Latest PLCs & PACs Articles

Using a combination of software, gripper, lift mount, and loading station, the OnRobot Palletizer is a flexible,…

Using a combination of software, gripper, lift mount, and loading station, the OnRobot Palletizer is a flexible, customizable option for all kinds of robot types and pallet-loading scenarios.

Invertek, a global manufacturer of VFDs for single and three-phase motors, announces its investment plans for growing…

Invertek, a global manufacturer of VFDs for single and three-phase motors, announces its investment plans for growing business in Germany and expanding operations into other areas in Europe.

Remote access to equipment offers the benefits of both data visualization and remote programming ability for faster…

Remote access to equipment offers the benefits of both data visualization and remote programming ability for faster operation. Ewon’s recent announcement of the free M2Web offers remote access solutions.

The timer is a fundamental function of ladder logic programming. In this article, we discuss on- and off-delay as well as…

The timer is a fundamental function of ladder logic programming. In this article, we discuss on- and off-delay as well as retentive timers and define the inputs and outputs required to properly use them.

Scaling values has a wide range of applications and helps to match output values to their real-world applications. Most…

Scaling values has a wide range of applications and helps to match output values to their real-world applications. Most scaling is linear, but many of these real-world changes are not quite so simple.

What if you could control the end position and the speed of a hydraulic actuator accurately with just a simple signal?…

What if you could control the end position and the speed of a hydraulic actuator accurately with just a simple signal? Some systems use simple open/close valves, but others require far more precision.

SMC announces a new electric actuator series with high-rigidity guide rods, equipped with a battery-less encoder, driven…

SMC announces a new electric actuator series with high-rigidity guide rods, equipped with a battery-less encoder, driven by stepper motor and matching drive compatible with multiple networks.

Even with the most reliable networks, network outages are inevitable for a host of reasons, and managing these outages in…

Even with the most reliable networks, network outages are inevitable for a host of reasons, and managing these outages in VFD systems becomes critically important.

Control Automation Day 2022 will be on June 21st, focusing on PLC systems, packed with keynote addresses, educational…

Control Automation Day 2022 will be on June 21st, focusing on PLC systems, packed with keynote addresses, educational live sessions, and exciting giveaways from your favorite manufacturers!

Allen Bradley’s Data Highway Plus (DH+) networking ability is still found commonly in interfaces with legacy equipment.…

Allen Bradley’s Data Highway Plus (DH+) networking ability is still found commonly in interfaces with legacy equipment. Understanding this network structure can bridge the gap between old and new systems.

Although the are similarities in operating theory, relays and contactors are used in industrial circuits for different…

Although the are similarities in operating theory, relays and contactors are used in industrial circuits for different specific applications, and should not be used interchangeably.

What’s the difference between a Cat 6 and a Cat 6a cable, anyhow? Ethernet cables must meet certain performance…

What’s the difference between a Cat 6 and a Cat 6a cable, anyhow? Ethernet cables must meet certain performance standards, and these standards can be quite confusing at first glance.

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft research organization announces the development of a sensor system that can help robots…

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft research organization announces the development of a sensor system that can help robots detect transparent objects in three dimensions.

Rockwell recently announced the newest addition to the PowerFlex family of VFD units - the Armor PowerFlex series,…

Rockwell recently announced the newest addition to the PowerFlex family of VFD units - the Armor PowerFlex series, designed for on-machine control with heightened IP ratings over previous models.

In the first article of this series, we investigate Siemens as a major PLC manufacturer, learning about the hardware,…

In the first article of this series, we investigate Siemens as a major PLC manufacturer, learning about the hardware, software, and key applications of each product lineup.

The Keyence Corporation recently announced the NQ series network communication module, with the ability to automatically…

The Keyence Corporation recently announced the NQ series network communication module, with the ability to automatically detect any Keyence branded IO-Link devices for rapid installation and monitoring.

Hydraulic component leader Parker Hannifin recently announced a new PAC motion controller and module series with…

Hydraulic component leader Parker Hannifin recently announced a new PAC motion controller and module series with web-based visualization for instant remote monitoring of up to 40 motion axes.

Two common methods exist for driving induction motors with VFDs - linear scalar control, which is often labeled as V/f,…

Two common methods exist for driving induction motors with VFDs - linear scalar control, which is often labeled as V/f, and vector, or field-oriented control, which can be a bit more complex to understand.

Using an ADC can be very useful when dealing with analog devices in microprocessors, and a necessity when adding analog…

Using an ADC can be very useful when dealing with analog devices in microprocessors, and a necessity when adding analog devices to an industrial controller. But once you connect the hardware - what next?