Latest Technical Articles

This article reviews the challenges and opportunities when incorporating generative AI and Large Language Models in…

This article reviews the challenges and opportunities when incorporating generative AI and Large Language Models in industrial applications. It also examines how a Norwegian fishing and biotech company improved operational productivity and efficiency using generative AI.

Traditionally, automation requires a sizable investment and integration risks. RaaS empowers manufacturers to let someone…

Traditionally, automation requires a sizable investment and integration risks. RaaS empowers manufacturers to let someone else adopt the risks in exchange for an hourly or monthly subscription rate.

In the world of mechanical power transmission, gears, belts, and chains dominate the landscape, but what's so special…

In the world of mechanical power transmission, gears, belts, and chains dominate the landscape, but what's so special about chain drives, and why would they be used in place of rubber belts?

As we approach the conclusion of this IIoT project, we’ll explore the integration of the Mosquitto MQTT broker,…

As we approach the conclusion of this IIoT project, we’ll explore the integration of the Mosquitto MQTT broker, Node-RED, and InfluxDB, leaving only the data dashboard setup for the final step.

Rebooting industrial controllers and computers incurs costs, not only from the downtime but also from cascading effects…

Rebooting industrial controllers and computers incurs costs, not only from the downtime but also from cascading effects of communication with up/downstream controllers. How can this downtime be managed?

This article will explore the setup of Node-RED, the glue that will serve to connect all of the individual components of…

This article will explore the setup of Node-RED, the glue that will serve to connect all of the individual components of the solution that we have created up to this point.

Hydraulic cylinders and actuators can quickly move heavy objects and provide strong clamping forces. But when they break…

Hydraulic cylinders and actuators can quickly move heavy objects and provide strong clamping forces. But when they break down, the effects can be catastrophic and the repairs costly and timely.

Now that our IIoT project has verified the transmission of an MQTT data payload packet, this next article will explore…

Now that our IIoT project has verified the transmission of an MQTT data payload packet, this next article will explore the setup of an InfluxDB database to store the incoming sensor data.

When troubleshooting AC outputs driven by TRIACs, some confusing meter readings can result from the solid state…

When troubleshooting AC outputs driven by TRIACs, some confusing meter readings can result from the solid state properties of a series circuit. In this article, learn proper troubleshooting techniques.

Continuing the real-world IIoT project, learn how to begin integrating the Raspberry Pi with the Mosquitto Broker and…

Continuing the real-world IIoT project, learn how to begin integrating the Raspberry Pi with the Mosquitto Broker and understand Docker networks and port binding.

Current flow in wires is often modeled with a perfectly circular cross-section, with the size of the wire being…

Current flow in wires is often modeled with a perfectly circular cross-section, with the size of the wire being responsible for the maximum current. This is true, but there’s more to the story.

Learn to develop an actual IoT solution end to end. Create a Mosquitto MQTT broker for the Raspberry Pi client in order…

Learn to develop an actual IoT solution end to end. Create a Mosquitto MQTT broker for the Raspberry Pi client in order to connect and publish Sense HAT sensor data.

There are two types of winding designs inside three-phase industrial motors: Wye and Delta. Although the motors and…

There are two types of winding designs inside three-phase industrial motors: Wye and Delta. Although the motors and connections look similar on the outside, this article discusses the internal construction for Delta wound motors.

Learn to develop an actual IoT solution end to end. This second article explains configuration files, testing the edge…

Learn to develop an actual IoT solution end to end. This second article explains configuration files, testing the edge device publisher script, and viewing the payload using a sandbox subscriber script.

Every so often, a new data format comes along, and we first consider that it might simply be a mistake in typing. Pulse…

Every so often, a new data format comes along, and we first consider that it might simply be a mistake in typing. Pulse Frequency Modulation (PFM) is not brand new, but still unknown to many engineers.

Learn to develop an actual IoT solution end to end, from the initial data collection to web-based visualization and…

Learn to develop an actual IoT solution end to end, from the initial data collection to web-based visualization and analytics. This first article in the series will explore the setup of the edge device.

This article includes a list of some common definitions for industrial networking concepts, described in simplified terms…

This article includes a list of some common definitions for industrial networking concepts, described in simplified terms to provide a baseline understanding of the concepts.

Most engineers are familiar with the basic control system terms of sinking and sourcing, or the NPN and PNP terms from…

Most engineers are familiar with the basic control system terms of sinking and sourcing, or the NPN and PNP terms from which they are derived. But how exactly do those transistors play a role in inputs or outputs?

Many signal sources and process transmitters do not include isolation, which can cause problems when the instruments are…

Many signal sources and process transmitters do not include isolation, which can cause problems when the instruments are at different locations. A loop powered isolator is often the solution.