Latest Building Technical Articles

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.

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.

Part 2 of a 2-part series. A practical look at how normally closed (NC) power contacts and feedback can drive loads…

Part 2 of a 2-part series. A practical look at how normally closed (NC) power contacts and feedback can drive loads toward a defined safe state under real‑world faults.

Part 1 of a 2-part series. A practical look at the failures that plague motor drive systems, even those that are rated to…

Part 1 of a 2-part series. A practical look at the failures that plague motor drive systems, even those that are rated to be fail-safe.

Although ‘HMI’ has become synonymous with a durable, rugged touchscreen measuring 7 to 21 inches and mounted in a…

Although ‘HMI’ has become synonymous with a durable, rugged touchscreen measuring 7 to 21 inches and mounted in a control cabinet door, the reality of the interface extends far beyond this device.

A practical look at how 2NO/2NC contactors and auxiliary contacts can clean up command, feedback, and fault logic in…

A practical look at how 2NO/2NC contactors and auxiliary contacts can clean up command, feedback, and fault logic in motor circuits.

This guide shows you how to set up RS-485 communication between the FX3U PLC and the FR-D700 inverter with the…

This guide shows you how to set up RS-485 communication between the FX3U PLC and the FR-D700 inverter with the FX3U-485-BD. You can control speed and monitor the system using ladder logic.

Control.com chats with Weidmüller to get some insights about data center automation, learning about security,…

Control.com chats with Weidmüller to get some insights about data center automation, learning about security, environmental impacts, regulations, and more.

Motor speed control can be a tricky process, due to the variety of options. In a VFD, speed can be controlled using fixed…

Motor speed control can be a tricky process, due to the variety of options. In a VFD, speed can be controlled using fixed values, digital or analog signals, or communication networks.

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.

Tackling some of the world's most hostile environments with real-time data. That’s the mission of Septilink, supported…

Tackling some of the world's most hostile environments with real-time data. That’s the mission of Septilink, supported by WAGO, in this prime example of predicting failures to avert disaster.

Synchronized motion has become an industry standard with robots, gantries, and pick and place automation. Follow along…

Synchronized motion has become an industry standard with robots, gantries, and pick and place automation. Follow along this three-part series as we discuss methods of synchronizing servo motors.