Latest Utilities Articles

Programming simple coil and contact commands is an easy matter in most PLC IDEs. Connecting and configuring 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.

Insufficient controller memory can result in reduced HMI and SCADA response speed and longer scan times. Know the…

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.

Machine maintenance safety is a major concern for manufacturers, and Pilz hopes to increase efficiency through the use of…

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.

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…

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 ratcheting helps prevent damage by regulating a turbine's uniform warm-up and cool-down. In this article, we will…

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.

Greater I/O and computing power are becoming necessary as automation takes on more tasks. With its latest offering, B&R…

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.

As data becomes available, maintenance can shift from being done on a rigid schedule to a more cost-effective plan of…

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.

PLCs need no trade show to announce their presence. But many companies have developed improvements to the traditional…

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.

GE Digital continues improving its Proficy Smart Factory portfolio by enhancing its cloud-based manufacturing execution…

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.

EMC-compliant panels are an excellent first step in reducing electromagnetic interference from industrial control…

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.

ABB introduces a retrofit program to replace aging protection devices with new multi-function devices. The program…

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.

Emerson’s new Rosemount level transmitters, equipped with Bluetooth for configuring devices during startup, power…

Emerson’s new Rosemount level transmitters, equipped with Bluetooth for configuring devices during startup, power outages, maintenance, and troubleshooting, seek to improve water and chemical process safety and efficiency.

Uninterruptible power supplies are beneficial in applications where a consistent power supply protects and operates…

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.

Omron Industrial Automation has released two new styles of industrial relays to its existing lineup. The slim-style…

Omron Industrial Automation has released two new styles of industrial relays to its existing lineup. The slim-style relays are available as mechanical or solid-state and offer a reduced footprint being only 6.2 mm wide.

Hosted by IMEngineering West in Anaheim, CA on Feb 7-9, the Automation Technology Expo (ATX) West is quickly approaching.…

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.

Power quality is an increasing concern for manufacturers all over the world as electrical equipment becomes more advanced…

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.

Modbus is one of the oldest industrial communication protocols still in use today. Continue reading to find out how the…

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.

Events that cause alarms are not the most common events in a process system, but they must be handled with proper care,…

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.

CUI Devices has expanded its product line of motion and control components, offering a new family of shaft and shaftless…

CUI Devices has expanded its product line of motion and control components, offering a new family of shaft and shaftless potentiometers that come in different varieties with varying resistance ratings.