Latest Technical Articles

AI has a reputation for reporting incorrect facts and making faulty assumptions, all with an attitude of confidence.…

AI has a reputation for reporting incorrect facts and making faulty assumptions, all with an attitude of confidence. Learn to distinguish between situations that require extra care and verification.

IO-Link is regarded as a robust field-level network that adds tremendous sensing capability beyond standard analog and…

IO-Link is regarded as a robust field-level network that adds tremendous sensing capability beyond standard analog and digital I/O. Yet it can be difficult to set up. Here’s a guide.

AI is a hot topic across nearly all facets of modern life. In control engineering, AI can save time, or it can ruin a…

AI is a hot topic across nearly all facets of modern life. In control engineering, AI can save time, or it can ruin a project. The difference lies in understanding what’s happening under the hood.

This article offers a brief review of controllers: their use through history and an analysis of factors to consider when…

This article offers a brief review of controllers: their use through history and an analysis of factors to consider when deciding what to use.

Suds-n-Duds is a staple for local Atmore, AL residents. It's critical to protect the washing machines with a system that…

Suds-n-Duds is a staple for local Atmore, AL residents. It's critical to protect the washing machines with a system that monitors well pressure while automatically switching and flushing the municipal supply.

An overview of the Allen-Bradley PowerFlex variable frequency drive with Ethernet/IP protocol: features, wiring diagrams,…

An overview of the Allen-Bradley PowerFlex variable frequency drive with Ethernet/IP protocol: features, wiring diagrams, and parameterization methods.

Industrial gateways provide secure, reliable connections to OT infrastructure from the outside world, but the options can…

Industrial gateways provide secure, reliable connections to OT infrastructure from the outside world, but the options can be overwhelming. Follow along as we dive into the world of gateways.

Connecting to equipment remotely can save time and travel expenses. It is a powerful tool, but with great power comes…

Connecting to equipment remotely can save time and travel expenses. It is a powerful tool, but with great power comes great responsibility.

Installing a reversing contactor is only half the project; ensuring safety and reliable performance under load is a top…

Installing a reversing contactor is only half the project; ensuring safety and reliable performance under load is a top priority for motor control designs.

Get ready for a control-themed roller coaster ride, pitting two PLCs against one Modbus I/O rack, and you might be…

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?

Compressed air is a standard industrial fixture, but it can be expensive when years of improper maintenance and servicing…

Compressed air is a standard industrial fixture, but it can be expensive when years of improper maintenance and servicing finally catch up. But what can be done to prevent these rising costs?

Learn how to configure the connection for a Mitsubishi FX5UC controller over Ethernet using GX Works 3.

Learn how to configure the connection for a Mitsubishi FX5UC controller over Ethernet using GX Works 3.

When motors drive in parallel from a single main power source, do they each need an individual VFD? Check out why this is…

When motors drive in parallel from a single main power source, do they each need an individual VFD? Check out why this is useful in some cases, and take note of some necessary precautions.

Predictive maintenance brings real cost and time savings, but there can be a lot of confusion when setting up a system.…

Predictive maintenance brings real cost and time savings, but there can be a lot of confusion when setting up a system. Control.com talks to the experts at NORD, a motor specialist, to learn more.

Requiring multiple AC motors to start simultaneously is a common need for conveyors within manufacturing plants, but can…

Requiring multiple AC motors to start simultaneously is a common need for conveyors within manufacturing plants, but can we really reduce costs and panel space by eliminating redundant components?

In this tutorial, we add remote I/O to a Studio 5000 project using Modbus TCP and the new SLM System from Synergy Logic,…

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.

In power generation facilities, operational commands are issued, then make their way to the final real-world breakers,…

In power generation facilities, operational commands are issued, then make their way to the final real-world breakers, before feedback commands relay the position back to the control system.

The choice of load device and transmission method often dictates what kind of control system is used, so it’s important…

The choice of load device and transmission method often dictates what kind of control system is used, so it’s important to be familiar with the mechanical and electrical components of a system.

Addressing variables at the bit level can save precious PLC memory as well as make your code more readable and easier to…

Addressing variables at the bit level can save precious PLC memory as well as make your code more readable and easier to understand.