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Grounding for Control Transformers

Grounding transformer connections presents its own set of challenges. This article addresses these challenges and several common configurations for control transformer grounding.

13 hours ago by David Peterson

KEMET’s New “Volumetric Efficient” EMC Solution

KEMET announces the release of their GTX Metal Case Three Phase Filters which utilize a nanocrystalline metal core to bring forth volumetric efficiency while reducing unwanted electromagnetic and radio-frequency interference.

3 days ago by Gunner Scott

Automation Issues and Energy Usage in Environmental Extremes

As summer heat continues to scorch the northern hemisphere, manufacturers face potential equipment damage and downtime. Learn about the ways extreme heat can damage automated equipment and systems. 

4 days ago by Antonio Armenta

Resistance Measurement Problems - What Can Go Wrong?

Today’s digital multimeters (DMMs) are inexpensive, accurate, and easy to use, but sometimes a problem with the circuit or the measurement can cause incorrect readings. Learn to interpret and fix these problems.

July 27, 2022 by Harry Trietley

Failure Analysis in Power Side and Ground Side Switching Circuits

Learn about power side and ground side switching and how designing these circuits to have predictable failures from the beginning helps in system maintenance and troubleshooting.

July 23, 2022 by David Peterson

CTRL F3: Factory Explosion Field Study

The CTRL F3 series reviews field studies and failures in the field focused on control fails, fixes, and facts. This article covers an explosion at an industrial sawmill.

July 12, 2022 by Jon Peterson

Negative Effects of Grounding (Earthing) a DC Power Supply

DC voltage systems exist to provide controllers and field devices with stable power, but it is not always clear when these systems should be bonded with the earth ground of the AC line voltage supply.

July 11, 2022 by David Peterson

High-Power Laser Diodes for Industrial Autonomous Mobile Robots

LiDAR and SLAM enable AMRs and drones to effectively navigate dynamic industrial environments. The right selection of high-power laser diodes is critical for accurate performance of LiDAR/SLAM systems

July 05, 2022 by George Lacanilao, ROHM Semiconductor

A How-to Guide to Control Automation Day 2022

Welcome to Control Automation Day 2022—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!

June 20, 2022 by David Peterson

Schaffner Introduces EMC Filter Series for Data Centers and Robotics

Schaffner introduces its newest electromagnetic compatibility filters for data centers and robotic-automation sectors, allowing for different connection options and saving on space with a 1U rack-mount design.

June 17, 2022 by Damond Goodwin

Clarifying Misconceptions About Theoretical vs Physical Circuits

Control engineering is integrally woven together with electricity and electrical circuits. Even so, sometimes the most basic scenarios become misunderstood through lack of training or experience.

June 15, 2022 by Seth Price

Power for Control Circuits: It’s Not Just Power Supplies

Power supplies tend to get a reputation as one of the most important power considerations of a DC control circuit - but we can’t ignore other key players: power filters, converters, and backup power modules.

May 25, 2022 by David Peterson

New LEG Series from SMC: Electric Actuator with Battery-less Encoder

SMC announces a new electric actuator series with high-rigidity guide rods, equipped with a battery-less encoder, driven by stepper motor and matching drive compatible with multiple networks.

May 21, 2022 by David Peterson

Control.com Announces Control Automation Day 2022!

Control Automation Day 2022 will be on June 21st, focusing on PLC systems, packed with keynote addresses, educational live sessions, and exciting giveaways from your favorite manufacturers!

May 18, 2022 by David Peterson

Dynamic Braking Resistors for Motor Control Applications

Large DC and AC motor drives often provide terminals for installing a braking resistor. What are these resistors, and how do they slow down a machine? What hazards and cautions must be considered?

April 21, 2022 by David Peterson

Replacing a Control Cabinet with Modules? Beckhoff Says Yes!

Beckhoff Automation is advancing the concept of reducing cabinet space and lowering construction time with their recently announced MX-System.

April 21, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich

Understanding the Basics of Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)

Power delivered to devices can be changed by raising or lowering the voltage and current. But this method does not always produce intended results. Pulse width modulation (or PWM) can be used to better control variable loads.

March 23, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich

Time is Running Out: Cowen Startup Challenge at Automate 2022

The window is closing for submissions to a funding competition - robotics, machine vision, and AI innovations are taking the center stage for a chance at winning $10,000. Are you ready?

March 15, 2022 by David Peterson

Mechanical Motion - Fluid vs Electric Actuators

Actuators are used to control the motion of manufacturing devices and raw materials. This article will compare both electric actuators and several types of fluid-powered actuators.

March 01, 2022 by Seth Price

Schneider’s “Infrastructure of the Future” Addresses Challenges Facing Smart, Green Urbanization

Schneider Electric unveils an integrated solution that promotes creating more sustainable and resilient infrastructures for green urban environments.

February 07, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida