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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.


Modbus to Analog Hub For Controlling Analog Devices with RS485 Interface

Modbus to Analog Hub For Controlling Analog Devices with RS485 Interface

Banner Engineering's new R90C Modbus to Analog Hub allows users to easily add analog output to a system that uses Modbus or RS485 without purchasing expensive output cards or replacing outdated equipment.


News Mar 09, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
ASRock Industrial IoT Controller Sees Upgrades for Greater Power and Performance

ASRock Industrial IoT Controller Sees Upgrades for Greater Power and Performance

ASRock Industrial has introduced a new addition to their IoT controllers. The iEP-5010G is packed with communication and input/outputs for modern IoT controller solutions.


News Mar 08, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Siemens TIA Portal and S7-1200 Tutorial 2: Analog Inputs

Siemens TIA Portal and S7-1200 Tutorial 2: Analog Inputs

Programming simple coil and contact commands is an easy matter in most PLC IDEs. Connecting and configuring analog inputs can be more challenging with various bit resolutions and conversion commands.


Understanding Controller Memory Types and Conservation

Understanding Controller Memory Types and Conservation

Insufficient controller memory can result in reduced HMI and SCADA response speed and longer scan times. Know the differences between RAM, ROM, and removable memory, and how to keep program sizes in check.


Pilz Releases New “Key In Pocket” for Machine Maintenance Safety

Pilz Releases New “Key In Pocket” for Machine Maintenance Safety

Machine maintenance safety is a major concern for manufacturers, and Pilz hopes to increase efficiency through the use of card readers to reduce cost and improve the process over traditional methods.


News Mar 02, 2023 by Damond Goodwin
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.


“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
Delivering Reduced Cost of Ownership With Enhanced Cloud-based MES

Delivering Reduced Cost of Ownership With Enhanced Cloud-based MES

GE Digital continues improving its Proficy Smart Factory portfolio by enhancing its cloud-based manufacturing execution system (MES) for overall equipment effectiveness and production and quality management.


News Feb 20, 2023 by Damond Goodwin
Combatting the Effects of EMI with EMC Design Principles for Electrical Panels

Combatting the Effects of EMI with EMC Design Principles for Electrical Panels

EMC-compliant panels are an excellent first step in reducing electromagnetic interference from industrial control systems. Learn about some features of electromagnetic compatibility in panels.


New Incremental Encoders Without Silicon-related Lead Time Constraints

New Incremental Encoders Without Silicon-related Lead Time Constraints

CUI Devices' new AMT13A series of incremental encoders addresses silicon lead time issues and increases the range of shaft sizes available to customers.


News Feb 09, 2023 by Damond Goodwin
ABB’s Protection Relay Retrofit Program Modernizes Power Systems

ABB’s Protection Relay Retrofit Program Modernizes Power Systems

ABB introduces a retrofit program to replace aging protection devices with new multi-function devices. The program promises to extend the lifespan of switchgears and future-proof equipment for an ever-expanding electrical grid.


News Feb 08, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
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.


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.


Alarm and Event Handling and Processing in Process Control Systems

Alarm and Event Handling and Processing in Process Control Systems

Events that cause alarms are not the most common events in a process system, but they must be handled with proper care, being both resolved and recorded in order to prevent hazards and downtime.