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Schneider Electric Launches Managed Security Services

Schneider Electric Launches Managed Security Services

Schneider Electric offers its Managed Security Services (MSS) geared towards shoring up industrial data security and readiness.


News Aug 22, 2023 by Seth Price
Balluff offers a minimalist yet powerful entry-level IO-Link sensor and actuator control hubs

Balluff offers a minimalist yet powerful entry-level IO-Link sensor and actuator control hubs

Checking all the boxes needed for harsh industrial applications, Balluff’s IO-Link hubs are fit for duty without frills or extra expense.


News Aug 16, 2023 by Seth Price
Thinking Outside the Cabinet: Rockwell Introduces Direct-Mount Servo Drives

Thinking Outside the Cabinet: Rockwell Introduces Direct-Mount Servo Drives

Allen-Bradley and Rockwell Automation took their popular servo drive line and right-sized it for easy installation on machines in the field or directly mounting to servo motors.


News Aug 10, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Phoenix Contact’s Valueline 3: Newest Panel and Box IPC

Phoenix Contact’s Valueline 3: Newest Panel and Box IPC

Phoenix Contact adds to its product family of panel PCs and IPCs with the Valueline 3, available in a standalone box or ready to integrate into a robust touch panel for industrial environments.


News Aug 09, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Creating a Low-Cost OpenPLC Pulse Timer Function Block HMI with an M5Stack Core

Creating a Low-Cost OpenPLC Pulse Timer Function Block HMI with an M5Stack Core

Triggering a machine by an external event often requires a pulse timer for OpenPLC Pulse Timer control. Here’s a brief tutorial on how an M5Stack Core can offer a simple, effective low-cost Arduino OpenPLC HMI solution.


Energy and Automation Join Forces: Robots and Solar Materials

Energy and Automation Join Forces: Robots and Solar Materials

The worlds of power and control engineering are collaborating to create a new research robot, scanning multiple materials to configure the most effective material alloy combinations for a more efficient energy future.


News Aug 02, 2023 by David Peterson
Antaira’s New DC-DC Converters Boost Power for Network Devices

Antaira’s New DC-DC Converters Boost Power for Network Devices

Antaira released two new DC-DC converters capable of producing more power to drive multiport switches, commonly equipped with power over Ethernet (PoE), using a standard industrial line voltage.


News Jun 07, 2023 by Seth Price
Three-Phase Transformers: Applications and Connection Configuration

Three-Phase Transformers: Applications and Connection Configuration

Transformer types can vary from small instruments to large power distribution systems. 3-phase systems require transformers that employ the same wye and delta arrangements common to industrial motors.


Building a Temperature Controller Simulator Using OpenPLC and an Arduino

Building a Temperature Controller Simulator Using OpenPLC and an Arduino

Variable control allows external conditions, like temperature, to be monitored so the controller can activate devices to heat or cool the system as needed. Simulate a temp controller with low-cost components!


Fluke To Help Grow Solar Workforce, Becomes NABCEP Training Provider

Fluke To Help Grow Solar Workforce, Becomes NABCEP Training Provider

Bottlenecks created by skilled labor shortages have created concern for companies looking for sustainable growth. Fluke hopes to limit future bottlenecks in the solar industry by becoming a NABCEP Registered Training Provider.


News May 16, 2023 by Damond Goodwin
Understanding Thermal and Pressure Safety Valves for Fluid Flow Systems

Understanding Thermal and Pressure Safety Valves for Fluid Flow Systems

Safety is a concern in any system containing potential energy, whether electrical, chemical, or fluid. Each has methods of protection, and for fluid systems, certain shutoff valves are used in situations when excess pressure can be a problem.


Field-oriented Control (Vector Control) for Brushless DC Motors

Field-oriented Control (Vector Control) for Brushless DC Motors

Field-oriented control (FOC), also called vector control, can control 3-phase alternating current motors and brushless DC motors. Read more to learn its advantages, how it works, and its best applications.


Introduction to Basic Three-Phase Motor Control Circuits

Introduction to Basic Three-Phase Motor Control Circuits

Large motors require a circuit to turn on and off. This may be as simple as a single on/off drum-type switch or as elaborate as a VFD unit. Learn about some common control circuit designs for typical three-phase motor requirements.


Turbine Maintenance: Understanding Ratcheting and Turning Gears

Turbine Maintenance: Understanding Ratcheting and Turning Gears

Turbine ratcheting helps prevent damage by regulating a turbine's uniform warm-up and cool-down. In this article, we will discuss the principles and challenges behind this process.


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.


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.


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
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.


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.


Lock-out-tag-out (LOTO) Devices for Industrial Safety

Lock-out-tag-out (LOTO) Devices for Industrial Safety

One of the most visible elements of industrial safety is the use of lock-out-tag-out (LOTO) devices, familiar to those with experience. But, if you are new to the workforce, a brief introduction may be helpful.