Networked remote I/O allows machine centers to operate while physically separated from the rest of the system, and often, the solution can drop right into place.
Networked remote I/O allows machine centers to operate while physically separated from the rest of the system, and often, the solution can drop right into place.
Learn how electric actuators can replace fluid systems with SMC’s e-Actuator series, offering simple setup, clean…
Learn how electric actuators can replace fluid systems with SMC’s e-Actuator series, offering simple setup, clean operation, and accurate motion contro
Learn about more advanced Boolean logic functions, including truth tables, Schmitt triggers, and multiplexers that can be…
Learn about more advanced Boolean logic functions, including truth tables, Schmitt triggers, and multiplexers that can be implemented in a PLC function block programming environment.
Finding a good PLC simulator can be challenging. Read an assessment of Factory I/O and learn how it works, how to get…
Finding a good PLC simulator can be challenging. Read an assessment of Factory I/O and learn how it works, how to get started, and how to use it in your automation learning journey.
H-bridge circuits are commonly used to provide current switching capabilities to different electrical components in…
H-bridge circuits are commonly used to provide current switching capabilities to different electrical components in automated systems like motor control circuits, VFDs, and DC/AC current conversions.
The term "piezo" refers to a relationship between mechanical deformation and voltage–useful for some sensor processes.…
The term "piezo" refers to a relationship between mechanical deformation and voltage–useful for some sensor processes. Recently, the concept has been employed to upgrade pneumatic valves.
We know that PID stands for proportional, integral, and derivative, but have you ever seen exactly how the derivative…
We know that PID stands for proportional, integral, and derivative, but have you ever seen exactly how the derivative term affects the final output signal in a motion control system?
A well-designed SCADA system can reduce costs, increase throughput, and improve usability. Successful implementation…
A well-designed SCADA system can reduce costs, increase throughput, and improve usability. Successful implementation requires consideration from both an operational and a business perspective.
Unexpected, false, and fluctuating PLC input signals can cost many hours of debugging, but luckily, there are some quick,…
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.
Watch how each of the P and I terms influence the output of a motion control system. How do we explain and prevent terms…
Watch how each of the P and I terms influence the output of a motion control system. How do we explain and prevent terms like overshoot, error, and long settling time?
When the blinking lights on automation devices stop blinking, the control cabinet is often the go-to troubleshooting…
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?
A common field-level protocol for automation is ASi or AS-interface–a method used to convey actuator and sensor data…
A common field-level protocol for automation is ASi or AS-interface–a method used to convey actuator and sensor data and commands between I/O devices and the PLC control system level.
Using an Arduino Opta PLC, a few off-the-shelf electrical components, and the popular OpenPLC software environment,…
Using an Arduino Opta PLC, a few off-the-shelf electrical components, and the popular OpenPLC software environment, automation control concepts can be built on your own test bench.
Learn about produced and consumed tags in PLCs, their functions, setup, and important considerations for effective data…
Learn about produced and consumed tags in PLCs, their functions, setup, and important considerations for effective data sharing between controllers in a control system.
A shunt resistor connects in series with a load to measure the high current in the DC circuit. Using Ohm's law, the…
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.
CODESYS is an automation software that is independent from any one vendor, capable of many PLC, I/O, and motion…
CODESYS is an automation software that is independent from any one vendor, capable of many PLC, I/O, and motion operations. However, being vendor-agnostic can present challenges. Learn how to get started.
The purpose of LOTO is to create a method of reducing the chance that a worker will be exposed to hazardous energy.…
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.
Air motors are common in process industries, mainly used in hazardous areas. This article introduces the features and…
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.
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas: like you’ve (probably) never heard it before.
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas: like you’ve (probably) never heard it before.
As an engineer, why would you settle for simply plugging and unplugging your Christmas lights when you could, instead,…
As an engineer, why would you settle for simply plugging and unplugging your Christmas lights when you could, instead, spend many hours automating this very important December job? Let me show you.
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