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Should I Connect the Commons or Not? Power Supplies Across Systems

Should I Connect the Commons or Not? Power Supplies Across Systems

When dealing with two or more I/O systems, the subject of power supply commons will arise. Sometimes the solution is simple, but it can require creativity to find the best (and safest) solution.


Industry Partnerships Fuel Sustainability, Startups, and Cognitive Robotics

Industry Partnerships Fuel Sustainability, Startups, and Cognitive Robotics

Phoenix Contact, Siemens, and Neura Robotics have all formed partnerships, aiming to cut inventory waste, fuel manufacturing-focused startups, and expand the use of cognitive robotics in Asian markets.


News Sep 13, 2025 by Austin Futrell
AutomationDirect Releases DC I/O and Pluggable Option Modules for BRX PLCs

AutomationDirect Releases DC I/O and Pluggable Option Modules for BRX PLCs

AutomationDirect has released several new modules for its BRX PLCs, including DC I/O expansion modules for higher-voltage systems and Ethernet pluggable option modules that support OPC UA or Sparkplug B.


News Sep 06, 2025 by Seth Price
Emerson Rolls Out Process Safety Controller for SIL2 Designs

Emerson Rolls Out Process Safety Controller for SIL2 Designs

Emerson has designed its PACSystems RX3i CPS400 safety controller to be a compact and intuitive solution to enable IEC 61508 Safety Integrity Level 2 (SIL2) design in the process automation industry.


News Sep 04, 2025 by Shawn Dietrich
Modbus: The Original Industrial Fieldbus Protocol

Modbus: The Original Industrial Fieldbus Protocol

This article introduces Modbus, an industrial protocol that laid the foundation for fieldbus communication in industrial systems.


Basic Principles of Industrial Instrumentation and Control

Basic Principles of Industrial Instrumentation and Control

In this instrumentation and control (I&C) article, we will explore the fundamental terminology and concepts used when working with industrial plants.


Adlink Introduces Panel PC With GPU Expansion for Edge AI Applications

Adlink Introduces Panel PC With GPU Expansion for Edge AI Applications

Adlink has built its newest open-frame panel PC to tackle edge AI applications. To handle especially demanding workloads, the panel PC can be expanded by integrating an embedded NVIDIA MXM GPU module.


News Aug 26, 2025 by Shawn Dietrich
Monitor Motors and Pumps Remotely With Acromag’s Discrete AC Input Modules

Monitor Motors and Pumps Remotely With Acromag’s Discrete AC Input Modules

The new NT2140 series expands Acromag’s portfolio of expandable remote I/O modules for Ethernet. The NT2140 discrete AC input modules enable real-time monitoring of on/off power status for motors, pumps, and switchgear.


News Aug 19, 2025 by Joshua Tidwell
Introducing a Compact Remote I/O System From Synergy Logic

Introducing a Compact Remote I/O System From Synergy Logic

A new compact, expandable remote I/O system hits the market with a wide variety of modules and built-in Modbus TCP support.


News Aug 17, 2025 by Shawn Dietrich
A How-to Guide to Control Automation Day 2025

A How-to Guide to Control Automation Day 2025

Welcome to Control Automation Day 2025—Control.com’s digital-only event for engineers! Here is your guide to navigating the keynote addresses, live educational sessions, and exciting giveaways from your favorite manufacturers!


News Aug 13, 2025 by David Peterson
OnLogic Joins Forces With Viso.ai To Enhance AI-Powered Vision

OnLogic Joins Forces With Viso.ai To Enhance AI-Powered Vision

OnLogic will combine its industrial computer hardware with Viso.ai’s computer vision software. The duo will create a fully integrated platform designed to bring AI-powered vision to applications across industries.


News Aug 10, 2025 by Shawn Dietrich
Banner Engineering Rolls Out Latest Industrial Automation Solutions

Banner Engineering Rolls Out Latest Industrial Automation Solutions

Banner Engineering has released a new I/O touch display and controller for bin picking, an M12 D-code to RJ45 bulkhead connector to bring Ethernet to cabinets, and a 77 GHz radar sensor for mobile applications.


News Aug 09, 2025 by Shawn Dietrich
Math Operations Using the OpenPLC Platform

Math Operations Using the OpenPLC Platform

This article will illustrate the setup and use of OpenPLC variables and math instructions within a ladder diagram program on a microcontroller or single-board computer platform.


Fuji Electric, Pepperl+Fuchs, and Bosch Enhance HMI Hardware and Software

Fuji Electric, Pepperl+Fuchs, and Bosch Enhance HMI Hardware and Software

Fuji Electric has developed a new series of touchscreen monitors, Pepperl+Fuchs has released a new generation of firmware for its HMIs, and Bosch has launched a PLC-independent web-based HMI software.


News Jul 31, 2025 by Shawn Dietrich
Advanced Boolean Logic with FBD PLC Programming

Advanced Boolean Logic with FBD PLC Programming

Learn about more advanced Boolean logic functions, including truth tables, Schmitt triggers, and multiplexers that can be implemented in a PLC function block programming environment.


Intro to Boolean Logic with FBD PLC Programming

Intro to Boolean Logic with FBD PLC Programming

Learn about some of the basic Boolean logic gates using the graphical PLC language of function blocks, recreating ladder logic and other IEC languages with a digital flair.


How to Use Mitsubishi’s GX Simulator and MX OPC Server in Factory I/O

How to Use Mitsubishi’s GX Simulator and MX OPC Server in Factory I/O

Learn how to configure a MELSEC PLC using the MX OPC server and GX Simulator to connect to Factory I/O.


Yokogawa Updates DCS, Invests In Robotic Plant Monitoring

Yokogawa Updates DCS, Invests In Robotic Plant Monitoring

Yokogawa doubles down on AI and autonomous operations with the latest release of its Centum DCS. The company has also partnered with Shell to develop a robotic and AI plant monitoring and maintenance solution.


News Jun 28, 2025 by Shawn Dietrich
OnLogic Launches Scalable Helix 520 Edge AI Industrial Computers

OnLogic Launches Scalable Helix 520 Edge AI Industrial Computers

OnLogic's new Helix 520 Series industrial computers offer scalable and powerful edge AI computing with Intel Core Ultra processors, making them ideal for use in automation, robotics, and industrial AI applications.


News Jun 25, 2025 by Bob Odhiambo
Factory I/O: A Modern PLC Simulation Tool to Learn the Fundamentals

Factory I/O: A Modern PLC Simulation Tool to Learn the Fundamentals

Finding a good PLC simulator can be challenging. Read an assessment of Factory I/O and learn how it works, how to get started, and how to use it in your automation learning journey.