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Leveraging IIoT and Energy Measurement Tools for Machine Optimization

Leveraging IIoT and Energy Measurement Tools for Machine Optimization

Analytics from data algorithms can predict machine failures and provide diagnostics—but what should we measure? Then, once the information has been collected, what trends might point to problems?


Power Reliability in the Cloud: ABB’s SmartTracker for UPS Systems

Power Reliability in the Cloud: ABB’s SmartTracker for UPS Systems

Track energy data and monitor trends remotely with ABB’s new SmartTracker software and hardware solution to monitor UPS system health, operation, and optimization from a secure, cloud-based platform.


News Apr 03, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Understanding the OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA) Protocol

Understanding the OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA) Protocol

Learn about the history, framework, and current uses of the Open Platform Communications United Architecture (OPC UA) communication protocol in industrial automation.


Moxa Introduces Industrial Wireless Networking Solutions for Mobile Automation

Moxa Introduces Industrial Wireless Networking Solutions for Mobile Automation

Moxa's latest in its AWK series of industrial wireless solutions are designed to help with AGV and AMR network reliability, meeting the growing demand for mobile automation.


News Mar 30, 2023 by Damond Goodwin
What’s This Standardized Code for Information? Funny You Should ASCII

What’s This Standardized Code for Information? Funny You Should ASCII

ASCII is a familiar acronym, found in applications like Modbus communications and string data types—but what is it, and what does ASCII mean for automation engineers?


Multi-network Module Simplifies Networking, Supports CC-Link IE TSN and EtherNet/IP

Multi-network Module Simplifies Networking, Supports CC-Link IE TSN and EtherNet/IP

Mitsubishi Electric releases a new module that combines IoT asynchronous messaging with deterministic cyclic messaging typically found in field I/O.


News Mar 24, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Addressing Common Industrial IoT Cybersecurity Risks For Control Systems

Addressing Common Industrial IoT Cybersecurity Risks For Control Systems

Addressing cybersecurity threats introduced by IIoT technology and devices can quickly seem overwhelming. However, an understanding of the risks can lead to some straightforward countermeasures.


Industrial Network Options: EtherCAT Advantages, Challenges, and Specs

Industrial Network Options: EtherCAT Advantages, Challenges, and Specs

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.


An Engineer Explains the Hexadecimal and Octal Number Systems

An Engineer Explains the Hexadecimal and Octal Number Systems

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?


Introduction to Single Pair Ethernet (SPE)

Introduction to Single Pair Ethernet (SPE)

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?


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.


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.


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.


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.


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?


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