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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.


“Four Times More Performance”: B&R Unveils Backplane Bus for X20 System

“Four Times More Performance”: B&R Unveils Backplane Bus for X20 System

Greater I/O and computing power are becoming necessary as automation takes on more tasks. With its latest offering, B&R aims to stay ahead of competitors by offering faster control systems with more rapid I/O capabilities.


News Feb 22, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
How IIoT can Benefit Maintenance Practices and Increase Overall Equipment Effectiveness

How IIoT can Benefit Maintenance Practices and Increase Overall Equipment Effectiveness

As data becomes available, maintenance can shift from being done on a rigid schedule to a more cost-effective plan of fixing as required, even turning attention to the root cause of maintenance woes.


ATX West 2023 Technology Highlight: PLCs with Additional Capabilities

ATX West 2023 Technology Highlight: PLCs with Additional Capabilities

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.


News Feb 21, 2023 by David Peterson
 A Look at IO-Link Enabled Optical Code Readers from Balluff

A Look at IO-Link Enabled Optical Code Readers from Balluff

Balluff has released their IO-Link enabled IDENT series of optical code readers capable of reading 1D and 2D codes of different protocols for use in manufacturing, packaging, and shipping.


News Feb 14, 2023 by Seth Price
Module Converts Existing AC/DC Power Converters Into UPS System

Module Converts Existing AC/DC Power Converters Into UPS System

Uninterruptible power supplies are beneficial in applications where a consistent power supply protects and operates sensitive electrical equipment. Traco’s latest TIB-240BCMU module can turn a normal AC/DC power supply into an operable UPS system.


News Feb 05, 2023 by Damond Goodwin
Look Out For Factory Automation Solutions At ATX West 2023

Look Out For Factory Automation Solutions At ATX West 2023

Hosted by IMEngineering West in Anaheim, CA on Feb 7-9, the Automation Technology Expo (ATX) West is quickly approaching. Check out some of the innovative factory automation and robotic solutions to be demonstrated on the show floor.


News Feb 01, 2023 by Caitlin Nicholson
Understanding Power Quality, Monitoring, and Correction  

Understanding Power Quality, Monitoring, and Correction  

Power quality is an increasing concern for manufacturers all over the world as electrical equipment becomes more advanced and therefore sensitive to discrepancies in the supplied power.


Researchers Point to Ultrasonics and Microfluidics to Add Small-scale Capability to Robots

Researchers Point to Ultrasonics and Microfluidics to Add Small-scale Capability to Robots

ETH Zürich has developed a method to move small amounts of fluid using ultrasonic energy, giving micro-scale robots untapped capabilities in and outside of the laboratory.


News Jan 31, 2023 by Seth Price
Introduction to Modbus and Modbus Function Codes

Introduction to Modbus and Modbus Function Codes

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.


Rockwell’s Studio 5000 and Analog I/O Tutorial 2

Rockwell’s Studio 5000 and Analog I/O Tutorial 2

Learn how to install and program analog modules into Rockwell’s hardware and software environments using a CompactLogix PLC and Studio 5000.


An Audible Alert Indicator For In-line Use with Tower Lights

An Audible Alert Indicator For In-line Use with Tower Lights

Banner Engineering has introduced an audible indicator to its existing family of modular, in-line light tower indicators to provide real-time audible alerts to operators.


News Jan 23, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Keyence Rolls Out Telecentric Lenses for Inline Measurement

Keyence Rolls Out Telecentric Lenses for Inline Measurement

Using a telecentric optical system, Keyence's new TM-X5000 series for automated dimensional measurements aims to enhance quality control in manufacturing with greater accuracy and speed.


News Jan 19, 2023 by Seth Price
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.


Safety Devices - The When, How, and Why

Safety Devices - The When, How, and Why

Machine safety design can be a daunting task with all the different safety devices on the market today. Choosing the correct device for your design can be made easier by understanding when to use the proper device.


A Chat with OnRobot and a Look at D:PLOY - The Next Step in Robotics?

A Chat with OnRobot and a Look at D:PLOY - The Next Step in Robotics?

Control.com had the opportunity to chat with Kristian Hulgard, OnRobot’s General Manager, to learn about D:Ploy, a robotic deployment solution that has been seven years in the making.


News Jan 16, 2023 by Caitlin Nicholson
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.


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.


Memory: A Challenge on the Road to Industry 4.0

Memory: A Challenge on the Road to Industry 4.0

Memory for data is among the most pressing challenges to Industry 4.0. Given the evolving nature of Industry 4.0 and associated memory solutions, however, some memory-based trends are becoming apparent.


What’s the Difference Between a Safety Contactor and a General Purpose Contactor?

What’s the Difference Between a Safety Contactor and a General Purpose Contactor?

Designing a system with motor motion always includes a consideration of safety. Incorporating safety contactors might be the correct prevention to protect equipment and users but may add additional challenges.