Latest Technical Articles

This article discusses the somewhat outdated yet occasionally encountered binary-coded decimal (BCD) number system and…

This article discusses the somewhat outdated yet occasionally encountered binary-coded decimal (BCD) number system and its use in instrumentation and control system displays.

Safety is a concern in any system containing potential energy, whether electrical, chemical, or fluid. Each has methods…

Safety is a concern in any system containing potential energy, whether electrical, chemical, or fluid. Each has methods of protection, and for fluid systems, certain shutoff valves are used in situations when excess pressure can be a problem.

Field-oriented control (FOC), also called vector control, can control 3-phase alternating current motors and brushless DC…

Field-oriented control (FOC), also called vector control, can control 3-phase alternating current motors and brushless DC motors. Read more to learn its advantages, how it works, and its best applications.

Industrial sensors can be found in nearly every modern industrial process, regardless of complexity. Learn the history,…

Industrial sensors can be found in nearly every modern industrial process, regardless of complexity. Learn the history, evolution, and variety of sensors that make manufacturing the modern marvel we see today.

Motors consume the highest current during startup—this is a well-known fact. But logically, the slowest speed should…

Motors consume the highest current during startup—this is a well-known fact. But logically, the slowest speed should relate to the lowest power consumption. Why, then, is inrush current so high for motors?

Smart manufacturing manifests as a knowledge-based enterprise, in which devices and processes are optimized to enhance…

Smart manufacturing manifests as a knowledge-based enterprise, in which devices and processes are optimized to enhance productivity, safety, security, sustainability, and performance. Read this article to learn about the three key productivity factors for the industry.

Moving toward Industry 4.0 is about implementing highly automated and interconnected factories and infrastructure. Learn…

Moving toward Industry 4.0 is about implementing highly automated and interconnected factories and infrastructure. Learn how time-sensitive networking (TSN) technologies can make this a reality.

Adopting digital technology to transform products, services and businesses involves gaining greater insight and control…

Adopting digital technology to transform products, services and businesses involves gaining greater insight and control for improved efficiency, typically by leveraging new data streams. These efforts often redefine experiences, such as customer experience, and can include changes in operating models that affect the security of digital assets. Read on to learn more.

To meet dynamic production demands, industry leaders have embraced digital transformation – and are building…

To meet dynamic production demands, industry leaders have embraced digital transformation – and are building data-centric, insight-driven organizations. The next hurdle? Digital technology must evolve to enable functionally complex automation systems that are not only smarter, but easier to design, operate and maintain.

Smart systems deliver better business outcomes – like increased efficiency, higher throughputs, faster startups and…

Smart systems deliver better business outcomes – like increased efficiency, higher throughputs, faster startups and greater product customization. And when these machines use industrial control systems that are designed for simplicity and scalability, they can help you achieve the outcomes you want in a cost-effective, sustainable way.

Addressing cybersecurity threats introduced by IIoT technology and devices can quickly seem overwhelming. However, an…

Addressing cybersecurity threats introduced by IIoT technology and devices can quickly seem overwhelming. However, an understanding of the risks can lead to some straightforward countermeasures.

EtherCAT is an often preferred competitor in the arena of industrial networking protocols. Learn the reason why many…

EtherCAT is an often preferred competitor in the arena of industrial networking protocols. Learn the reason why many technologies embrace this protocol and what sets it apart from other fieldbus varieties.

Programming simple coil and contact commands is an easy matter in most PLC IDEs. Connecting and configuring analog inputs…

Programming simple coil and contact commands is an easy matter in most PLC IDEs. Connecting and configuring analog inputs can be more challenging with various bit resolutions and conversion commands.

Insufficient controller memory can result in reduced HMI and SCADA response speed and longer scan times. Know the…

Insufficient controller memory can result in reduced HMI and SCADA response speed and longer scan times. Know the differences between RAM, ROM, and removable memory, and how to keep program sizes in check.

Analog outputs are a special signal with a wider current or voltage range, in contrast with a limited discrete on/off…

Analog outputs are a special signal with a wider current or voltage range, in contrast with a limited discrete on/off output. These signals are used to control or set parameters for other automation systems.

Computers understand values as long strings of binary bits, but we humans convert them to other systems for convenience.…

Computers understand values as long strings of binary bits, but we humans convert them to other systems for convenience. Decimal makes sense, but what about hexadecimal and the lesser-known octal systems?

Analog inputs are used to measure changes in process through sensors, subsequently converting that signal to voltage or…

Analog inputs are used to measure changes in process through sensors, subsequently converting that signal to voltage or current and sending it to modules that measure this change to determine new setpoints.

Operating voltage, linearity, dimensions, polarity protection, range… When it comes to sensors, every situation calls…

Operating voltage, linearity, dimensions, polarity protection, range… When it comes to sensors, every situation calls for understanding these specs in detail during design, purchasing, and installation.

Large motors require a circuit to turn on and off. This may be as simple as a single on/off drum-type switch or as…

Large motors require a circuit to turn on and off. This may be as simple as a single on/off drum-type switch or as elaborate as a VFD unit. Learn about some common control circuit designs for typical three-phase motor requirements.