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New Mitsubishi Electric VFD Inverter can be Powered by a 120V Source

New Mitsubishi Electric VFD Inverter can be Powered by a 120V Source

Mitsubishi Electric has made a new 120V VFD to help manufacturers that need access to variable-speed motors. They can benefit from these 120V VFDs by eliminating the need for a rotary phase converter.


News Jul 12, 2023 by Damond Goodwin
Virtual LAN for IT/OT Nodes in Industrial Control Systems

Virtual LAN for IT/OT Nodes in Industrial Control Systems

Virtual networks can connect or isolate various local control networks through configuration of a managed switch. Why would we use VLANs, and how can you segment a network switch to create a VLAN?


Panel Builder’s Guide to Grounding and UL 508A Standards - Part 1

Panel Builder’s Guide to Grounding and UL 508A Standards - Part 1

Ground wires reduce the risk of injury and damage from faulty equipment. Shops designing according to the UL 508A standard must understand how, when, and why to properly ground and bond circuits.


Beckhoff Creates Power Supply Module for ‘Cabinetless’ Automation System

Beckhoff Creates Power Supply Module for ‘Cabinetless’ Automation System

Last year, Beckhoff created the MX-System for cabinetless automation control, and has recently updated the power supply modules to be compatible with drives, robotics, and conveyance devices.


News Jul 10, 2023 by Damond Goodwin
Basic Structured Text Programming in Mitsubishi PLCs

Basic Structured Text Programming in Mitsubishi PLCs

Structured Text (ST) is one of the common IEC programming languages that can be used in programming PLCs. Learn how to use structured text to write executable programs for MELSEC’s FX series PLC.


Eaton and FMX Join Forces to Create Smart Predictive Industrial Maintenance Software

Eaton and FMX Join Forces to Create Smart Predictive Industrial Maintenance Software

Eaton and FMX collaborate to create a predictive maintenance software specifically designed to work with electrical components and systems, providing greater savings on maintenance and reduced downtime.


News Jul 06, 2023 by Damond Goodwin
Beckhoff Releases a New Ethernet-APL Module for Advanced Communication

Beckhoff Releases a New Ethernet-APL Module for Advanced Communication

Beckhoff has introduced a new Ethernet-APL module allowing process automation engineers to acquire data faster and at further distances with greater protection against hazardous environments.


News Jul 03, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Math and Comparison Commands In Mitsubishi’s FX and Q Series PLCs

Math and Comparison Commands In Mitsubishi’s FX and Q Series PLCs

Mathematical operations are essential in PLC programming as they help in creating an argument output that is based on proportionality and numbers. Learn how to implement mathematical operations in FX and Q Series PLCs.


Control.com’s Most Popular Content: a Recap of First Half 2023

Control.com’s Most Popular Content: a Recap of First Half 2023

After an amazing first half in 2023, with site records being broken in many categories, we have you, our viewers, to thank! But what content have you been enjoying most? Articles, forums, the textbook?


News Jun 28, 2023 by David Peterson
Tutorial | First Program Using Rockwell’s Micro800 Series PLC

Tutorial | First Program Using Rockwell’s Micro800 Series PLC

Rockwell Automation’s Micro800 series is the modern replacement for some older MicroLogix PLCs. Learn how to get started with basic I/O, plus timers and counters, to build your own programs in a snap!


Emerging Technologies for Industry 4.0: Data Processing and Management

Emerging Technologies for Industry 4.0: Data Processing and Management

Using artificial intelligence, drone technology, control loop optimization, operational technology data corroboration, and management software to achieve Industry 4.0 operations.


News Jun 27, 2023 by Stephanie Leonida
Managing Networks | Why Do I Need an Industrial Grade Switch?

Managing Networks | Why Do I Need an Industrial Grade Switch?

I could run down to the local box store or internet marketplace and buy a 5-port switch for less than 20 dollars, or invest in an industrial switch for hundreds. Why would I choose the industrial switch?


Omega’s New HANI Tank Sensor for Contactless Fluid Temp Measurements

Omega’s New HANI Tank Sensor for Contactless Fluid Temp Measurements

The High Accuracy Non-Invasive (HANI) tank temperature sensor by Omega makes quick, sanitary measurements for food, beverage, and other fluid product or process monitoring.


News Jun 21, 2023 by Seth Price
Going Against the Flow | Reversing Single-phase Industrial Motors

Going Against the Flow | Reversing Single-phase Industrial Motors

Three-phase motors are a backbone of the modern industrial control landscape. But plenty of applications still rely on single-phase motors. Can these types of motors be reversed, and if so, how?


OnLogic Releases the New Helix 511 Linking Modern and Legacy Systems

OnLogic Releases the New Helix 511 Linking Modern and Legacy Systems

OnLogic, manufacturer of rugged industrial computers, adds to its existing line of IPCs with a product that boasts connecting to new and legacy components with extended array of communication options.


News Jun 20, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
PID for Your PLC Using SP and PV. So Many Acronyms, So Little Time

PID for Your PLC Using SP and PV. So Many Acronyms, So Little Time

Implementing PID control in a PLC is far more complicated than textbooks would make it appear. There is more to the process than simply picking gain (k) values and calculating an output value.


Simulating Ladder Logic Programs in GX Simulator2 With Mitsubishi PLCs

Simulating Ladder Logic Programs in GX Simulator2 With Mitsubishi PLCs

GX Simulator2 is one of MELSOFT’s essential tools for the simulation of programs in a virtual PLC and works with GX Works2. Learn how to virtually simulate and test your ladder programs.


What’s New? SICK Adds Sensor and Encoder Products to Catalog

What’s New? SICK Adds Sensor and Encoder Products to Catalog

SICK has released a new time-of-flight (TOF) safety vision sensor and a new contactless linear encoder to the product catalog, intended to impact new automation systems in mobile and linear motion designs.


News Jun 15, 2023 by Seth Price
Ignition SCADA Software: What are Tags and How are They Used?

Ignition SCADA Software: What are Tags and How are They Used?

An introduction to the various tag types used within one of the leading supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) software powering IIoT, HMI, and I4.0 applications: Ignition by Inductive Automation.


Controlling and Troubleshooting Common DC Motors

Controlling and Troubleshooting Common DC Motors

Direct current (DC) motors have existed since the late 19th century. What sets these motors apart from AC models, how do you control them, and how can you tell when it’s time to repair or replace them?