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PLC Program Commands: Arrays Part 3, Searching and Sorting

Learn how to streamline your ladder logic by searching and sorting arrays with the FSC and SRT instructions in the Rockwell (Allen-Bradley) Studio 5000 programming software.

one day ago by Jon Peterson

Teardown: What’s Inside a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD)?

Variable frequency drive units can be found inside tons of control cabinets, but what happens if you disassemble one to see what’s inside and how it works? We did just that. The results might surprise you.

2 days ago by David Peterson

Introduction to Network Routers for Industrial Applications

Network routers are designed to route and pass information between a system of connected computers and devices. Learn about the role of routers in industrial applications and how to properly maintain them.

November 21, 2022 by Seth Price

What You Need to Know: Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)

With precise control abilities to manage speed, torque, and direction, variable frequency drives remain one of the most common methods of driving 3-phase industrial motors. Below, we introduce a few leading VFD manufacturers.

November 16, 2022 by David Peterson

PLC Program Commands: Performing Array Functions Part 1

Arrays can streamline data storage and math operations, but they can be difficult to understand for a beginning programmer. Learn the background of array instructions in the Rockwell Studio 5000 software.

November 15, 2022 by Jon Peterson

Introduction to Servers for Industrial Applications

Servers are vital to the flow of information in and around organizations, acting as a hub for information transfer and storage. Learn about the role of servers in industry and the potential challenges that come with maintaining them.

November 03, 2022 by Seth Price

Omron PLCs - A Hardware History

With the first fuzzy logic-based controllers on the market in 1983, learn how the Japanese-born automation company, Omron, adopted fuzzy logic as a basis for the design of its current PLCs.

November 02, 2022 by Antonio Armenta

Proportional Gain and Proportional Band Explained

Learn about proportional gain and proportional band, two key proportional control concepts, to better understand the most popular control system method in industrial automation.

November 01, 2022 by Antonio Armenta

Understanding the Differences Between Protection Relays vs Control Relays

Protection systems are critical in today’s fast-paced industrial revolution for the safety of people and processes. This article discusses electronic protective relay types and how they differ from standard relays.

October 31, 2022 by Muhammad Asim Niazi

Differences Between a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and a Remote Terminal Unit (RTU)

Despite the many overlaps, PLCs and RTUs are two different devices, each with specific suitable applications.

October 30, 2022 by Antonio Armenta

Understanding NPN vs PNP for Sensors and Devices

You are bound to encounter two terms associated with sensors and some loads: ‘NPN’ and ‘PNP’. You must understand the relationship between the field device and the control module in order to choose and install components properly when needed.

October 15, 2022 by David Peterson

Managing Multi-user PLC Programming: Git Version Control

PLC and other automation project software can be easier and more efficient to update and maintain thanks to the introduction of Git control, already a staple for typical programming of large-scale projects.

October 13, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich

8 Steps To Successful Predictive Maintenance Implementation (with examples)

We'll run through the eight basic steps for implementing a predictive maintenance strategy in your business to improve critical asset availability, reduced maintenance costs, and enhanced revenues over time.

October 10, 2022 by Bryan Christiansen, Limble CMMS

Info Byte: The Mystery of Ice Cube Relays–Coil Polarity

Relay and other coil devices pose a few confusing questions: How can the relay still work if you connect a DC supply in reverse? How can an alternating voltage attract and hold the load consistently?

October 04, 2022 by David Peterson

Historical Figures: Joseph von Fraunhofer and His Impact on Production Systems

In honor of October 3rd, National Techies Day, Control Automation is excited to celebrate the works of Joseph von Fraunhofer. Well-known for his contributions in optics, Fraunhofer also made lasting contributions in manufacturing and production systems.

October 03, 2022 by Seth Price

Why is 4-20 mA Current Used for Industrial Analog Sensors?

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.

September 29, 2022 by Anish Devasia

Industrial Control Panel Design Standards and Best Practices

Industrial control panels are at the heart of control systems. Learn about the standards and regulations that dictate industrial control panel design for safety and efficiency, including NFPA 70, UL 60947-4-1, and NFPA 79. 

September 27, 2022 by Antonio Armenta

Humidity Measurement Basics: Relative Humidity, Sensors, and Applications

Humidity control is vital in many industrial applications. We'll take a look at nine different humidity measurement technologies, how they are used, and discuss the difference between relative humidity and dew point.

September 22, 2022 by Harry Trietley

End of Arm Tooling: Power Sources and Sensors

An EOAT, located at the end of an industrial or collaborative robot arm, is entirely customizable with nearly unlimited possibilities. Learn about the five main methods of how EOATs are powered and the sensors that they use.

September 12, 2022 by Damond Goodwin

Programming B&R PLCs With Automation Studio

While B&R PLC controllers are quite different from typical PLCs, Automation Studio offers tools and features that make programming them less intensive. In this article, we’ll discuss how to program B&R PLCs with Automation Studio.

September 07, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich