Latest Communication & Security Articles

EtherCAT is an often preferred competitor in the arena of industrial networking protocols. Learn the reason why many…

EtherCAT is an often preferred competitor in the arena of industrial networking protocols. Learn the reason why many technologies embrace this protocol and what sets it apart from other fieldbus varieties.

Computers understand values as long strings of binary bits, but we humans convert them to other systems for convenience.…

Computers understand values as long strings of binary bits, but we humans convert them to other systems for convenience. Decimal makes sense, but what about hexadecimal and the lesser-known octal systems?

PLCs need no trade show to announce their presence. But many companies have developed improvements to the traditional…

PLCs need no trade show to announce their presence. But many companies have developed improvements to the traditional platform that can present new opportunities for the future of operational technology.

GE Digital continues improving its Proficy Smart Factory portfolio by enhancing its cloud-based manufacturing execution…

GE Digital continues improving its Proficy Smart Factory portfolio by enhancing its cloud-based manufacturing execution system (MES) for overall equipment effectiveness and production and quality management.

Using an electronic data sheet or add-on profile is an easier method than having to manually configure and map a generic…

Using an electronic data sheet or add-on profile is an easier method than having to manually configure and map a generic Ethernet module. Learn about the differences between an EDS and AOP and how and when each is used.

The S7-1200 is one of Siemens’ most popular PLC options for relatively small automation projects. Learn how to use the…

The S7-1200 is one of Siemens’ most popular PLC options for relatively small automation projects. Learn how to use the Totally Integrated Automation Portal to design simple ladder logic programs.

Industrial Ethernet is getting a facelift, but will the industry adopt this new change? Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) offers…

Industrial Ethernet is getting a facelift, but will the industry adopt this new change? Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) offers gigabit speeds with a reduced footprint. When is it used, and where?

Modbus is one of the oldest industrial communication protocols still in use today. Continue reading to find out how the…

Modbus is one of the oldest industrial communication protocols still in use today. Continue reading to find out how the protocol works and how to use it for monitoring and control.

There are many settings and configurations to consider when using RS232 devices. This article breaks down this…

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.

Belden’s Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) devices provide users reliable and fast network connection for safe and efficient…

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.

IIoT is a daunting topic due to ambiguous interactions of hardware and software. This article outlines the basic steps to…

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.

Rockwell Automation is known for being one of the most popular PLC brands, supported by many compatible devices. Learn…

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 and 80 Acres Farms have joined forces to bring artificial intelligence, robotics, and other automation…

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.

Industrial network switches connect automation equipment, controllers, and other such devices. Learn about unmanaged,…

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.

Programmable Logic Controllers, or PLCs, are designed to receive signals and influence load devices automatically. Learn…

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.

Is it worth considering the swap from large, bulky PLCs to smaller, compact micro PLCs, saving space in your electrical…

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?

Previously, we described how to use the new Arduino PLC IDE to control discrete devices. This tutorial will describe how…

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.

Moxa’s latest industrial gateways, the AIG-100 Series, aim to simplify remote data transfer between IIoT devices and…

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.

Many control product manufacturers offer these downloadable ‘EDS files’ for peripheral equipment, but what exactly is…

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?