Latest I/O Devices and Sensors Articles

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.

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!

We see smoke detectors on a daily basis in every house and building we visit, but the same sensor elements, and others,…

We see smoke detectors on a daily basis in every house and building we visit, but the same sensor elements, and others, can be used to detect the presence of harmful gasses and heat in all industries.

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?

Banner Engineering has released a long-range polarized retroreflective photoelectric sensor for object detection that…

Banner Engineering has released a long-range polarized retroreflective photoelectric sensor for object detection that uses high-end optics to allow for consistent and accurate alignment.

The iServer 2 Series Web Server and Virtual Chart Recorder from Omega Engineering collects, stores, and manages data…

The iServer 2 Series Web Server and Virtual Chart Recorder from Omega Engineering collects, stores, and manages data collected by a variety of sensors, speeding up process monitoring and data logging operations.

Banner Engineering has taken steps to improve the usability of IO-Link devices with the release of the compact DXMR110…

Banner Engineering has taken steps to improve the usability of IO-Link devices with the release of the compact DXMR110 8-Port IO-Link Master for simplified connection between devices to the control cabinet.

Limit switches are electromechanical devices that open or close contacts when external pressure is applied to an…

Limit switches are electromechanical devices that open or close contacts when external pressure is applied to an actuator. This solves a simple problem faced by motion devices: limiting movement

Balluff’s new Factor 1 inductive sensors offer users a single sensor that senses both ferrous and non-ferrous metals at…

Balluff’s new Factor 1 inductive sensors offer users a single sensor that senses both ferrous and non-ferrous metals at the same switching distance, fit for use in environments with various metal types.

Softing Industrial announced the release of its latest Docker-based software application updates and edge products with…

Softing Industrial announced the release of its latest Docker-based software application updates and edge products with added functionalities, aiming to enhance efficiency and usability of its solutions.

Analytics from data algorithms can predict machine failures and provide diagnostics—but what should we measure? Then,…

Analytics from data algorithms can predict machine failures and provide diagnostics—but what should we measure? Then, once the information has been collected, what trends might point to problems?

Carlo Gavazzi has released a new family of full-metal inductive proximity sensors with an IP69K rating and standard…

Carlo Gavazzi has released a new family of full-metal inductive proximity sensors with an IP69K rating and standard IO-Link capabilities to suit any automation application.

Safety is a concern in any system containing potential energy, whether electrical, chemical, or fluid. Each has methods…

Safety is a concern in any system containing potential energy, whether electrical, chemical, or fluid. Each has methods of protection, and for fluid systems, certain shutoff valves are used in situations when excess pressure can be a problem.

Field-oriented control (FOC), also called vector control, can control 3-phase alternating current motors and brushless DC…

Field-oriented control (FOC), also called vector control, can control 3-phase alternating current motors and brushless DC motors. Read more to learn its advantages, how it works, and its best applications.

Industrial sensors can be found in nearly every modern industrial process, regardless of complexity. Learn the history,…

Industrial sensors can be found in nearly every modern industrial process, regardless of complexity. Learn the history, evolution, and variety of sensors that make manufacturing the modern marvel we see today.

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.

Baumer has added to their compact inductive sensing lineup with the addition of the IF200 sensor to measure distance…

Baumer has added to their compact inductive sensing lineup with the addition of the IF200 sensor to measure distance within a range of 10 mm.

Operating voltage, linearity, dimensions, polarity protection, range… When it comes to sensors, every situation calls…

Operating voltage, linearity, dimensions, polarity protection, range… When it comes to sensors, every situation calls for understanding these specs in detail during design, purchasing, and installation.

To know if predictive maintenance is the right strategy, it might help to first recognize if it isn’t. Here are some…

To know if predictive maintenance is the right strategy, it might help to first recognize if it isn’t. Here are some indicators that your organization should improve before implementing predictive maintenance.