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How to Identify and Troubleshoot Power and Ground Side Circuits

This article introduces a few simple methods to test which type of circuits — whether ground- or power-switched — are being used and how to troubleshoot and properly fix issues.

2 hours ago by David Peterson

Understanding Differences Between Power and Ground Side Switching

Learn what Ground Side Switching means, and how it helps in the overall maintenance of the system and how creating predictable failures is essential

one day ago by David Peterson

Utilizing Autonomous Maintenance in Industrial Manufacturing

Learn the steps and how-tos for operators, maintenance crews, and management to create an autonomous maintenance system for industrial manufacturing.

4 days ago by Muhammad Asim Niazi

Securing SCADA Systems from Cyber Attacks

Learn about the many ways cyber-attacks threaten SCADA systems, and what can be done to keep manufacturing and utility plants protected.

5 days ago by Anish Devasia

Applications of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) and Machine Vision in Manufacturing

A look at how cameras are used to detect GD&T based on the resolution of the camera, and how to achieve higher tolerances by using a differential waveform.

June 30, 2020 by Jeff Kerns

Protecting Control Networks with Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS)

Safety is of utmost importance in the day-to-day operations of any system, especially a system where humans and machines work together. Learn all about Safety Instrumented Systems and what it takes to keep workers safe, and the system running smoothly!

June 29, 2020 by David Peterson

Digital Twinning and its Use in SCADA Systems

Learn all about Digital Twinning, and how this new technique can change the way we do a number of industrial operations!

June 28, 2020 by Anish Devasia

Replacing Advanced Process Automation Control System (APACS) with Controllogix

A synopsis of a recent control system replacement on replacing APACS with Controllogix.

June 26, 2020 by Dennis Lynch

A Technical Overview of Drones and their Autonomous Applications

Learn how drones operate, the physics of their flight, the hardware that makes them work, possible industry applications, and major considerations for commercial use.

June 25, 2020 by Akshay Kumar

The Future of Metal Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing

As metal additive manufacturing companies find more ways to increase speeds and decrease costs, the innovation behind this technology is continually expanding. 

June 24, 2020 by Jeff Kerns

Robot-aided Visual Inspection in Manufacturing Industries

Learn all about how robotic visual inspection is helping factories with manufacturing and assembly processes by keeping the system accurate and producing quality products.

June 23, 2020 by Akshay Kumar

A History of Industrial Communication Systems

Take a trip down memory lane and go through the different communication systems used throughout the years and learn about the factors that led to where we are today.

June 22, 2020 by David Peterson

How Thermal Imaging Can Help Keep Systems Safe

This article looks at thermal imaging equipment and discusses the advantages and applications of thermal imaging in a variety of control systems.

June 22, 2020 by Muhammad Asim Niazi

Utilizing Exoskeleton Robots for Industrial Applications

Learn all about exoskeletons, a way to fuse robotics and humans in ways that can help the manufacturing process while protecting the human body from excessive strain.

June 19, 2020 by Akshay Kumar

What is Redundancy in Control Systems?

Learn about redundancy and why it's an important part of protecting control systems and a key part of avoiding costly system failures and malfunctions.

June 17, 2020 by Muhammad Asim Niazi

How is Industrial Machine Vision Transforming the Industry?

Liquid lens and multi-spectral lighting solutions are advancing the manufacturer’s production lines.

June 17, 2020 by Jeff Kerns

Understanding Floating Point Numbers in PLC Programming

There are three main types of values that must be handled by a PLC: boolean, integers, and floating-point numbers. These last floating-point values can create the most confusion for programmers and technicians.

June 15, 2020 by David Peterson

Understanding Binary Numbers in PLCs

This article introduces how the binary system is used in PLC programming and covers why this number system works so well in this area of system control.

June 13, 2020 by David Peterson

How to Convert Gray Code to Binary for Encoders

The sensors in absolute encoders output Gray code sequences which require some complicated conversion methods to be properly used. This article shows how to take the Gray code used by absolute encoders and convert it to binary.

June 12, 2020 by David Peterson

An Introduction to Gray Code for Encoders

This article introduces Gray code, a specialized binary arrangement necessary for absolute encoders to communicate with controllers.

June 10, 2020 by David Peterson