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Troubleshooting for PLC Modules and I/O Devices

Troubleshooting for PLC Modules and I/O Devices

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.


Understanding the Basics of Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)

Understanding the Basics of Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)

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.


Time is Running Out: Cowen Startup Challenge at Automate 2022

Time is Running Out: Cowen Startup Challenge at Automate 2022

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?


News Mar 15, 2022 by David Peterson
Women in Computer Science and the Impact on Modern Control Systems

Women in Computer Science and the Impact on Modern Control Systems

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.


News Mar 15, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida
What Is a PLC? An Introduction to Programmable Logic Controllers

What Is a PLC? An Introduction to Programmable Logic Controllers

What is a PLC? This article will lay out a succinct definition of a programmable logic controller and explain its basic components.


Women in Control Automation and Your Pathway into STEM

Women in Control Automation and Your Pathway into STEM

What is the current state of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and how can you become a control systems engineer?


News Mar 08, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida
Energy Monitoring Unit From Opto22 is on the Market

Energy Monitoring Unit From Opto22 is on the Market

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.


News Mar 05, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich
The Origin Story of the PLC

The Origin Story of the PLC

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 Opens R&D Center With Advanced Machine-Control Focus

Omron Opens R&D Center With Advanced Machine-Control Focus

Omron has opened a new research facility in CA geared towards advanced motion control systems.


News Feb 28, 2022 by Seth Price
Differences and Relationship Between IT and OT in Industrial Facilities

Differences and Relationship Between IT and OT in Industrial Facilities

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.


Sinking vs. Sourcing for Control System Modules - Explained

Sinking vs. Sourcing for Control System Modules - Explained

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.


Info Byte: What’s the Reason Behind Relay Terminal Numbering?

Info Byte: What’s the Reason Behind Relay Terminal Numbering?

Any industrial electrician can instantly recognize a relay, but when it comes to wiring, why are the terminals numbered in such apparently random order?


All About Base-2 on this Tuesday, 2/22/2022

All About Base-2 on this Tuesday, 2/22/2022

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?


News Feb 22, 2022 by David Peterson
Introduction to Allen-Bradley Data Highway (DH) Networks

Introduction to Allen-Bradley Data Highway (DH) Networks

In this article, learn the basics of Allen-Bradley Data Highway, the various network structures, and the relationship between DH and Ethernet networks.


Lock-out-tag-out (LOTO) Devices for Industrial Safety

Lock-out-tag-out (LOTO) Devices for Industrial Safety

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.


An Overview of Laser Sensing

An Overview of Laser Sensing

What is laser sensing, how does it work, and what types of laser sensors exist?


Bezos’ Company Set to Acquire Industrial Robotics Company

Bezos’ Company Set to Acquire Industrial Robotics Company

Honeybee Robotics will become a wholly-owned subsidy of Blue Origin, combining Honeybee’s robotic experience with Blue Origin’s space exploration missions.


News Feb 12, 2022 by Seth Price
Introduction to Industrial Network Gateways

Introduction to Industrial Network Gateways

This article teaches the basics of gateways in industrial networks and PLC-to-PLC communication.


Connecting Multiple PLCs to an HMI

Connecting Multiple PLCs to an HMI

Learn the basics of connecting multiple PLCs to an HMI using various data types.


FANUC Debuts Industrial Robot Designed for Heavy Payloads

FANUC Debuts Industrial Robot Designed for Heavy Payloads

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.


News Feb 08, 2022 by Sara McCaslin