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Should I Connect the Commons or Not? Power Supplies Across Systems

Should I Connect the Commons or Not? Power Supplies Across Systems

When dealing with two or more I/O systems, the subject of power supply commons will arise. Sometimes the solution is simple, but it can require creativity to find the best (and safest) solution.


Force Control | An Adaptive Method of Robotic Navigation

Force Control | An Adaptive Method of Robotic Navigation

Learn about force control in robots and what sets it apart from typical point-to-point programming. This feedback method can overcome many small irregularities in manufacturing processes.


Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) In Motor Control

Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) In Motor Control

What is the purpose of a variable frequency drive? How do they work? And why would we prefer using VFDs over basic motor starters for heavy loads?


Can Control Panels Self-Heal? A Look at Smart Fault Design

Can Control Panels Self-Heal? A Look at Smart Fault Design

Explore how modular hardware, predictive diagnostics, and fault-isolating technologies are transforming control panels into resilient, self-healing systems.


Practical Comparison: Microcontroller vs. PLC for Arc Welding Control

Practical Comparison: Microcontroller vs. PLC for Arc Welding Control

Learn in this detailed analysis about the performance of industrial PLC and a prototyping microcontroller to perform stepper motor motion control for an arc welding automation project.


What are Interposing Relays in Control Circuits?

What are Interposing Relays in Control Circuits?

An interposing relay is an interface between a control system and a higher power circuit to provide isolation or amplification of mismatched voltage and current from a control to a load circuit.


Analog and Digital Signal Filtering in PLC Systems

Analog and Digital Signal Filtering in PLC Systems

Unexpected, false, and fluctuating PLC input signals can cost many hours of debugging, but luckily, there are some quick, simple tricks to try before downtime is wasted.


Add a Dynamic Braking Resistor to a PowerFlex VFD

Add a Dynamic Braking Resistor to a PowerFlex VFD

Dynamic braking resistors stop motors more quickly by converting the rotational energy, but how do we select the correct one and configure a PowerFlex drive to utilize the resistor effectively?


Tricks of the Trade: Troubleshooting Industrial Control Cabinets

Tricks of the Trade: Troubleshooting Industrial Control Cabinets

When the blinking lights on automation devices stop blinking, the control cabinet is often the go-to troubleshooting culprit, but how do you make the best judgments for quickly locating the problem?


The Dirty Details of Electrical Power: Line/Load Reactors and Filters

The Dirty Details of Electrical Power: Line/Load Reactors and Filters

Filters and reactors can protect your electrical devices, but what is the difference between these two kinds of devices, and are they supposed to be installed before or after a VFD?


Shunt Resistors and Applications in the Field of Instrumentation

Shunt Resistors and Applications in the Field of Instrumentation

A shunt resistor connects in series with a load to measure the high current in the DC circuit. Using Ohm's law, the current value can be calculated by measuring the voltage across the shunt.


Lock Out/Tag Out: The Law, The Purpose, and The Details

Lock Out/Tag Out: The Law, The Purpose, and The Details

The purpose of LOTO is to create a method of reducing the chance that a worker will be exposed to hazardous energy. It’s important for companies to establish an SOP for standardized LOTO practice.


The Science Behind Electromagnets: Induction and Coils

The Science Behind Electromagnets: Induction and Coils

Have you ever disassembled a motor and wondered how it rotates? Throughout this article, we’ll discuss electromagnetic induction and how magnetic fields can be utilized to generate motion.


Basics of Air Motors: Pneumatically Controlled Rotation

Basics of Air Motors: Pneumatically Controlled Rotation

Air motors are common in process industries, mainly used in hazardous areas. This article introduces the features and working principles of air motors and the differences between air and electrical motors.


Comparing Voltage: When to Ground a Floating Power Supply

Comparing Voltage: When to Ground a Floating Power Supply

The choice to ground or float a power supply is not always clear in the NEC. This article explains floating or fixing a DC supply with respect to ground and how circuits can be functionally constructed both ways.


A Visit From Safety Nick

A Visit From Safety Nick

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas: like you’ve (probably) never heard it before.


Marvel Over DC Voltage: Permanent Magnet vs. Field Wound Motors

Marvel Over DC Voltage: Permanent Magnet vs. Field Wound Motors

Since their creation, DC motors have become a part of our everyday lives. In this article, we’ll examine the differences between various types of field-wound and permanent magnet DC motors.


What are ‘Eddy Currents’ and Why Do They Matter to Motors?

What are ‘Eddy Currents’ and Why Do They Matter to Motors?

Electromagnetic devices like motors and transformers rely on electric currents that drive magnetic fields which, in turn, can drive current on their own. That’s not always a good thing.


Communication and Power Redundancy for Control Devices

Communication and Power Redundancy for Control Devices

Power and control interruptions are, at best, problematic. In some applications, it’s catastrophic. Learn about redundancy for the system, power supplies, control devices, and network topologies.


Facts Behind the Shock! Investigating the Dangers of Arc Flash

Facts Behind the Shock! Investigating the Dangers of Arc Flash

Even though electrical safety practices have existed for over a century, arc flash safety has only gained traction in recent decades. This article discusses the danger and prevention of arc flash injury.