Latest Communication & Security Articles

Categories

SMC Updates Valve Manifold and Rotary Actuator Series

SMC Updates Valve Manifold and Rotary Actuator Series

SMC has updated its existing CRB rotary actuator series to include double vane types. The company’s JSY1000-E valve manifold series has also been updated to include new features and added protocol compatibility.


News Feb 13, 2025 by Shawn Dietrich
Hilscher’s netFIELD App Connects PROFINET to IIoT for Efficiency

Hilscher’s netFIELD App Connects PROFINET to IIoT for Efficiency

The netFIELD App by Hilscher bridges PROFINET and IIoT via MQTT, enabling real-time data exchange for predictive maintenance and optimized production processes.


News Feb 10, 2025 by Austin Futrell
Commissioning IO-Link Part 2: Tutorial PLC Project

Commissioning IO-Link Part 2: Tutorial PLC Project

After we explored the initial configuration, it’s now time to see exactly how to implement IO-Link in a simple PLC project, explaining how to interpret process data bytes for input and output.


Hands-On with the Arduino Opta Using OpenPLC

Hands-On with the Arduino Opta Using OpenPLC

Using an Arduino Opta PLC, a few off-the-shelf electrical components, and the popular OpenPLC software environment, automation control concepts can be built on your own test bench.


Commissioning IO-Link Part 1: System Configuration

Commissioning IO-Link Part 1: System Configuration

IO-Link devices can be inputs or outputs, and often a mix of both. In this article, learn how to interpret datasheets that list the indexes and purpose of the bytes to read and write process data.


Capture Critical Data With Banner’s DXMR90-1XE Controller

Capture Critical Data With Banner’s DXMR90-1XE Controller

Banner recently expanded their Snap Signal portfolio, adding the DXMR90-1XE series of industrial controllers, allowing for data transfer with up to four independent networks.


News Feb 01, 2025 by Joshua Tidwell
Gill Instruments Offers Modbus Communication for WindSonic Line

Gill Instruments Offers Modbus Communication for WindSonic Line

WindSonic, Gill Instruments’ two-axis ultrasonic wind sensor line, can now be more easily integrated with existing industrial hardware thanks to the addition of Modbus.


News Jan 31, 2025 by Seth Price
Banner Engineering Releases Status Display for Device Communication

Banner Engineering Releases Status Display for Device Communication

Banner Engineering has released an electronic status display with a 10 m viewing distance. The new status display utilizes LEDs and text to indicate equipment status. No PLC is required for operation.


News Jan 29, 2025 by Shawn Dietrich
Emerson’s DeltaV Edge Environment 2.0: Now With Batch Data Processing

Emerson’s DeltaV Edge Environment 2.0: Now With Batch Data Processing

Version 2.0 of Emerson’s DeltaV Edge Environment incorporates batch data and eliminates data siloing.


News Jan 24, 2025 by Seth Price
MassRobotics Reveals the 2025 Healthcare Robotics Catalyst Program

MassRobotics Reveals the 2025 Healthcare Robotics Catalyst Program

Six companies have been selected by MassRobotics for the Healthcare Robotics Startup Catalyst program. These six companies offer innovative solutions in medicine.


News Jan 22, 2025 by Stephanie Leonida
Remote Networking: Explaining VPNs for Control Engineers

Remote Networking: Explaining VPNs for Control Engineers

It can be risky to adopt unknown technology; it poses serious security concerns if misused. The Control.com engineering team contacted our friends at OnLogic to gain some insight into VPN technology.


Beijer Electronics Replaces Ethernet Switch Series for Industrial Networking

Beijer Electronics Replaces Ethernet Switch Series for Industrial Networking

Beijer Electronics has released a new series of industrial-grade unmanaged switches that will replace the company's existing JetNet 3008 series. The new series includes models that support fiber optic connections.


News Jan 21, 2025 by Shawn Dietrich
Turck Expands TNIC Line of Industrial Unmanaged Ethernet Switches

Turck Expands TNIC Line of Industrial Unmanaged Ethernet Switches

Turck has added new unmanaged switches to its TNIC series. These Ethernet switches are compact, rugged, and feature a wide operating temperature and voltage range, making them suitable for various industrial applications.


News Jan 05, 2025 by Shawn Dietrich
Link Up! Softing AG Releases its usbLink CN

Link Up! Softing AG Releases its usbLink CN

Softing Industrial’s usbLink CN is a USB to ControlNet interface that replaces the Allen-Bradley 1784-U2CN, supporting easy setup and connections using RSLinx and RSNetWorx.


News Dec 29, 2024 by Joshua Tidwell
Antaira Launches a Managed Ethernet Switch for Industrial Networks

Antaira Launches a Managed Ethernet Switch for Industrial Networks

A new managed Ethernet switch from Antaira offers advanced features specifically for industrial automation, including ring redundancy, PoE+ capability, Gigabit speeds, and fiber connection technology.


News Dec 19, 2024 by Shawn Dietrich
A Visit From Safety Nick

A Visit From Safety Nick

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas: like you’ve (probably) never heard it before.


HMS Networks Expands Next-Generation Gateway Line

HMS Networks Expands Next-Generation Gateway Line

HMS Networks releases new gateways to facilitate secure and fast communication for control systems in industrial environments.


News Dec 18, 2024 by Bob Odhiambo
Balluff Masters the Link for Smarter Industrial Communication

Balluff Masters the Link for Smarter Industrial Communication

Balluff's new IO-Link masters in Entry, Standard, and Advanced classes offer high performance, robust construction, and advanced features.


News Dec 17, 2024 by Austin Futrell
Rockwell Updates Edge Compute Module for ControlLogix

Rockwell Updates Edge Compute Module for ControlLogix

Rockwell has added a new update for the edge compute module, enhancing ControlLogix with support for multiple protocols.


News Dec 16, 2024 by Joshua Tidwell
Tech Hubs Unite, Igniting Innovation in Automation Solutions

Tech Hubs Unite, Igniting Innovation in Automation Solutions

The University of Tulsa announced the opening of its Institute for Robotics & Autonomy, and other tech hubs are seeking to advance robotics-based operations.


News Dec 16, 2024 by Stephanie Leonida