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…
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.
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.
Additional rules for the grounding and bonding of industrial control panels include the sizing of ground conductors and…
Additional rules for the grounding and bonding of industrial control panels include the sizing of ground conductors and the conditions that dictate when power supplies and transformers must be grounded.
Analog voltage and current are the dominating standards for industrial technology. Is one format better than the other?…
Analog voltage and current are the dominating standards for industrial technology. Is one format better than the other? And if so, why do both signal types still exist in modern systems?
Whether working with measurement tools or process controllers, it is important to recognize faulty display values and the…
Whether working with measurement tools or process controllers, it is important to recognize faulty display values and the best ways to fix them.
Ground wires reduce the risk of injury and damage from faulty equipment. Shops designing according to the UL 508A…
Ground wires reduce the risk of injury and damage from faulty equipment. Shops designing according to the UL 508A standard must understand how, when, and why to properly ground and bond circuits.
Direct current (DC) motors have existed since the late 19th century. What sets these motors apart from AC models, how do…
Direct current (DC) motors have existed since the late 19th century. What sets these motors apart from AC models, how do you control them, and how can you tell when it’s time to repair or replace them?
Selecting a suitable electrical connector is a process that is based on how you will terminate it to the system. This…
Selecting a suitable electrical connector is a process that is based on how you will terminate it to the system. This article provides advice on how to make the right contact selection for your industrial or robotic system.
Errors in communications often manifest as a result of electrical noise interrupting the data during the transmission…
Errors in communications often manifest as a result of electrical noise interrupting the data during the transmission process, leading to various methods for determining whether received data has been damaged.
Transformer types can vary from small instruments to large power distribution systems. 3-phase systems require…
Transformer types can vary from small instruments to large power distribution systems. 3-phase systems require transformers that employ the same wye and delta arrangements common to industrial motors.
The subject of grounding in electronics is broad and complex, spanning across a variety of functions and objectives. In…
The subject of grounding in electronics is broad and complex, spanning across a variety of functions and objectives. In this article, we will investigate the applications and regulation of grounding in control systems on a fundamental level.
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.
EMC-compliant panels are an excellent first step in reducing electromagnetic interference from industrial control…
EMC-compliant panels are an excellent first step in reducing electromagnetic interference from industrial control systems. Learn about some features of electromagnetic compatibility in panels.
We are taught that parallel circuits maintain equal voltage across all branch resistors, equally sharing the source…
We are taught that parallel circuits maintain equal voltage across all branch resistors, equally sharing the source voltage. But reality is often far from ideal, and individual devices certainly impact the rest of the circuit.
Coil, field winding, rotor, stator, eddy current… When it comes to motors, there are numerous terms that describe the…
Coil, field winding, rotor, stator, eddy current… When it comes to motors, there are numerous terms that describe the theory of operation, but what is inside a 3-phase motor? Take a look, and learn how they work.
Industrial analog sensor devices primarily use 0-10 volt or 4-20 milliamp. For those mA signals, learn the reasons for…
Industrial analog sensor devices primarily use 0-10 volt or 4-20 milliamp. For those mA signals, learn the reasons for why the lower and upper limit standards were determined as 4 mA and 20 mA.
The diverse power terms in electrical generation systems include active, reactive, and apparent power, all of which lead…
The diverse power terms in electrical generation systems include active, reactive, and apparent power, all of which lead to the introduction of ‘power factor’ effectiveness in an AC circuit.
Grounding transformer connections presents its own set of challenges. This article addresses these challenges and several…
Grounding transformer connections presents its own set of challenges. This article addresses these challenges and several common configurations for control transformer grounding.
Learn about power side and ground side switching and how designing these circuits to have predictable failures from the…
Learn about power side and ground side switching and how designing these circuits to have predictable failures from the beginning helps in system maintenance and troubleshooting.
DC voltage systems exist to provide controllers and field devices with stable power, but it is not always clear when…
DC voltage systems exist to provide controllers and field devices with stable power, but it is not always clear when these systems should be bonded with the earth ground of the AC line voltage supply.
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