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Tutorial: Using a Beckhoff IPC for Timing and Counting

Tutorial: Using a Beckhoff IPC for Timing and Counting

Timers and counters are two of the most important fundamental function blocks in automation programming. Learn how to use TwinCAT 3 to program and monitor these important function variables.


Beckhoff Redesigns Programmable Logic With New PLC++ Platform

Beckhoff Redesigns Programmable Logic With New PLC++ Platform

The PLC gets a facelift with the release of Beckhoff’s TwinCAT PLC++ platform that offers faster runtimes, rapid engineering project development, and an enhanced, user-inspired interface.


News Oct 30, 2024 by Shawn Dietrich
Belden’s New LioN-Safety I/O Modules Link Hardware for Quick Response

Belden’s New LioN-Safety I/O Modules Link Hardware for Quick Response

The new LioN-Safety I/O modules integrate with safety and non-safety I/O hardware to simplify and enhance process control.


News Oct 25, 2024 by Seth Price
Softing Industrial Upgrades Edge Products, Integrates OPC UA Information Modeling

Softing Industrial Upgrades Edge Products, Integrates OPC UA Information Modeling

Softing Industrial has integrated OPC Unified Architecture (UA) Information Modeling into its edge products and Secure Integration Server (SIS) to enhance functionality in Industrial IoT applications.


News Oct 25, 2024 by Austin Futrell
Unlocking Safety and Taking Control: Pilz’s New Automation Solutions

Unlocking Safety and Taking Control: Pilz’s New Automation Solutions

Pilz has added to its portfolio of safe automation solutions with a new compact safety gate system and new input and output modules for the PNOZmulti 2 safe small controller.


News Oct 18, 2024 by Austin Futrell
IDEC’s Integrated PLC and HMI has a Smaller Footprint and Less Complexity

IDEC’s Integrated PLC and HMI has a Smaller Footprint and Less Complexity

IDEC has recently unveiled its newest Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) with a built-in Human Machine Interface (HMI), boasting several I/O ports and a 16 million color 4.3” display.


News Oct 16, 2024 by Seth Price
Tutorial: First PLC Program with a Beckhoff IPC

Tutorial: First PLC Program with a Beckhoff IPC

These days, the industrial PC (IPC) is changing the way that engineers approach control logic solutions. Learn how to set up a basic project in a Beckhoff IPC using structured text programming.


Comparing SLC and ControlLogix PLCs: An In-Depth Review

Comparing SLC and ControlLogix PLCs: An In-Depth Review

The SLC 500 PLC family dominated automation control for well over thirty years and now, with the recent discontinuation of most of the series, we look at the differences between SLC and modern Logix PLCs.


Machine-to-Machine Integration with OPC UA

Machine-to-Machine Integration with OPC UA

The OPC UA protocol is designed to solve two problems in automation: interoperability between device vendors and independence from incompatible transport layer differences.


Bihl+Wiedemann Expands ASi-5 Counter Family With New Compact Module

Bihl+Wiedemann Expands ASi-5 Counter Family With New Compact Module

Thanks to its compact design, Bihl+Wiedemann's newest addition to its family of ASi-5 counter modules offers manufacturers greater flexibility and cost-effectiveness for small-scale applications.


News Sep 26, 2024 by Austin Futrell
Vention Aims To Simplify Robotics With AI-Based Controller and ABB Collaboration

Vention Aims To Simplify Robotics With AI-Based Controller and ABB Collaboration

Vention has announced the release of an AI-based motion controller and compatibility between its automation platform and ABB cobots. Both moves are aimed at simplifying the use of robotics in manufacturing.


News Sep 25, 2024 by Seth Price
Control According to Webster: Defining a Motion Axis

Control According to Webster: Defining a Motion Axis

Before tuning a motion axis, you must define the axis. If the control system doesn’t understand the axis properties or specifications, it can’t be expected to effectively complete the tuning process.


KV-X: The Latest Generation in PLC Technology From Keyence

KV-X: The Latest Generation in PLC Technology From Keyence

Keyence has released its latest next-gen PLC, the KV-X, with an impressive quad-core CPU, providing a machine ops recorder and granting preset access to over 300 peripheral device EDS files.


News Sep 23, 2024 by Damond Goodwin
All About PLCs: Networking and Communications

All About PLCs: Networking and Communications

Learn about the modules and systems that provide a network connection to the outside world, transforming traditional PLCs into true, modern process automation controllers (PAC).


Understanding I/O Terminal Types And When To Use Them

Understanding I/O Terminal Types And When To Use Them

Embedded, modular, panel mount, distributed, machine mount, and remote, oh my! What does it all mean, and how are you supposed to know which one to choose for your application?


All About PLCs: Input/Output Modules

All About PLCs: Input/Output Modules

If your facility or workplace uses a PLC, it’s almost certainly because it must interface with physical input and output devices. What kinds of I/O modules exist, and how can you tell the difference?


Copia DeviceLink Now Supports Siemens’ Step 7 5.x Software

Copia DeviceLink Now Supports Siemens’ Step 7 5.x Software

Copia Automation has expanded its list of supported automation software for its popular DeviceLink platform, which monitors factory automation software in real time for code changes and backups.


News Sep 17, 2024 by Shawn Dietrich
All About PLCs: The Power Supply Unit

All About PLCs: The Power Supply Unit

Learn all about the power supply: modular and built-in devices that deliver electricity to the PLC backplane and modules, and learn the difference between control and field device power delivery.


Red Lion Releases Programmable Remote Terminal Units for Extreme Environments

Red Lion Releases Programmable Remote Terminal Units for Extreme Environments

Red Lion has expanded its Sixnet Series of VersaTRAK MIPM industrial remote terminal units (RTUs) with two new devices suitable for rugged environments in process applications.


News Sep 05, 2024 by Austin Futrell
PLC With a Miniature Twist: Crouzet Millenium Slim Tutorial

PLC With a Miniature Twist: Crouzet Millenium Slim Tutorial

One of the smallest PLCs on the market, the Millenium Slim by Crouzet, can handle advanced functions with a wireless interface and function block (FBD) style IEC 61131 programming.