Latest PLCs & PACs Articles

Advanced features such as programmable limits, diagnostics, and remote configuration are available with IO-Link devices.…

Advanced features such as programmable limits, diagnostics, and remote configuration are available with IO-Link devices. Learn how to connect an example IO-Link block into an actual PLC project.

Linear position sensors are used in electrical and fluid-actuated motion devices. They allow extremely precise position,…

Linear position sensors are used in electrical and fluid-actuated motion devices. They allow extremely precise position, velocity, and acceleration control, and provide feedback to ensure product quality and tolerance compliance.

Commander S series of variable frequency drives from Control Techniques enables parameter upload and download as well as…

Commander S series of variable frequency drives from Control Techniques enables parameter upload and download as well as performance monitoring through secure NFC, app-based communication.

Before digital control systems, responses were fairly slow. Push a button, and a motor contactor engaged. These days, the…

Before digital control systems, responses were fairly slow. Push a button, and a motor contactor engaged. These days, the speed of computers introduces some new challenges but brings solutions as well.

Modbus is a communication protocol stemming from the early days of Modicon PLCs, but is still common today. These two…

Modbus is a communication protocol stemming from the early days of Modicon PLCs, but is still common today. These two example implementations of Modbus transactions will get you started.

Inductive loads, such as solenoids and contactors, can cause arcs and failures back into electromechanical switching…

Inductive loads, such as solenoids and contactors, can cause arcs and failures back into electromechanical switching devices, causing costly downtime. The solution is cheaper than you think.

Beijer Electronics recently announced the M Series of distributed I/O to provide on-machine control with a variety of…

Beijer Electronics recently announced the M Series of distributed I/O to provide on-machine control with a variety of communication options for system flexibility.

Failures of I/O systems are a common source of headache for control engineers. Troubleshooting those devices that have…

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?