Latest Technical Articles

Learn all about user requirement specifications (URS), including what should and should not be included and their…

Learn all about user requirement specifications (URS), including what should and should not be included and their importance for organizations planning to purchase new equipment.

Simple voltage measurements from a multimeter are the most frequently used function in these tools. Some of them are more…

Simple voltage measurements from a multimeter are the most frequently used function in these tools. Some of them are more difficult to understand than others, and this is definitely the case when comparing AC to DC voltage.

Wiring design systems can become confusing when some switching devices send power to the load automatically while others…

Wiring design systems can become confusing when some switching devices send power to the load automatically while others do not. Often called ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ contacts, these devices are fairly easy to troubleshoot once the differences are understood.

The simplest and most common measurement to obtain using a multimeter is voltage, in fact, they are often called…

The simplest and most common measurement to obtain using a multimeter is voltage, in fact, they are often called ‘voltmeters’ for this reason.

Robot Manipulators, also known as Robot Arms, are found just about everywhere nowadays seeing as their versatility puts…

Robot Manipulators, also known as Robot Arms, are found just about everywhere nowadays seeing as their versatility puts them at the forefront of manufacturing innovation. In this article, learn about Visual Servoing and how it's used for industrial and commercial applications.

There is a control theory in mathematics which deals with control systems and in sociology dealing with the behavior of…

There is a control theory in mathematics which deals with control systems and in sociology dealing with the behavior of individuals in a society. This article looks at how everyday actions and interactions with others can be construed as part of a large control system.

Most every engineer knows that there is no replacement for having the correct tool. This is especially important in…

Most every engineer knows that there is no replacement for having the correct tool. This is especially important in testing and repair when every subtle characteristic of the tool may influence the readings.

Recognizing the value of a multimeter is a great first step. It’s important to know why a meter may help to save time…

Recognizing the value of a multimeter is a great first step. It’s important to know why a meter may help to save time during design and troubleshooting, and therefore save money.

This article covers how predictive and preventive maintenance work, the types of each form of maintenance, and…

This article covers how predictive and preventive maintenance work, the types of each form of maintenance, and applications in which each is used.

In the world of automation, PLCs and PACs are often at the center of the action. But where did these machines come from,…

In the world of automation, PLCs and PACs are often at the center of the action. But where did these machines come from, what are the functional differences between the two, and what applications are they best suited for?

The voltmeter, or more often the multimeter, is an incredible tool, capable of troubleshooting nearly every electrical…

The voltmeter, or more often the multimeter, is an incredible tool, capable of troubleshooting nearly every electrical system and fault in existence.

In today’s world, a lot of connections are going wireless. But that signal has to start somewhere, and it’s likely to…

In today’s world, a lot of connections are going wireless. But that signal has to start somewhere, and it’s likely to start on a wire. That wire has to connect to other hardware, like antennas, transducers, and computers, to name just a few.

The use of algorithms is essential in order to get simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) to work successfully.…

The use of algorithms is essential in order to get simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) to work successfully. This article introduces some of the main algorithms used, both common and state-of-the-art.

Mapping and localization are the highly-intertwined building blocks of SLAM and have several different implementations…

Mapping and localization are the highly-intertwined building blocks of SLAM and have several different implementations with varying performance and sensor requirements. Learn about them in this article.

Should you connect a DC power supply to ground or not? The answer is not a straightforward yes or no. This article…

Should you connect a DC power supply to ground or not? The answer is not a straightforward yes or no. This article explores the benefits and drawbacks of grounding DC power supplies.

SLAM for robotics utilizes mapping and localization for accurate movement. This article covers the architecture of a…

SLAM for robotics utilizes mapping and localization for accurate movement. This article covers the architecture of a mobile robot running SLAM and the different broad classifications withing SLAM.

Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) are commonly seen in residential wiring. They are important to understand, as…

Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) are commonly seen in residential wiring. They are important to understand, as they exist to protect both the users and the electrical systems used everyday.

This article looks at rotary encoders, covering the main types, introducing their characteristics, and introducing their…

This article looks at rotary encoders, covering the main types, introducing their characteristics, and introducing their key applications in control systems.

Grounding electrical systems can lead to problems with interference and noise, affecting signal clarity. This article…

Grounding electrical systems can lead to problems with interference and noise, affecting signal clarity. This article looks at these problems and how to avoid them.