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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.


Types of Actuators: Comparing Pneumatic vs. Electric Actuators

Types of Actuators: Comparing Pneumatic vs. Electric Actuators

Actuators are used to control the motion of manufacturing devices and raw materials. This article will compare electric actuators and several types of fluid-power actuators.


An Introduction to Types of Closed-loop Motor Control

An Introduction to Types of Closed-loop Motor Control

Closed-loop motor control is a control system used to regulate the output of a motor. Learn about the four common types of closed-loop motor control systems to understand each one’s inner-workings and applications.


Control System Process Data Archiving: Strategy and Methodology

Control System Process Data Archiving: Strategy and Methodology

Data stored in a historian server is useful for analysis and troubleshooting. Learn about data archiving techniques for control systems, as well as what type of data is stored and the tools to make it happen.


Power Supplies: Understanding the Differences Between Linear and Switching

Power Supplies: Understanding the Differences Between Linear and Switching

Linear and switch-mode power supplies provide direct current to power control components and electrical devices. Learn about the differences between the two power supplies and which one is best for your control system.


Teardown: What’s Inside a 3-Phase Induction Motor?

Teardown: What’s Inside a 3-Phase Induction Motor?

Coil, field winding, rotor, stator, eddy current… When it comes to motors, there are numerous terms that describe the theory of operation, but what is inside a 3-phase motor? Take a look, and learn how they work.


A Dual-powered Protection Relay for Overcurrent and Earth Fault Protection

A Dual-powered Protection Relay for Overcurrent and Earth Fault Protection

Siemens introduces a new addition to the Reyrolle protection product line that is capable of being installed in remote locations with the ability of dual-power sources.


News Dec 08, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich
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
PLC Discrete Inputs

PLC Discrete Inputs

Programmable Logic Control (PLC) systems are the core of most industrial control systems that drive modern manufacturing. In this Control Automation video, we discuss the wiring process for buttons, switches, and discrete sensors, applicable to virtually every PLC.


Proportional Gain and Proportional Band Explained

Proportional Gain and Proportional Band Explained

Learn about proportional gain and proportional band, two key proportional control concepts, to better understand the most popular control system method in industrial automation.


Control Automation Update: New Online Calculator Tools

Control Automation Update: New Online Calculator Tools

Most engineers are not intimidated by simple mathematics, but when designing mission-critical systems, it’s important to have easy access to reliable tools and calculators. Introducing our first new set of tools designed for control engineers.


News Oct 25, 2022 by David Peterson
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
Info Byte: The Mystery of Ice Cube Relays–Coil Polarity

Info Byte: The Mystery of Ice Cube Relays–Coil Polarity

Relay and other coil devices pose a few confusing questions: How can the relay still work if you connect a DC supply in reverse? How can an alternating voltage attract and hold the load consistently?


 Configuration and  Data Logging: Using a PCU to Translate From Process to SCADA

Configuration and Data Logging: Using a PCU to Translate From Process to SCADA

The PCU400 can handle all known industrial protocols and forward them to the master station to get an effective connection between the SCADA system and the data from the manufacturing or system process.


COSEL’s New DIN-Rail AC/DC Power Supplies

COSEL’s New DIN-Rail AC/DC Power Supplies

COSEL welcomes its new power supply lineup, the WDA series, for industrial applications. The AC/DC DIN-rail power supplies feature improved efficiency to help manufacturers reduce costs.


News Sep 29, 2022 by Damond Goodwin
Control and Visualization of Power Plant Data Through SCADA Systems

Control and Visualization of Power Plant Data Through SCADA Systems

The control and visualization of power plant processes through SCADA improves the supervision, coordination, and security of the power system operations.


Schaffner’s Unique Locking Plug Prevents Accidental Unplugging

Schaffner’s Unique Locking Plug Prevents Accidental Unplugging

Schaffner releases new power connector, expanding on their IEC lock connector offerings to prevent accidental unplugging and for reducing electrical noise.


News Sep 07, 2022 by Seth Price
Active Power, Reactive Power, Apparent Power, and the Role of Power Factor

Active Power, Reactive Power, Apparent Power, and the Role of Power Factor

The diverse power terms in electrical generation systems include active, reactive, and apparent power, all of which lead to the introduction of ‘power factor’ effectiveness in an AC circuit.


Grounding for Control Transformers

Grounding for Control Transformers

Grounding transformer connections presents its own set of challenges. This article addresses these challenges and several common configurations for control transformer grounding.


Electrical Resistance Measurement Problems - What Can Go Wrong?

Electrical Resistance Measurement Problems - What Can Go Wrong?

Today’s digital multimeters (DMMs) are inexpensive, accurate, and easy to use, but sometimes a problem with the circuit or the measurement can cause incorrect readings. Learn to interpret and fix these problems.