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DCS vs. SCADA: What’s the Difference?

Controlling and optimizing plant processes is the goal of most control systems. It can be a challenge to distinguish between different types of control: a DCS or a high-level SCADA system?

April 03, 2024 by Seth Price

Tutorial: Analog I/O Programming for AutomationDirect Productivity PLCs

Learn how to use analog I/O devices with AutomationDirect’s Productivity series of PLCs and Productivity Suite software. Wiring, configuring I/O, and programming will be a part of this tutorial.

April 02, 2024 by David Peterson

Temp Sensing With RTDs: Wiring Connection and Transmitter Setup

Learn how to measure temperature using an RTD and a temperature transmitter to convert resistance into common analog voltage or current values for process control.

April 01, 2024 by Munir Ahmad

Red Lion Expands FlexEdge With New Strain Gauge and Com Modules

Red Lion has added a new series of strain gauge modules to their FlexEdge intelligent edge automation platform, along with two ‘sleds’ allowing connection to CAN and J1939 automotive networks.

February 21, 2024 by Seth Price

ABB Launches Advanced Industrial Process Control with Ability FIM 3.0

ABB enhances connectivity and interoperability for industrial field instruments by releasing its Ability Field Information Manager 3.0, optimizing oversight of operations for improved productivity.

December 25, 2023 by Stephanie Leonida

Understanding the 17xx | Your Rockwell/Allen-Bradley Hardware Encyclopedia

Rockwell Automation’s Allen-Bradley control hardware catalog has long included many series that start with 17xx, but what are these lineups, and what function do they serve?

December 14, 2023 by David Peterson

History and High-Tech Merge in Boston at Rockwell’s Automation Fair

Automation Fair was held in Boston on Nov 6-9, showcasing Rockwell Automation’s industrial partnerships, new technology, and recent acquisitions in a stellar conference and expo show.

November 09, 2023 by David Peterson

Handling of Power System Data: Engineering Limits and Data Currency

Power systems rely on meaningful data, as do most other processes. Within SCADA environments, individual data points are tracked, compared to limits, and evaluated to obtain current readings.

November 08, 2023 by Munir Ahmad

Loop Powered Process Displays to Add Easy Measurements

Have you ever needed to know the temperature, pressure, flow, or other measurement on location, but the readout is way off in the control room? Here’s an easy way to add a readout in the field.

October 03, 2023 by Harry Trietley

Pack Accordingly: Pack Expo Returns to Las Vegas on Sept. 11-13

With all eyes on innovation, Control.com will be in attendance, ready to learn about the latest products and solutions from the industry’s top experts and industry minds.

September 04, 2023 by Steve Kuehn

A Tale of Two Standards | Comparing Analog Voltage and Current

Analog voltage and current are the dominating standards for industrial technology. Is one format better than the other? And if so, why do both signal types still exist in modern systems?

August 28, 2023 by David Peterson

Understanding the Automation Lingo: PLC, PAC, RTU, DCS, and SCADA

What are these terms, PLC, PAC, RTU, DCS, SCADA? Why are they so important to industrial robotics and automation? Explore how each different piece functions to build a comprehensive automated system.

July 31, 2023 by Damond Goodwin

Examples of Analog Signals in Control Systems

Many articles address the wiring and implementation of analog control signals, but where are they used, and what might make them a better (or perhaps worse) decision than digital input/output devices?

July 25, 2023 by Gunner Scott

Examples of Digital Signals in Control Systems

Digital signals hold a prominent position due to their compatibility with computers. But what are digital signals, and what are some examples of the various devices used with digital inputs and outputs?

July 18, 2023 by Gunner Scott

Temperature Profiling: The Process and The Underlying Benefits

Temperature profiling is an effective tool to monitor thermal properties in process equipment. This article defines temperature profiling, discusses the process components, and describes the various benefits it offers.

June 13, 2023 by Muhammad Asim Niazi

Connectors Used in Industrial and Robotic Cable Termination

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.

May 30, 2023 by Simon Mugo

Developing Standardized Practices for PLC Programming

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.

May 25, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich

Rockwell Automation Partners with The Water Council to Champion Water Stewardship

Rockwell Automation announced its partnership with The Water Council to support the advancement of positive water stewardship for corporations around the globe.

April 28, 2023 by Stephanie Leonida

PLC Discrete Outputs - Control Automation

Programmable Logic Controllers, or PLCs, are designed to receive signals and influence load devices automatically. Learn how to connect and program discrete output devices like solenoids, relays, and lights.

January 05, 2023 by David Peterson

Electronic Datasheet (EDS) Files: Why do We Use Them?

Many control product manufacturers offer these downloadable ‘EDS files’ for peripheral equipment, but what exactly is an EDS, and how can they aid in the development of a project?

December 28, 2022 by David Peterson