Latest Utilities Articles

Some workplaces are more dangerous than others, not because of the practices, but rather the products. Where do…

Some workplaces are more dangerous than others, not because of the practices, but rather the products. Where do explosions occur, and what practices exist to reduce such risk for equipment and workforce?

User-defined data types (UDTs) are a powerful and useful tool when applied to their full advantage. However, misused,…

User-defined data types (UDTs) are a powerful and useful tool when applied to their full advantage. However, misused, they can become problematic and introduce roadblocks to troubleshooting and upgrading PLC programs.

We take a look at the latest visual inspection technologies from Boston Dynamics and Telit Cinterion.

We take a look at the latest visual inspection technologies from Boston Dynamics and Telit Cinterion.

Triggering a machine by an external event often requires a pulse timer for OpenPLC Pulse Timer control. Here’s a brief…

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.

ContaClip adds to an existing product line of terminal blocks with versions that support 10mm^2 conductors up to 4 amps,…

ContaClip adds to an existing product line of terminal blocks with versions that support 10mm^2 conductors up to 4 amps, with a double-level version for added wiring capacity.

Endress+Hauser introduces the WSG250 WirelessHART gateway, capable of connecting up to 100 HART devices onto a single network.

Endress+Hauser introduces the WSG250 WirelessHART gateway, capable of connecting up to 100 HART devices onto a single network.

Baumer sets out to eliminate boundaries incurred by lack of installation space and improve application flexibility with…

Baumer sets out to eliminate boundaries incurred by lack of installation space and improve application flexibility with its new, extremely thin inductive sensor.

What are these terms, PLC, PAC, RTU, DCS, SCADA? Why are they so important to industrial robotics and automation? Explore…

What are these terms, PLC, PAC, RTU, DCS, SCADA? Why are they so important to industrial robotics and automation? Explore how each different piece functions to build a comprehensive automated system.

Recently, drones have been providing new data for a variety of specialty projects related to public safety, environmental…

Recently, drones have been providing new data for a variety of specialty projects related to public safety, environmental monitoring, and interaction with nature in many innovative areas.

Transformerless UPS designs are taking place in various industries, particularly in aseptic manufacturing,…

Transformerless UPS designs are taking place in various industries, particularly in aseptic manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare, where the reliability of power supply is critical.

Many articles address the wiring and implementation of analog control signals, but where are they used, and what might…

Many articles address the wiring and implementation of analog control signals, but where are they used, and what might make them a better (or perhaps worse) decision than digital input/output devices?

Using the right motor for the right task is critical - but what happens if the motor is connected to the wrong supply? It…

Using the right motor for the right task is critical - but what happens if the motor is connected to the wrong supply? It is never recommended, but important to quickly understand symptoms of incorrect wiring.

The use of signal converters, like Banner Engineering’s new current sensors with Snap Signal, can help manufacturers…

The use of signal converters, like Banner Engineering’s new current sensors with Snap Signal, can help manufacturers further connect their factories and monitor current to prevent future breakdowns.

Digital signals hold a prominent position due to their compatibility with computers. But what are digital signals, and…

Digital signals hold a prominent position due to their compatibility with computers. But what are digital signals, and what are some examples of the various devices used with digital inputs and outputs?

Schneider Electric improves the Square D VisiPacT product line with safety and convenience features designed to set the…

Schneider Electric improves the Square D VisiPacT product line with safety and convenience features designed to set the paradigm of heavy-duty switches, meeting or exceeding the demands of OSHA and NEMA.

Single-phase motors are common in household and small industrial devices. They are a bit more complex than 3-phase…

Single-phase motors are common in household and small industrial devices. They are a bit more complex than 3-phase models, so it’s important to recognize failure modes and common symptoms.

Wireless technology is typically slower to adoption for industrial automation, but what wireless advancements are shaping…

Wireless technology is typically slower to adoption for industrial automation, but what wireless advancements are shaping the current and future landscape of the automated factory floor?

Virtual networks can connect or isolate various local control networks through configuration of a managed switch. Why…

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?

Ground wires reduce the risk of injury and damage from faulty equipment. Shops designing according to the UL 508A…

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.