Latest PLCs & PACs Articles

Distributed control systems (DCS) evolved out of control systems for facilities, but their scope can be difficult to…

Distributed control systems (DCS) evolved out of control systems for facilities, but their scope can be difficult to fully understand. This article explores the role of a DCS and how it fits in with PLCs and PACs.

The benefits of modern building automation systems (BAS) include interoperability and technical support in case a problem…

The benefits of modern building automation systems (BAS) include interoperability and technical support in case a problem occurs. Learn about the BAS four-layer architecture concept adopted by manufacturers.

Learn all about the differences between PLC and CNC hardware, and be informed in making the right decision. Although…

Learn all about the differences between PLC and CNC hardware, and be informed in making the right decision. Although different, it is possible to interchange them, but challenges exist because of the hardware and devices being controlled.

It can be easy to group CNCs and PLCs together since they are both run by digital processors and programs. Are they…

It can be easy to group CNCs and PLCs together since they are both run by digital processors and programs. Are they interchangeable? This article explores the possibility on a software level.

SICK announced the release of its Inspector P62x sensor and Nova app solution that will perform tasks such as quality…

SICK announced the release of its Inspector P62x sensor and Nova app solution that will perform tasks such as quality assurance and inspection.

OMRON announced an industry first in sensing technology, the E3AS-HL complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) Laser Sensor.

OMRON announced an industry first in sensing technology, the E3AS-HL complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) Laser Sensor.

Sequencer functions are used to perform a specific output pattern that needs continuous repeating. When there are more…

Sequencer functions are used to perform a specific output pattern that needs continuous repeating. When there are more than three steps in a process, it is generally better to use a sequencer function rather than simple routines.

Baumer’s newly developed O200 laser sensors can be used for detecting objects as small as 0.05 mm.

Baumer’s newly developed O200 laser sensors can be used for detecting objects as small as 0.05 mm.

Rockwell Automation released the new CENTERLINE 2500 Motor Control Centers with SecureConnect technology.

Rockwell Automation released the new CENTERLINE 2500 Motor Control Centers with SecureConnect technology.

Fluke Corp has invested in Everactive for its novelty sensor technology in hopes to accelerate IIoT technologies.

Fluke Corp has invested in Everactive for its novelty sensor technology in hopes to accelerate IIoT technologies.

Kaman Precision Products released the SC-2440 analog output displacement sensor designed for automated assembly.

Kaman Precision Products released the SC-2440 analog output displacement sensor designed for automated assembly.

This article discusses how to use sensors with open collector outputs and learning some of the module connections involved.

This article discusses how to use sensors with open collector outputs and learning some of the module connections involved.

A typical control system uses PNP sensors and tends to be easier to visualize. For opposite polarity systems, the NPN…

A typical control system uses PNP sensors and tends to be easier to visualize. For opposite polarity systems, the NPN sensor is the only compatible sensor type. Learn more about NPN sensors, including characteristics and uses.

Learn about factory acceptance tests (FATs), including how the tests are created, where they are performed, and the…

Learn about factory acceptance tests (FATs), including how the tests are created, where they are performed, and the responsibilities for both the buyer and manufacturer of the equipment.

ABB's Dynamic Assembly Pack for Final Trim and Assembly combines real-time cameras with integrated force control sensors…

ABB's Dynamic Assembly Pack for Final Trim and Assembly combines real-time cameras with integrated force control sensors to allow robots to track positions more precisely.

Eaton introduces a new machine dynamics sensor, GFX, that enables operations for machinery, vehicles, and operators. 

Eaton introduces a new machine dynamics sensor, GFX, that enables operations for machinery, vehicles, and operators. 

What are pilot valves and how do they work? This article dives into some of the different types and uses for these components.

What are pilot valves and how do they work? This article dives into some of the different types and uses for these components.

This article discusses structure data types, structure tags, and various applications of user-defined structures.

This article discusses structure data types, structure tags, and various applications of user-defined structures.

Electrical noise is a common problem inside industrial facilities. The following will explain a few simple strategies for…

Electrical noise is a common problem inside industrial facilities. The following will explain a few simple strategies for reducing this noise.