Latest Technical Articles

Showcase, manufacturing, repair, and research: Join Control.com for a recap of our team’s recent visit to the US HQ of…

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.

Learn the difference between common and individually isolated PLC I/O modules; how do we know when isolation might be…

Learn the difference between common and individually isolated PLC I/O modules; how do we know when isolation might be helpful or required for outputs, inputs, and analog signals?

Despite being one of the oldest protocols in automation, Modbus is still more complex than digital I/O. When you have a…

Despite being one of the oldest protocols in automation, Modbus is still more complex than digital I/O. When you have a Modbus TCP device, what do you do? How do you actually use it?

These days, a virtual PLC is not only for simulations; it can also be used to read real-world inputs, turn on outputs, or…

These days, a virtual PLC is not only for simulations; it can also be used to read real-world inputs, turn on outputs, or initiate motion. Follow along as we dive deep into the world of virtual PLCs.

Learn about precharge circuits, inrush current, and understand why VFD and servo drives may trip during power-up.

Learn about precharge circuits, inrush current, and understand why VFD and servo drives may trip during power-up.

Learn how to integrate fail-safe logic and explosion-proof design to keep your processes running safely and smoothly.

Learn how to integrate fail-safe logic and explosion-proof design to keep your processes running safely and smoothly.

Working with data is no simple task. It requires a solid understanding of how to acquire the data, process it, and then…

Working with data is no simple task. It requires a solid understanding of how to acquire the data, process it, and then use it to deliver tangible benefits to the operation and the company.

Arrays can handle large amounts of data, but when you need to extract a portion of that data, you might need to execute a…

Arrays can handle large amounts of data, but when you need to extract a portion of that data, you might need to execute a loop. Learn a few examples and tips for creating loops in PLC logic.

It’s easy to obtain I/O values for local and remote modules and network nodes. But what about system data that’s…

It’s easy to obtain I/O values for local and remote modules and network nodes. But what about system data that’s built into the PLC? How can we access and use that information?

Learn about electrical signalling systems for process control. What advantages may be provided by choosing analog systems…

Learn about electrical signalling systems for process control. What advantages may be provided by choosing analog systems vs. advanced modern fieldbus protocols?

Physical AI, where technology is applied to real-world devices like robots, is set to have a major impact over the next…

Physical AI, where technology is applied to real-world devices like robots, is set to have a major impact over the next few years. UR Shares some predictions, along with some exclusive deeper insights.

MQTT and OPC UA are very different, but they accomplish essentially the same thing: push data from one device to another.…

MQTT and OPC UA are very different, but they accomplish essentially the same thing: push data from one device to another. Which method to use relies on understanding how each process is accomplished.

When the power is removed to a circuit, the common measurements of voltage and current prove meaningless. The only…

When the power is removed to a circuit, the common measurements of voltage and current prove meaningless. The only remaining option is to use resistance testing to determine which components and conductors are working.

Learn five essential features to consider when selecting a controller, from I/O and software licensing to networks and web access.

Learn five essential features to consider when selecting a controller, from I/O and software licensing to networks and web access.

Get a first look at Bosch Rexroth’s ctrlX CORE, an industrial PC that unifies PLC, motion, and HMI through an app-based…

Get a first look at Bosch Rexroth’s ctrlX CORE, an industrial PC that unifies PLC, motion, and HMI through an app-based automation platform.

Learn how to control the Factory I/O PLC system simulator using a virtual Siemens S7-1200 PLC, a great tool for testing,…

Learn how to control the Factory I/O PLC system simulator using a virtual Siemens S7-1200 PLC, a great tool for testing, training, and automation development without hardware.

This tutorial explains how the Meca500 executes stored motion programs triggered by a PLC.

This tutorial explains how the Meca500 executes stored motion programs triggered by a PLC.

This guide shows you how to create a simple Inovance HMI project and connect it to a Mitsubishi PLC using serial and…

This guide shows you how to create a simple Inovance HMI project and connect it to a Mitsubishi PLC using serial and Ethernet methods, including practical setup steps and common mistakes to avoid.

Coordinating motion in three or more axes is a difficult manual process. For more advanced gantry or articulated robots,…

Coordinating motion in three or more axes is a difficult manual process. For more advanced gantry or articulated robots, this motion type solves the complex calculation of a set of related joints.