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The One Where A Modbus Output is Controlled by Two PLCs

The One Where A Modbus Output is Controlled by Two PLCs

Get ready for a control-themed roller coaster ride, pitting two PLCs against one Modbus I/O rack, and you might be shocked at the results: Who will win… And who will lose?


Pepperl+Fuchs Adds Capacitive Touch Function to IO-Link Signal Cap

Pepperl+Fuchs Adds Capacitive Touch Function to IO-Link Signal Cap

Pepperl+Fuchs has introduced a compact IO-Link signal light cap with touch functionality that enables local operator feedback to a traditionally diagnostic-only signaling device.


News Jul 27, 2026 by Bob Odhiambo
Balluff Expands Portfolio With New Signal Towers and Fork Sensors

Balluff Expands Portfolio With New Signal Towers and Fork Sensors

Balluff has designed its SmartLight Black Line signal towers and new-generation fork sensors to simplify industrial automation, providing high-visibility signaling and comprehensive optical sensing.


News Jul 25, 2026 by Joshua Tidwell
Adding Remote I/O to a PLC Project: Synergy Logic Meets CompactLogix

Adding Remote I/O to a PLC Project: Synergy Logic Meets CompactLogix

In this tutorial, we add remote I/O to a Studio 5000 project using Modbus TCP and the new SLM System from Synergy Logic, which promises to simplify the integration. We’ll see how it lives up.


MIKROE Accelerates PLC I/O Testing with Photorelays from Toshiba

MIKROE Accelerates PLC I/O Testing with Photorelays from Toshiba

MIKROE’s Opto 8 Click helps PLC designers compare Toshiba photorelays, so they can build prototypes and pick components more quickly and easily.


News Jul 16, 2026 by Bob Odhiambo
ABB Announces New Products, Partnerships, and Software Upgrades

ABB Announces New Products, Partnerships, and Software Upgrades

The releases include non-invasive sensor solutions, a low-flow flowmeter, a robot gripper that learns from human prosthetics, and a web-based expansion pack for ABB’s flagship DCS.


News Jun 26, 2026 by Shawn Dietrich
Tutorial: How to Set Up a Light Curtain

Tutorial: How to Set Up a Light Curtain

Learn how to align and configure the parameters of a light curtain using a send/receive pair of SICK deTec4 light beam curtains and the new DCM4 extension module for advanced operating modes.


Customizing Light Curtain Configuration: Muting and Blanking

Customizing Light Curtain Configuration: Muting and Blanking

Some safety applications aren’t a simple on/off at all times; they need objects to pass through a light curtain without stopping the machine. For these, we turn to muting and blanking features.


Installing and Configuring Light Curtains

Installing and Configuring Light Curtains

Learn about safety light curtains: which one will fit your application, how to choose the proper size, and how to properly process the output signals.


Balluff Introduces Compact Inductive Position Sensors for Tight Spaces

Balluff Introduces Compact Inductive Position Sensors for Tight Spaces

The new BIP position sensor offers IO-Link and analog interfaces in a small, durable housing, making it ideal for precise monitoring in demanding, space-constrained applications.


News May 15, 2026 by Bob Odhiambo
Pepperl+Fuchs Releases Industrial Event Camera and 1D/2D Code Reader

Pepperl+Fuchs Releases Industrial Event Camera and 1D/2D Code Reader

The VOC industrial camera records images and videos 15 minutes before and after a fault event, while the CleverReader stationary code reader captures 1D and 2D codes at throughput speeds up to 3.5 m/s.


News Apr 26, 2026 by Seth Price
The 100,000-Hour Myth: Decoding Industrial LED Life Cycles

The 100,000-Hour Myth: Decoding Industrial LED Life Cycles

Why do "forever" LEDs fail? A technical guide on L70 standards, multi-voltage IC drivers, and a comparison of industry-leading LED manufacturers.


MODEX Brings Supply Chain Automation to Atlanta

MODEX Brings Supply Chain Automation to Atlanta

Mobility, inventory tracking, and efficient operations were the central themes of the recent trade show, focusing on supply chain automation at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.


News Apr 19, 2026 by David Peterson
Bihl+Wiedemann Releases Configurable ASi-5 Safety I/O Module

Bihl+Wiedemann Releases Configurable ASi-5 Safety I/O Module

The new safety I/O module, the BWU4277, replaces complexity with flexibility. The device features up to 14 safe inputs and two safe outputs, targeting a wide range of safety applications.


News Apr 19, 2026 by Seth Price
CAPTRON Highlights the “Human” in Human-Machine Interfaces

CAPTRON Highlights the “Human” in Human-Machine Interfaces

CAPTRON presented a well-rounded view of supply chain automation at MODEX, demonstrating effective, human-centric automation with Pick-by-Light and capacitive HMI solutions.


News Apr 15, 2026 by David Peterson
Metrics for the Motors: Encoder Products Company at MODEX

Metrics for the Motors: Encoder Products Company at MODEX

Migrating from open to closed-loop motor control can be tricky: resolution, form factor, signal protocol, programming compatibility… EPC brought a wide variety of solutions to MODEX 2026.


News Apr 14, 2026 by David Peterson
Cylinder and Gripper Monitoring: Festo Unveils Position Transmitter

Cylinder and Gripper Monitoring: Festo Unveils Position Transmitter

The SDAC-MHS C-slot programmable position transmitter provides continuous position feedback of grippers and actuators, delivering analog, digital, and IO-Link outputs in a single, compact package.


News Apr 10, 2026 by Seth Price
AutomationDirect Announces New Line of Unmanaged Ethernet Switches

AutomationDirect Announces New Line of Unmanaged Ethernet Switches

The Stride Pro Unmanaged+ industrial Ethernet switches build on the company’s basic unmanaged switches, offering enhanced networking features, including IGMP snooping and port mirroring.


News Mar 27, 2026 by Seth Price
New ABB 500 X Sensor Targets Harsh pH and ORP Applications

New ABB 500 X Sensor Targets Harsh pH and ORP Applications

Built for demanding processes, ABB’s 500 X sensor resists fouling and provides real-time data through EZLink connectivity.


News Mar 25, 2026 by Bob Odhiambo
A Legacy of Factory and Motion Control: Mitsubishi Electric Automation

A Legacy of Factory and Motion Control: Mitsubishi Electric Automation

Showcase, manufacturing, repair, and research: Join Control.com for a recap of our team’s recent visit to the US HQ of Mitsubishi Electric Automation, and see where the magic happens.