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PLC Programming: Best Practices for Function Block Diagrams

PLC Programming: Best Practices for Function Block Diagrams

Function block diagrams can be a useful tool, but they can also add a lot of complexity. Learn about the what, when, where, and why of function block diagram (FBD) programming.


Ethernet Ports on Controllers: How Many, and What do They Do?

Ethernet Ports on Controllers: How Many, and What do They Do?

Some controllers and network devices have one port, while others have two. Why is there a difference, and what advantages does having two network ports actually provide?


User-Friendly, OMRON’s New H5CC Digital Timer Offers Seamless Industrial Timing Control

User-Friendly, OMRON’s New H5CC Digital Timer Offers Seamless Industrial Timing Control

OMRON recently released its new H5CC digital timer. Combining features from five OMRON designs, the Industry 4.0-ready device offers an easily accessible programming interface and predictive maintenance functionality in a compact package.


News Sep 01, 2023 by Bob Odhiambo
Yokogawa Upgrades OpreX Software Suite for CI Servers

Yokogawa Upgrades OpreX Software Suite for CI Servers

Yokogawa updates its flagship OpreX software for better software and third-party device interconnections.


News Aug 30, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
A Tale of Two Standards | Comparing Analog Voltage and Current

A Tale of Two Standards | Comparing Analog Voltage and Current

Analog voltage and current are the dominating standards for industrial technology. Is one format better than the other? And if so, why do both signal types still exist in modern systems?


Schneider Electric Launches Managed Security Services

Schneider Electric Launches Managed Security Services

Schneider Electric offers its Managed Security Services (MSS) geared towards shoring up industrial data security and readiness.


News Aug 22, 2023 by Seth Price
Three Things About IO-Link Sensors That May Shock You

Three Things About IO-Link Sensors That May Shock You

Control.com’s Director of Engineering got to explore IO-Link sensors and what he found might surprise you! Although still considered an “emerging” technology, it’s clear IO-Link technology boasts several bonafide benefits over traditional sensors.


PATLITE Debuts New USB-Controlled Signal Beacon

PATLITE Debuts New USB-Controlled Signal Beacon

Signal beacons are an important part of most automated manufacturing processes. Recently PATLITE developed a new line of sensors with several mounting options and USB programming capabilities.


News Aug 15, 2023 by Damond Goodwin
Wood You Look at That? The Incredible Automation Controlling Lumber Mills

Wood You Look at That? The Incredible Automation Controlling Lumber Mills

From forest to felling, logging road to mill, finished lumber’s adventure on its way to market is filled with control and automation. Learn about the process from start to finish and how lumber mills ensure the world has access to high-quality lumber thanks to control technology.


Enabling Advanced Automation With Omron’s New NX5 Series PLC

Enabling Advanced Automation With Omron’s New NX5 Series PLC

Omron’s NX5 series PLC is designed with IIoT in mind, including standard OPC UA and direct connection to relational databases such as SQL, all without the need for additional hardware or licensing.


News Aug 13, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
System Dynamic and Frequency Response Analysis

System Dynamic and Frequency Response Analysis

Understanding the building blocks of s-domain analysis and magnitude response theory can go a long way in helping engineers predict how and why some system design choices are made over others.


What Does ‘Explosion Proof’ Mean, and Who Should Care?

What Does ‘Explosion Proof’ Mean, and Who Should Care?

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?


Explaining User-Defined Data Types for PLC Programming

Explaining User-Defined Data Types for PLC Programming

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.


Recent Advancements Improve Autonomous Visual Inspection’s Industrial Capabilities

Recent Advancements Improve Autonomous Visual Inspection’s Industrial Capabilities

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


News Aug 08, 2023 by Stephanie Leonida
Creating a Low-Cost OpenPLC Pulse Timer Function Block HMI with an M5Stack Core

Creating a Low-Cost OpenPLC Pulse Timer Function Block HMI with an M5Stack Core

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 Releases New Push-In, High-Capacity Terminal Blocks

ContaClip Releases New Push-In, High-Capacity Terminal Blocks

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.


News Aug 07, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Baumer Releases Super Slim Inductive Sensor with 12 mm Object Detection

Baumer Releases Super Slim Inductive Sensor with 12 mm Object Detection

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


News Aug 04, 2023 by Stephanie Leonida
Control Automation Welcomes Steve Kuehn as New Editor-in-Chief

Control Automation Welcomes Steve Kuehn as New Editor-in-Chief

Industrial automation industry leader, Steven Kuehn, joins Control Automation as the new Editor-in-Chief.


News Aug 03, 2023 by Dale Wilson
Balluff Launches an IP67 Field Power Supply With IO-Link

Balluff Launches an IP67 Field Power Supply With IO-Link

Balluff introduces a field-mounted power supply with an IP67 rating allowing devices to be powered directly in the field with added IO-Link functionality to monitor system performance and prevent downtime.


News Aug 02, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
The Annual Control Engineering Survey - 2023 Edition

The Annual Control Engineering Survey - 2023 Edition

The quality of content from our educational site comes from understanding our audience and your needs. Help give us the best snapshot of today’s control industry, along with a free chance to win one of several Amazon card prizes!


News Aug 01, 2023 by David Peterson