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Grounding for Control Transformers

Grounding transformer connections presents its own set of challenges. This article addresses these challenges and several common configurations for control transformer grounding.

About 14 hours ago by David Peterson

PATLITE Introduces NHV4 / NHV6 Network Signal Tower with Voice Annunciator

PATLITE's newest network signal tower speaks. With a text-to-speech function, machine operators and industrial workers are not only alerted of potential dangers via light and sound, but also now with voice.

2 days ago by Stephanie Leonida

Automation on the Move: Mobile Robot Cells

Mobile robot work cells can move between workstations and tend to where demand is highest. These self-contained work cells offer more flexibility for manufacturers than industrial and collaborative robot cells we have previously talked about. 

3 days ago by Damond Goodwin

KEMET’s New “Volumetric Efficient” EMC Solution

KEMET announces the release of their GTX Metal Case Three Phase Filters which utilize a nanocrystalline metal core to bring forth volumetric efficiency while reducing unwanted electromagnetic and radio-frequency interference.

3 days ago by Gunner Scott

Automation Issues and Energy Usage in Environmental Extremes

As summer heat continues to scorch the northern hemisphere, manufacturers face potential equipment damage and downtime. Learn about the ways extreme heat can damage automated equipment and systems. 

4 days ago by Antonio Armenta

Festo Expands its Controlled Pneumatics Techology

Festo has further developed their controlled pneumatics to create greater sustainability by reducing energy consumption, unnecessary use of compressed air, and extending equipment life.

July 24, 2022 by Damond Goodwin

What is Firmware, and Why is PLC Firmware Important?

Inside a controller, code is interpreted into the binary signals that influence input and output signals, flags and registers, and even the communication of network signals. This is the job of firmware.

July 21, 2022 by David Peterson

Interrupting Dangerous Current Flow with Slow Blow and Quick Blow Response

Fuses and breakers are some of the most common safeguards to prevent electrical shock and fires. Learn about these two pieces of industrial equipment and the difference between slow blow and quick blow responses.

July 20, 2022 by Seth Price

How to Program a Robot: Industrial Robotic Arm Coding Basics

The world of manufacturing is filled with robots, but beginners are still always faced with key questions, starting with perhaps the most basic: how do you program industrial robots?

July 19, 2022 by David Peterson

UL Listed Devices For Industrial Automation

UL Listed devices are certified as safe within North America, specifically, the US. Learn about the importance of UL Certification and the key role it plays in industrial automation.

July 14, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich

Arduino Pro LoRaWAN Industrial Gateways

Arduino has made the leap from the maker world to the industrial sector by combining its smooth user experience with RAKwireless' industry expertise to provide LoRaWAN connection capable of advanced IoT applications.

July 14, 2022 by Damond Goodwin

Understanding Centralization vs Decentralization of PLCs

Centralized control systems are often seen as outdated compared to decentralized systems; however, both have their advantages and disadvantages when it comes to choosing which one to use in manufacturing. 

July 13, 2022 by Seth Price

Negative Effects of Grounding (Earthing) a DC Power Supply

DC voltage systems exist to provide controllers and field devices with stable power, but it is not always clear when these systems should be bonded with the earth ground of the AC line voltage supply.

July 11, 2022 by David Peterson

Understanding PLC Program Commands: Comparison Instructions

​​​​​​​We will show you how to recognize, utilize, and efficiently operate your comparison instructions in Rockwell Automation’s Studio 5000 and Automation Direct’s Productivity Suite to make your program flow smoothly.

July 06, 2022 by Jon Peterson

Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Hardware - Control Automation

Programmable Logic Control (PLC) systems are the core of most industrial control systems that drive modern manufacturing. In this Control Automation video, we discuss the important hardware elements that define a PLC, regardless of its size or purpose.

July 06, 2022 by David Peterson

Control Automation Launches PLC Tutorial Video Series

Watch our 'Introduction to PLCs' series by our very own Control Automation engineering staff. Join us for the YouTube premier LIVE event on Wednesday, July 6th with a Q&A from the video author and engineer.

July 05, 2022 by David Peterson

Balluff Introduces I/O Module with the Protection of CIP Safety 

The newly-announced CIP Safety I/O Module from Balluff supports CIP Safety specifications over an Ethernet network, providing a platform for safety device distribution directly on the machine center.

July 03, 2022 by David Peterson

Working With Legacy Systems—Why Use Serial to Ethernet Converters?

One common challenge when working with legacy control systems is establishing communication with old devices that use old protocols like RS232 and RS485. Learn about the importance of converting from serial to Ethernet.

June 30, 2022 by Antonio Armenta

ABB Introduces New Motor Solutions at EASA Convention

ABB showcased its latest innovative motor solutions at the EASA Convention in Saint Louis, Missouri on June 26-28. The motors are designed to operate in harsh industrial environments, with different options available to fit customers' changing needs. 

June 30, 2022 by Damond Goodwin

Understanding PLC Program Commands: Trigonometry Instructions

We will show you how to use the basic trigonometry functions to build ladder logic in a PLC, allowing for a clean, well-organized, and easy-to-use code that allows you and other users to troubleshoot your programs.

June 28, 2022 by Jon Peterson