Even with the most reliable networks, network outages are inevitable for a host of reasons, and managing these outages in VFD systems becomes critically important.
Even with the most reliable networks, network outages are inevitable for a host of reasons, and managing these outages in VFD systems becomes critically important.
Control Automation Day 2022 will be on June 21st, focusing on PLC systems, packed with keynote addresses, educational…
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!
Allen Bradley’s Data Highway Plus (DH+) networking ability is still found commonly in interfaces with legacy equipment.…
Allen Bradley’s Data Highway Plus (DH+) networking ability is still found commonly in interfaces with legacy equipment. Understanding this network structure can bridge the gap between old and new systems.
Although the are similarities in operating theory, relays and contactors are used in industrial circuits for different…
Although the are similarities in operating theory, relays and contactors are used in industrial circuits for different specific applications, and should not be used interchangeably.
What’s the difference between a Cat 6 and a Cat 6a cable, anyhow? Ethernet cables must meet certain performance…
What’s the difference between a Cat 6 and a Cat 6a cable, anyhow? Ethernet cables must meet certain performance standards, and these standards can be quite confusing at first glance.
Hysteresis is a term introduced in basic control system courses and listed on sensor datasheets, but the terms is not…
Hysteresis is a term introduced in basic control system courses and listed on sensor datasheets, but the terms is not often understood, with error deriving from both the system itself as well as the sensor.
Rockwell recently announced the newest addition to the PowerFlex family of VFD units - the Armor PowerFlex series,…
Rockwell recently announced the newest addition to the PowerFlex family of VFD units - the Armor PowerFlex series, designed for on-machine control with heightened IP ratings over previous models.
In the first article of this series, we investigate Siemens as a major PLC manufacturer, learning about the hardware,…
In the first article of this series, we investigate Siemens as a major PLC manufacturer, learning about the hardware, software, and key applications of each product lineup.
While UR enjoys a record first quarter in 2022, a joint project between UR and mobile robot manufacturer MiR looks to…
While UR enjoys a record first quarter in 2022, a joint project between UR and mobile robot manufacturer MiR looks to develop solutions for mobility to advance the future of cobot applications.
The Keyence Corporation recently announced the NQ series network communication module, with the ability to automatically…
The Keyence Corporation recently announced the NQ series network communication module, with the ability to automatically detect any Keyence branded IO-Link devices for rapid installation and monitoring.
‘Reduce-reuse-recycle’ is a common slogan for promoting reduction of waste associated with end use of materials. But…
‘Reduce-reuse-recycle’ is a common slogan for promoting reduction of waste associated with end use of materials. But a circular economy model includes manufacturing processes and raw materials as well.
Hydraulic component leader Parker Hannifin recently announced a new PAC motion controller and module series with…
Hydraulic component leader Parker Hannifin recently announced a new PAC motion controller and module series with web-based visualization for instant remote monitoring of up to 40 motion axes.
The United States Department of Commerce has appointed 27 new members to the National AI Advisory Committee (NAIAC).
The United States Department of Commerce has appointed 27 new members to the National AI Advisory Committee (NAIAC).
Two common methods exist for driving induction motors with VFDs - linear scalar control, which is often labeled as V/f,…
Two common methods exist for driving induction motors with VFDs - linear scalar control, which is often labeled as V/f, and vector, or field-oriented control, which can be a bit more complex to understand.
The Snap Signal System by Banner Engineering brings industrial IoT to all devices, including sensors and actuators -…
The Snap Signal System by Banner Engineering brings industrial IoT to all devices, including sensors and actuators - regardless of age or origin.
Using an ADC can be very useful when dealing with analog devices in microprocessors, and a necessity when adding analog…
Using an ADC can be very useful when dealing with analog devices in microprocessors, and a necessity when adding analog devices to an industrial controller. But once you connect the hardware - what next?
Beckhoff Automation is advancing the concept of reducing cabinet space and lowering construction time with their recently…
Beckhoff Automation is advancing the concept of reducing cabinet space and lowering construction time with their recently announced MX-System.
Redundancy and safety are often seen together in industrial safety systems. Safety relays monitor emergency devices to…
Redundancy and safety are often seen together in industrial safety systems. Safety relays monitor emergency devices to switch contacts based on status - but what makes them different from normal relays?
Linear position sensors are used in electrical and fluid-actuated motion devices. They allow extremely precise position,…
Linear position sensors are used in electrical and fluid-actuated motion devices. They allow extremely precise position, velocity, and acceleration control, and provide feedback to ensure product quality and tolerance compliance.
With the increasing appearance of “web-based” HMIs, we investigate these devices, learn how they differ from the…
With the increasing appearance of “web-based” HMIs, we investigate these devices, learn how they differ from the graphical HMIs, and see implications for our modern control system architecture.