Latest Communication & Security Articles

Categories

Understanding RS232 Serial Communication Message Formats

Understanding RS232 Serial Communication Message Formats

There are many settings and configurations to consider when using RS232 devices. This article breaks down this communication standard and explains how to send messages from one device to another.


Rugged and Reliable: Belden Unveils Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) Portfolio

Rugged and Reliable: Belden Unveils Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) Portfolio

Belden’s Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) devices provide users reliable and fast network connection for safe and efficient operation and are designed to survive rugged environments while using less material.


News Jan 25, 2023 by Seth Price
Not Just Another IIoT Article: MQTT for Pneumatic Cylinder Maintenance

Not Just Another IIoT Article: MQTT for Pneumatic Cylinder Maintenance

IIoT is a daunting topic due to ambiguous interactions of hardware and software. This article outlines the basic steps to use an MQTT broker to collect the number of cycles from a pneumatic cylinder for PM software.


Intro to PLC Programming with Rockwell’s Studio 5000 and CompactLogix

Intro to PLC Programming with Rockwell’s Studio 5000 and CompactLogix

Rockwell Automation is known for being one of the most popular PLC brands, supported by many compatible devices. Learn the basics of getting started with a CompactLogix project in the Studio 5000 environment.


Siemens Sets its Sights on Global Food Security and Sustainability

Siemens Sets its Sights on Global Food Security and Sustainability

Siemens and 80 Acres Farms have joined forces to bring artificial intelligence, robotics, and other automation technologies to nontraditional farming practices to increase efficiency and sustainability of food production.


News Jan 17, 2023 by Damond Goodwin
Introduction to Network Switches for Industrial Applications

Introduction to Network Switches for Industrial Applications

Industrial network switches connect automation equipment, controllers, and other such devices. Learn about unmanaged, managed, and PoE enabled switches, as well as the differences between switches, routers, and hubs.


PLC Discrete Outputs

PLC Discrete Outputs

Programmable Logic Controllers, or PLCs, are designed to receive signals and influence load devices automatically. Learn how to connect and program discrete output devices like solenoids, relays, and lights.


The Technology Battle: Smaller PLCs vs Larger PLCs

The Technology Battle: Smaller PLCs vs Larger PLCs

Is it worth considering the swap from large, bulky PLCs to smaller, compact micro PLCs, saving space in your electrical cabinets, while also reducing complex code to cleaner condensed programs?


News Jan 04, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Arduino PLC IDE Tutorial 2: Analog I/O and External Devices

Arduino PLC IDE Tutorial 2: Analog I/O and External Devices

Previously, we described how to use the new Arduino PLC IDE to control discrete devices. This tutorial will describe how to connect various peripheral equipment (VFD and robot) using analog inputs and outputs.


 Reducing Downtime in Energy Management with Latest Industrial Gateways

Reducing Downtime in Energy Management with Latest Industrial Gateways

Moxa’s latest industrial gateways, the AIG-100 Series, aim to simplify remote data transfer between IIoT devices and are especially targeted for increasing communication efficiency in renewable energy systems.


News Jan 03, 2023 by Seth Price
Electronic Datasheet (EDS) Files: Why do We Use Them?

Electronic Datasheet (EDS) Files: Why do We Use Them?

Many control product manufacturers offer these downloadable ‘EDS files’ for peripheral equipment, but what exactly is an EDS, and how can they aid in the development of a project?


The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Using Frequency Filters for Control Systems

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Using Frequency Filters for Control Systems

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.


Arduino Releases Official PLC IDE for Machine Control Platforms

Arduino Releases Official PLC IDE for Machine Control Platforms

At Control.com, we’re PLC and machine enthusiasts, but we are also makers at heart. This recent announcement by Arduino is ready to make waves and break boundaries in control cabinets around the world!


News Dec 12, 2022 by David Peterson
Industrial Networks: “Protocol over a Standard?”

Industrial Networks: “Protocol over a Standard?”

Industrial communication channels often contain terms such as ‘Modbus over RS485’ or ‘CIP Safety over Ethernet’. What does it mean to send one network over another, and how does it work to your advantage?


Gentle and Intelligent—A Robot Gripper Made for Sensitive Tasks

Gentle and Intelligent—A Robot Gripper Made for Sensitive Tasks

Choosing the right robot gripper can be a daunting task, especially when a gripper that is fully controllable and is able to grip small, delicate components is needed. Enter Schunk’s new EGK smart gripper.


News Dec 02, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich
Planning for the Future: Productivity, Security, and Automation

Planning for the Future: Productivity, Security, and Automation

Thought leadership from Rockwell Automation execs point to future trends and how to leverage technology and skills to increase productivity and the security of operational technology (OT).


News Dec 01, 2022 by David Peterson
Bridging the Gap Between Ethernet/IP and Modbus Protocols

Bridging the Gap Between Ethernet/IP and Modbus Protocols

Moxa has released new Modbus RTU/ASCII/TCP-to-EtherNet/IP gateways with easy configuration and troubleshooting to bridge the gap between Modbus and Ethernet protocols.


News Nov 24, 2022 by Damond Goodwin
Introduction to Network Routers for Industrial Applications

Introduction to Network Routers for Industrial Applications

Network routers are designed to route and pass information between a system of connected computers and devices. Learn about the role of routers in industrial applications and how to properly maintain them.


What You Need to Know: Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)

What You Need to Know: Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)

With precise control abilities to manage speed, torque, and direction, variable frequency drives remain one of the most common methods of driving 3-phase industrial motors. Below, we introduce a few leading VFD manufacturers.


Understanding and Using Safe Torque Off (STO) for Motion Systems

Understanding and Using Safe Torque Off (STO) for Motion Systems

Safety is one of the most critical aspects of machine design. Today, with network connections between different machines and control centers, safety signals must be shared logically and reliably across networks.