Latest Motors & Motion Controls Articles

Motors consume the highest current during startup—this is a well-known fact. But logically, the slowest speed should…

Motors consume the highest current during startup—this is a well-known fact. But logically, the slowest speed should relate to the lowest power consumption. Why, then, is inrush current so high for motors?

EtherCAT is an often preferred competitor in the arena of industrial networking protocols. Learn the reason why many…

EtherCAT is an often preferred competitor in the arena of industrial networking protocols. Learn the reason why many technologies embrace this protocol and what sets it apart from other fieldbus varieties.

The BMW Group announced that it will begin utilizing Realtime Robotics' robotic systems and software for more efficient…

The BMW Group announced that it will begin utilizing Realtime Robotics' robotic systems and software for more efficient motion planning and collision-free tandem operation of their industrial robots.

Analog outputs are a special signal with a wider current or voltage range, in contrast with a limited discrete on/off…

Analog outputs are a special signal with a wider current or voltage range, in contrast with a limited discrete on/off output. These signals are used to control or set parameters for other automation systems.

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.

Among the technologies demonstrated at the recent ATX West show in Anaheim, CA, were conveyor systems relying not on…

Among the technologies demonstrated at the recent ATX West show in Anaheim, CA, were conveyor systems relying not on geared or belted tracks but rather on coil-driven magnets, providing control and feedback.

This article discusses the meaning and effects of proportional gain in a controlled system such as motion, temperature,…

This article discusses the meaning and effects of proportional gain in a controlled system such as motion, temperature, and fluid flow.

CUI Devices' new AMT13A series of incremental encoders addresses silicon lead time issues and increases the range of…

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

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.

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.

Teledyne e2v has released the Hydra 3D+, a 3D ToF CMOS image sensor capable of improved performance over previous 3D…

Teledyne e2v has released the Hydra 3D+, a 3D ToF CMOS image sensor capable of improved performance over previous 3D sensing devices.

IIoT is a daunting topic due to ambiguous interactions of hardware and software. This article outlines the basic steps to…

IIoT is a daunting topic due to ambiguous interactions of hardware and software. This article outlines the basic steps to use an MQTT broker to collect the number of cycles from a pneumatic cylinder for PM software.

DC motors are an old technology still commonly used in industry. This hands-on article shows how to implement a Count Up…

DC motors are an old technology still commonly used in industry. This hands-on article shows how to implement a Count Up (CTU) counter on an Arduino OpenPLC Simulator to control a low-voltage DC motor.

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.

Machine safety design can be a daunting task with all the different safety devices on the market today. Choosing the…

Machine safety design can be a daunting task with all the different safety devices on the market today. Choosing the correct device for your design can be made easier by understanding when to use the proper device.

We are taught that parallel circuits maintain equal voltage across all branch resistors, equally sharing the source…

We are taught that parallel circuits maintain equal voltage across all branch resistors, equally sharing the source voltage. But reality is often far from ideal, and individual devices certainly impact the rest of the circuit.

Designing a system with motor motion always includes a consideration of safety. Incorporating safety contactors might be…

Designing a system with motor motion always includes a consideration of safety. Incorporating safety contactors might be the correct prevention to protect equipment and users but may add additional challenges.

Actuators are used to control the motion of manufacturing devices and raw materials. This article will compare electric…

Actuators are used to control the motion of manufacturing devices and raw materials. This article will compare electric actuators and several types of fluid-power actuators.

Closed-loop motor control is a control system used to regulate the output of a motor. Learn about the four common types…

Closed-loop motor control is a control system used to regulate the output of a motor. Learn about the four common types of closed-loop motor control systems to understand each one’s inner-workings and applications.