Latest PLCs Articles

Recently, Banner released a new lineup of eight-port discrete converters, allowing input of up to 16 different digital…

Recently, Banner released a new lineup of eight-port discrete converters, allowing input of up to 16 different digital I/O devices and assigning them to pre-defined Modbus registers for ease of integration.

Mitsubishi Electric Automation expands the iQ-F series of compact PLCs with the powerful and affordable FX5S that uses…

Mitsubishi Electric Automation expands the iQ-F series of compact PLCs with the powerful and affordable FX5S that uses familiar programming software while increasing the range of I/O and communication.

The SIMATIC S7-1500V is Siemens's newest PLC, but it looks completely different than any other PLC… Mainly because it…

The SIMATIC S7-1500V is Siemens's newest PLC, but it looks completely different than any other PLC… Mainly because it doesn’t physically exist.

Setting and resetting a PLC output is essential in establishing a holding circuit for a transducer. Learn how to use…

Setting and resetting a PLC output is essential in establishing a holding circuit for a transducer. Learn how to use set/reset instructions in MELSOFT series GX Works2 to latch and release an output.

Process automation relies on precise control systems to operate production equipment for everything from lumber to…

Process automation relies on precise control systems to operate production equipment for everything from lumber to pastries. Using control algorithms produces stable, accurate, and often delicious results.

Industrial and robotics cabling requires specialized termination strategies. This article introduces connectors involved…

Industrial and robotics cabling requires specialized termination strategies. This article introduces connectors involved in automation applications for cable-to-cable or cable-to-device termination.

Join Control Automation for a review of the show highlights and a special feature of some exciting booths visited on the…

Join Control Automation for a review of the show highlights and a special feature of some exciting booths visited on the last and final day of the Automate trade show. Excited for the next year of innovation!

Rockwell Automation has released an IO-Link master with configurable ports designed for harsh, on-machine environments…

Rockwell Automation has released an IO-Link master with configurable ports designed for harsh, on-machine environments with the ability to connect both discrete and IO-Link field devices.

Any kind of computer programming can be challenging to determine what aspects are truly unique versus what aspects should…

Any kind of computer programming can be challenging to determine what aspects are truly unique versus what aspects should be standardized across projects and platforms to streamline future development.

It’s the first two days of Automate 2023, and the Control Automation team hit the streets to learn about the latest and…

It’s the first two days of Automate 2023, and the Control Automation team hit the streets to learn about the latest and greatest technology rocking the world of robotics and industrial automation!

This article features an in-depth discussion of the various options for buttons and switches, including function, styles,…

This article features an in-depth discussion of the various options for buttons and switches, including function, styles, shapes, and illumination options for all kinds of control panel inputs.

We usually think of joysticks in terms of video game controllers, but they exist in all kinds of industrial systems:…

We usually think of joysticks in terms of video game controllers, but they exist in all kinds of industrial systems: heavy equipment, overhead cranes, and even some robotic controls. But how do they work?

Variable control allows external conditions, like temperature, to be monitored so the controller can activate devices to…

Variable control allows external conditions, like temperature, to be monitored so the controller can activate devices to heat or cool the system as needed. Simulate a temp controller with low-cost components!

Designing, installing, and maintaining control systems involves a lot of wires. Each wire has a purpose, often indicated…

Designing, installing, and maintaining control systems involves a lot of wires. Each wire has a purpose, often indicated by the color of the insulation. But what are the common colors, and what do they mean?

Mitsubishi's FX series PLC is one of MELSOFT GX Developer’s most popular automation solutions for small and…

Mitsubishi's FX series PLC is one of MELSOFT GX Developer’s most popular automation solutions for small and medium-scale applications. Learn how to use GX Developer software to program the FX series PLC.

AutomationDirect’s Productivity line of PLCs is known for cost-effectiveness and ease of use. Learn how to build and…

AutomationDirect’s Productivity line of PLCs is known for cost-effectiveness and ease of use. Learn how to build and download a simple program using discrete input and output ladder commands.

Arduino’s Opta mini PLC platform is supported by the new PLC IDE. Learn to create and download your first program and…

Arduino’s Opta mini PLC platform is supported by the new PLC IDE. Learn to create and download your first program and take advantage of built-in I/O for an easy introduction to the platform.

OMRON Automation now offers a PLC function block-based cobot palletizing solution that aims to help machine operators…

OMRON Automation now offers a PLC function block-based cobot palletizing solution that aims to help machine operators speed up deployment and boost productivity in manufacturing environments.

Programming simple coil and contact commands is an easy matter in most PLC IDEs. Connecting and configuring analog inputs…

Programming simple coil and contact commands is an easy matter in most PLC IDEs. Connecting and configuring analog inputs can be more challenging with various bit resolutions and conversion commands.