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Introduction to Modbus and Modbus Function Codes

Introduction to Modbus and Modbus Function Codes

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.


 Creating 3D Maps in Real-time: Teledyne’s Improved Time of Flight (ToF) Sensor

Creating 3D Maps in Real-time: Teledyne’s Improved Time of Flight (ToF) Sensor

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


News Jan 27, 2023 by Damond Goodwin
Not Just Another IIoT Article: MQTT for Pneumatic Cylinder Maintenance

Not Just Another IIoT Article: MQTT for Pneumatic Cylinder Maintenance

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.


Count Up (CTU) Instructions on an Arduino OpenPLC Simulator

Count Up (CTU) Instructions on an Arduino OpenPLC Simulator

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.


Controlling Processes with Analog Inputs: New Potentiometer Lineup

Controlling Processes with Analog Inputs: New Potentiometer Lineup

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.


News Jan 18, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Safety Devices - The When, How, and Why

Safety Devices - The When, How, and Why

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.


Comparing Parallel Circuits: Practical vs Theoretical Electrical Systems

Comparing Parallel Circuits: Practical vs Theoretical Electrical Systems

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.


What’s the Difference Between a Safety Contactor and a General Purpose Contactor?

What’s the Difference Between a Safety Contactor and a General Purpose Contactor?

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.


Types of Actuators: Comparing Pneumatic vs. Electric Actuators

Types of Actuators: Comparing Pneumatic vs. Electric Actuators

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.


An Introduction to Types of Closed-loop Motor Control

An Introduction to Types of Closed-loop Motor Control

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.


PLC Discrete Outputs

PLC Discrete Outputs

Programmable Logic Controllers, or PLCs, are designed to receive signals and influence load devices automatically. Learn how to connect and program discrete output devices like solenoids, relays, and lights.


Arduino PLC IDE Tutorial 2: Analog I/O and External Devices

Arduino PLC IDE Tutorial 2: Analog I/O and External Devices

Previously, we described how to use the new Arduino PLC IDE to control discrete devices. This tutorial will describe how to connect various peripheral equipment (VFD and robot) using analog inputs and outputs.


Robot Motion Command Types: Understanding Linear, Joint, and Arc Movement

Robot Motion Command Types: Understanding Linear, Joint, and Arc Movement

Programming robots may seem like a simple task of moving from point to point, like a really expensive game of Connect the Dots. Linear, joint, and circular motion commands affect robot movement differently, each meant to be used in certain settings.


Electronic Datasheet (EDS) Files: Why do We Use Them?

Electronic Datasheet (EDS) Files: Why do We Use Them?

Many control product manufacturers offer these downloadable ‘EDS files’ for peripheral equipment, but what exactly is an EDS, and how can they aid in the development of a project?


How Does a Servo Motor Work?

How Does a Servo Motor Work?

We know that servo motors are found inside machines that rely on precise motion with feedback to verify proper operation, but how do they work, and what makes them different from any other kind of motor?


Compact and Contamination Free: A Hygienic Line of Servo Actuators

Compact and Contamination Free: A Hygienic Line of Servo Actuators

Mechanical devices can harbor environments that encourage the growth of bacteria, which is why designing hygienic equipment is crucial for sterile production lines. Enter WITTENSTEIN's newest servo actuators.


News Dec 15, 2022 by Seth Price
Teardown: What’s Inside a 3-Phase Induction Motor?

Teardown: What’s Inside a 3-Phase Induction Motor?

Coil, field winding, rotor, stator, eddy current… When it comes to motors, there are numerous terms that describe the theory of operation, but what is inside a 3-phase motor? Take a look, and learn how they work.


Servo Motor vs Stepper Motor: Understanding the Differences

Servo Motor vs Stepper Motor: Understanding the Differences

When accurate positioning and speed control is needed, most engineers turn to servo motors or stepper motors, but what is the difference between the two, and which is the right choice?


The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Using Frequency Filters for Control Systems

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Using Frequency Filters for Control Systems

Frequency filters remove unwanted variations from signals and power sources. In this article, we explore why we need frequency filters in industrial automation and where they are commonly found.


Industrial Networks: “Protocol over a Standard?”

Industrial Networks: “Protocol over a Standard?”

Industrial communication channels often contain terms such as ‘Modbus over RS485’ or ‘CIP Safety over Ethernet’. What does it mean to send one network over another, and how does it work to your advantage?