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Safety Devices - The When, How, and Why

Safety Devices - The When, How, and Why

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.


Comparing Parallel Circuits: Practical vs Theoretical Electrical Systems

Comparing Parallel Circuits: Practical vs Theoretical Electrical Systems

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.


Max Switching Currents Up To 40 A: CUI’s Expanded Power Relay Product Line

Max Switching Currents Up To 40 A: CUI’s Expanded Power Relay Product Line

CUI Devices has further expanded its power relay products. Suited for high-level current switching, the new line of power relays offers max switching currents from 5 A to 40 A.


News Nov 23, 2022 by Damond Goodwin
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
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.


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
Sine/Cosine Approximations Simplify Controller Operation

Sine/Cosine Approximations Simplify Controller Operation

Programming languages often include sine and cosine functions. They simplify programming, but consume valuable memory space and computation time. This can be overcome using simple approximations.


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.


I/O Module Debate: Transistor vs. Relay Output?

I/O Module Debate: Transistor vs. Relay Output?

When selecting the right module for the right load, be sure to understand how the load resistance will affect the voltage and current of the output module terminals.


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?


Introduction to Photoelectric Sensors

Introduction to Photoelectric Sensors

Sensing objects is a tricky business because of the many variables in light, surface texture, distance, color, and other factors. Learn how a photo sensor works!


Types of Motor Starters and Application Considerations

Types of Motor Starters and Application Considerations

Motors drive all sorts of processes in a facility. Depending on the application, which motor starter is best suited for your needs?


How to Control Robotic Transfer Systems with Laser Distance Sensors

How to Control Robotic Transfer Systems with Laser Distance Sensors

Let’s take a closer look at retrofitting T-cart control with newer technology, such as using laser distance sensors versus limit switches.


Hall-effect Sensors in Electric Motors and Linear Applications

Hall-effect Sensors in Electric Motors and Linear Applications

Learn about how Hall-effect sensors are used in linear and electric motor applications, including brushed and brushless DC motors. 


 An Overview of Hall Effect Sensors

An Overview of Hall Effect Sensors

Learn about Hall Effect sensors and how they are used in a variety of ways from robotics to proximity applications.


The Difference Between Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) and Soft Starters

The Difference Between Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) and Soft Starters

The following will examine how to reduce the wear on motors during startup and compare soft starters and variable frequency drives (VFDs). 


Using Sensors with Open Collector Outputs

Using Sensors with Open Collector Outputs

This article discusses how to use sensors with open collector outputs and learning some of the module connections involved.


The Purpose of NPN Sensors in Control Systems

The Purpose of NPN Sensors in Control Systems

A typical control system uses PNP sensors and tends to be easier to visualize. For opposite polarity systems, the NPN sensor is the only compatible sensor type. Learn more about NPN sensors, including characteristics and uses.


How to Reduce Electrical Noise on Sensors and Control Systems

How to Reduce Electrical Noise on Sensors and Control Systems

Electrical noise is a common problem inside industrial facilities. The following will explain a few simple strategies for reducing this noise.


How to Use a Multimeter to Measure Current

How to Use a Multimeter to Measure Current

This article will examine and discuss how to measure current with a multimeter, using the standard in-line current measuring method.