Failures of I/O systems are a common source of headache for control engineers. Troubleshooting those devices that have polarized connections (source vs sink, and…
Failures of I/O systems are a common source of headache for control engineers. Troubleshooting those devices that have polarized connections (source vs sink, and NPN vs PNP) is a technique worth refining.
Power delivered to devices can be changed by raising or lowering the voltage and current. But this method does not always…
Power delivered to devices can be changed by raising or lowering the voltage and current. But this method does not always produce intended results. Pulse width modulation (or PWM) can be used to better control variable loads.
The window is closing for submissions to a funding competition - robotics, machine vision, and AI innovations are taking…
The window is closing for submissions to a funding competition - robotics, machine vision, and AI innovations are taking the center stage for a chance at winning $10,000. Are you ready?
In honor of Women's History Month, we explore the ways in which computer science is integral to the design of control…
In honor of Women's History Month, we explore the ways in which computer science is integral to the design of control systems and how women of the past have shaped the field of control systems today.
What is a PLC? This article will lay out a succinct definition of a programmable logic controller and explain its basic…
What is a PLC? This article will lay out a succinct definition of a programmable logic controller and explain its basic components.
What is the current state of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and how can you become a control…
What is the current state of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and how can you become a control systems engineer?
Opto22 provides a solution for monitoring energy consumption using the popular Groov RIO system, enabling monitoring of…
Opto22 provides a solution for monitoring energy consumption using the popular Groov RIO system, enabling monitoring of machine health for the prevention of unplanned downtime.
In the late 1960s, a revolution in manufacturing became a reality when the first Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) was…
In the late 1960s, a revolution in manufacturing became a reality when the first Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) was developed. We’ll examine the early history of the PLC - not just the technology, but also the inspiration of the inventors as well.
Omron has opened a new research facility in CA geared towards advanced motion control systems.
Omron has opened a new research facility in CA geared towards advanced motion control systems.
We’re all familiar with information technology, or IT. The computer systems, hardware, internet, and various software…
We’re all familiar with information technology, or IT. The computer systems, hardware, internet, and various software we use in our own homes and offices are mostly IT. But when it comes to industrial workplaces, the rules are different.
Digital control systems are particular about the direction of current flow from sensors and input devices. The terms…
Digital control systems are particular about the direction of current flow from sensors and input devices. The terms sourcing and sinking (often abbreviated source and sink) are among the more confusing ratings found on I/O module datasheets. Part 1 of a 3-part series.
Any industrial electrician can instantly recognize a relay, but when it comes to wiring, why are the terminals numbered…
Any industrial electrician can instantly recognize a relay, but when it comes to wiring, why are the terminals numbered in such apparently random order?
Every day has historical significance - it will never happen again. But more importantly, today contains a lineup of a…
Every day has historical significance - it will never happen again. But more importantly, today contains a lineup of a LOT of 2’s. Is there a better day to talk about the language of computers and PLCs, base-2?
In this article, learn the basics of Allen-Bradley Data Highway, the various network structures, and the relationship…
In this article, learn the basics of Allen-Bradley Data Highway, the various network structures, and the relationship between DH and Ethernet networks.
One of the most visible elements of industrial safety is the use of lock-out-tag-out (LOTO) devices, familiar to those…
One of the most visible elements of industrial safety is the use of lock-out-tag-out (LOTO) devices, familiar to those with experience. But, if you are new to the workforce, a brief introduction may be helpful.
What is laser sensing, how does it work, and what types of laser sensors exist?
What is laser sensing, how does it work, and what types of laser sensors exist?
Honeybee Robotics will become a wholly-owned subsidy of Blue Origin, combining Honeybee’s robotic experience with Blue…
Honeybee Robotics will become a wholly-owned subsidy of Blue Origin, combining Honeybee’s robotic experience with Blue Origin’s space exploration missions.
This article teaches the basics of gateways in industrial networks and PLC-to-PLC communication.
This article teaches the basics of gateways in industrial networks and PLC-to-PLC communication.
Learn the basics of connecting multiple PLCs to an HMI using various data types.
Learn the basics of connecting multiple PLCs to an HMI using various data types.
FANUC introduced the M-1000iA, a floor-mounted 6-axis robot engineered to maneuver heavy payloads up to 1,000 kg (about…
FANUC introduced the M-1000iA, a floor-mounted 6-axis robot engineered to maneuver heavy payloads up to 1,000 kg (about 2,200 pounds) without sacrificing versatility and range of motion.