Use the analog capabilities of a TRi PLC to read a distance sensor and create a custom function that triggers events using integer data types.
Use the analog capabilities of a TRi PLC to read a distance sensor and create a custom function that triggers events using integer data types.
Stacking items on a pallet seems a minor part of the manufacturing process, but it actually requires speed, precision,…
Stacking items on a pallet seems a minor part of the manufacturing process, but it actually requires speed, precision, and flexibility to relieve a heavy burden placed on employees.
Networked remote I/O allows machine centers to operate while physically separated from the rest of the system, and often,…
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.
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.
The SLC 500 PLC family dominated automation control for well over thirty years and now, with the recent discontinuation…
The SLC 500 PLC family dominated automation control for well over thirty years and now, with the recent discontinuation of most of the series, we look at the differences between SLC and modern Logix PLCs.
This article takes an in-depth look at how magmeters work, the different types of magmeters, and useful equations for…
This article takes an in-depth look at how magmeters work, the different types of magmeters, and useful equations for calculating flow rates using a magmeter.
Some terminology, like 'normally open' and 'normally closed' switch contacts, is common throughout industry but can still…
Some terminology, like 'normally open' and 'normally closed' switch contacts, is common throughout industry but can still be confusing, misleading, or even hazardous if not properly understood.
Electrical grounding is used to accomplish several different tasks, but none more important than for the safety of users…
Electrical grounding is used to accomplish several different tasks, but none more important than for the safety of users and equipment while maintaining strict adherence to regulations.
Learn all about the power supply: modular and built-in devices that deliver electricity to the PLC backplane and modules,…
Learn all about the power supply: modular and built-in devices that deliver electricity to the PLC backplane and modules, and learn the difference between control and field device power delivery.
An age-old debate in PLC programming: investigating the uses and caveats of latching software commands versus seal-in…
An age-old debate in PLC programming: investigating the uses and caveats of latching software commands versus seal-in ladder logic for industrial control applications.
Controlling and optimizing plant processes is the goal of most control systems. It can be a challenge to distinguish…
Controlling and optimizing plant processes is the goal of most control systems. It can be a challenge to distinguish between different types of control: a DCS or a high-level SCADA system?
Learn how to measure temperature using an RTD and a temperature transmitter to convert resistance into common analog…
Learn how to measure temperature using an RTD and a temperature transmitter to convert resistance into common analog voltage or current values for process control.
Installing sensors into a manufacturing process is intended to collect data, useful in making logical true/false…
Installing sensors into a manufacturing process is intended to collect data, useful in making logical true/false decisions. But what settings must be adjusted when you install these sensors?
Have you ever heard of a relay? Of course you have. There are many different kinds, plus hundreds of different trade…
Have you ever heard of a relay? Of course you have. There are many different kinds, plus hundreds of different trade lingo names. What are some of the most common, and how do we use them?
Knowing what kind of control system to use: that’s a question that must be answered before setting up the factory…
Knowing what kind of control system to use: that’s a question that must be answered before setting up the factory floor. Why would someone choose pneumatic over electrical controls?
Within motors, two very different types of resistance are evident. The resistance of the windings is measured with a…
Within motors, two very different types of resistance are evident. The resistance of the windings is measured with a normal multimeter. But what is insulation resistance, and how is it measured?
It’s important to consider your PLC tag naming convention when using different styles. Learn when and why you might…
It’s important to consider your PLC tag naming convention when using different styles. Learn when and why you might even use more than one, depending on the circumstances and scope of your project.
For large process systems, learn how the location of data indication and flag processing can increase or decrease the…
For large process systems, learn how the location of data indication and flag processing can increase or decrease the burden on computers at the device, RTU, or main computer level.
Rockwell Automation’s Allen-Bradley control hardware catalog has long included many series that start with 17xx, but…
Rockwell Automation’s Allen-Bradley control hardware catalog has long included many series that start with 17xx, but what are these lineups, and what function do they serve?
In this article, we will explore real-world considerations for strain gauge performance and typical applications. We’ll…
In this article, we will explore real-world considerations for strain gauge performance and typical applications. We’ll be talking about foil and wire strain gauges, but ignoring semiconductors.