


A How-to Guide to Control Automation Day 2022

A How-to Guide to Control Automation Day 2022

Welcome to Control Automation Day 2022—Control.com’s digital-only event for engineers! Here is your guide to navigating the keynote addresses, live educational sessions, and exciting giveaways from your favorite manufacturers!


News Jun 20, 2022 by David Peterson
Schaffner Introduces EMC Filter Series for Data Centers and Robotics

Schaffner Introduces EMC Filter Series for Data Centers and Robotics

Schaffner introduces its newest electromagnetic compatibility filters for data centers and robotic-automation sectors, allowing for different connection options and saving on space with a 1U rack-mount design.


News Jun 17, 2022 by Damond Goodwin
Power for Control Circuits: It’s Not Just Power Supplies

Power for Control Circuits: It’s Not Just Power Supplies

Power supplies tend to get a reputation as one of the most important power considerations of a DC control circuit - but we can’t ignore other key players: power filters, converters, and backup power modules.


Control.com Announces Control Automation Day 2022!

Control.com Announces Control Automation Day 2022!

Control Automation Day 2022 will be on June 21st, focusing on PLC systems, packed with keynote addresses, educational live sessions, and exciting giveaways from your favorite manufacturers!


News May 18, 2022 by David Peterson
Dynamic Braking Resistors for Motor Control Applications

Dynamic Braking Resistors for Motor Control Applications

Large DC and AC motor drives often provide terminals for installing a braking resistor. What are these resistors, and how do they slow down a machine? What hazards and cautions must be considered?


Replacing a Control Cabinet with Modules? Beckhoff Says Yes!

Replacing a Control Cabinet with Modules? Beckhoff Says Yes!

Beckhoff Automation is advancing the concept of reducing cabinet space and lowering construction time with their recently announced MX-System.


News Apr 21, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich
Introduction to Safety Relays

Introduction to Safety Relays

Redundancy and safety are often seen together in industrial safety systems. Safety relays monitor emergency devices to switch contacts based on status - but what makes them different from normal relays?


Info Byte: What’s the Deal With Debouncing Switches?

Info Byte: What’s the Deal With Debouncing Switches?

Before digital control systems, responses were fairly slow. Push a button, and a motor contactor engaged. These days, the speed of computers introduces some new challenges but brings solutions as well.


Beijer Electronics Releases New M-Series of Distributed I/O Modules

Beijer Electronics Releases New M-Series of Distributed I/O Modules

Beijer Electronics recently announced the M Series of distributed I/O to provide on-machine control with a variety of communication options for system flexibility.


News Mar 31, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich
Time is Running Out: Cowen Startup Challenge at Automate 2022

Time is Running Out: Cowen Startup Challenge at Automate 2022

The window is closing for submissions to a funding competition - robotics, machine vision, and AI innovations are taking the center stage for a chance at winning $10,000. Are you ready?


News Mar 15, 2022 by David Peterson
Schneider Electric Plans Manufacturing Expansion in Texas

Schneider Electric Plans Manufacturing Expansion in Texas

Schneider Electric is investing in new manufacturing capabilities in a revised El Paso facility in order to address domestic supply chain problems.


News Mar 12, 2022 by Seth Price
Info Byte: What’s the Reason Behind Relay Terminal Numbering?

Info Byte: What’s the Reason Behind Relay Terminal Numbering?

Any industrial electrician can instantly recognize a relay, but when it comes to wiring, why are the terminals numbered in such apparently random order?


Lock-out-tag-out (LOTO) Devices for Industrial Safety

Lock-out-tag-out (LOTO) Devices for Industrial Safety

One of the most visible elements of industrial safety is the use of lock-out-tag-out (LOTO) devices, familiar to those with experience. But, if you are new to the workforce, a brief introduction may be helpful.


Introduction to Industrial Network Gateways

Introduction to Industrial Network Gateways

This article teaches the basics of gateways in industrial networks and PLC-to-PLC communication.