Latest PLCs & PACs Articles

Softing introduces a new OPC UA-based OT/IT integration solution with MQTT connection, the edgeAggregator, for…

Softing introduces a new OPC UA-based OT/IT integration solution with MQTT connection, the edgeAggregator, for applications in cloud and edge computing to manage complex system architecture.

Learn how to take advantage of the powerful AOI feature that comes standard in Allen-Bradley / Rockwell PLCs using…

Learn how to take advantage of the powerful AOI feature that comes standard in Allen-Bradley / Rockwell PLCs using RSLogix 5000 and Studio 5000 Software.

There are many considerations when selecting a thermocouple type. In this article, we look at the advantages, and…

There are many considerations when selecting a thermocouple type. In this article, we look at the advantages, and limitations, of the eight standard thermocouples and various installation considerations.

B&R is a control system manufacturer less heard of than some of its bigger competitors, Rockwell and Siemens, however…

B&R is a control system manufacturer less heard of than some of its bigger competitors, Rockwell and Siemens, however their PLCs, lineup of motors, and product offerings with Automation Studio make B&R a leader in industrial innovation.

Rockwell Automation releases two new cost-effective, small form-factor photoelectric sensors that take advantage of…

Rockwell Automation releases two new cost-effective, small form-factor photoelectric sensors that take advantage of visible and infrared spectrums for use in material handling, packing, and assembly operations. 

Ladder logic and structured text language are fairly common yet visually different. How do you choose the best PLC…

Ladder logic and structured text language are fairly common yet visually different. How do you choose the best PLC language for your automation application?

Mitsubishi Electric recently announced the release of three new servo motion control packages, easing the strain on…

Mitsubishi Electric recently announced the release of three new servo motion control packages, easing the strain on customers to select individual components for the creation of a custom motion system.

When selecting the right module for the right load, be sure to understand how the load resistance will affect the voltage…

When selecting the right module for the right load, be sure to understand how the load resistance will affect the voltage and current of the output module terminals.

The quality of content from our educational site comes from understanding our audience and your needs. Help give us the…

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!

As summer heat continues to scorch the northern hemisphere, manufacturers face potential equipment damage and downtime.…

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. 

​​​​​​​Arduinos have been a staple in the community of makers, students, and project innovators for many…

​​​​​​​Arduinos have been a staple in the community of makers, students, and project innovators for many years. For many using Arduino’s IDE, there can be difficulties in translating between PLC ladder rungs and text programming.

Moving data is a critical function of PLCs. In this article, we’ll talk about Move, Masked Move, Copy File, and…

Moving data is a critical function of PLCs. In this article, we’ll talk about Move, Masked Move, Copy File, and Synchronous Copy File and show how they can be used to move individual pieces of data and entire arrays. 

The latest networked position indicator from SIKO, the AP05 IO-Link, is bus compatible and compact. Its user-friendly,…

The latest networked position indicator from SIKO, the AP05 IO-Link, is bus compatible and compact. Its user-friendly, easy-to-read display and reduced set-up and installation time make for simple I/O technology.

Learn about the differences between red, green, infrared, and more recently, blue photoelectric sensors and how the…

Learn about the differences between red, green, infrared, and more recently, blue photoelectric sensors and how the different light spectrums can aid in varying industrial automation processes.

Learn about the common applications, programming procedures, and safety protocols of collaborative robot work cells,…

Learn about the common applications, programming procedures, and safety protocols of collaborative robot work cells, which are often simpler and less expensive than industrial robot work cells.  

Inside a controller, code is interpreted into the binary signals that influence input and output signals, flags and…

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.

Centralized control systems are often seen as outdated compared to decentralized systems; however, both have their…

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. 

Automation and digital technologies in the food and beverage industry provide manufacturers with greater operational…

Automation and digital technologies in the food and beverage industry provide manufacturers with greater operational efficiency, improved worker safety, and higher quality goods for end-consumers. 

​​​​​​​We will show you how to recognize, utilize, and efficiently operate your comparison instructions in…

​​​​​​​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.