Latest Communication & Security Technical Articles

IO-Link devices can be inputs or outputs, and often a mix of both. In this article, learn how to interpret datasheets…

IO-Link devices can be inputs or outputs, and often a mix of both. In this article, learn how to interpret datasheets that list the indexes and purpose of the bytes to read and write process data.

It can be risky to adopt unknown technology; it poses serious security concerns if misused. The Control.com engineering…

It can be risky to adopt unknown technology; it poses serious security concerns if misused. The Control.com engineering team contacted our friends at OnLogic to gain some insight into VPN technology.

‘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.

Power and control interruptions are, at best, problematic. In some applications, it’s catastrophic. Learn about…

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.

Machine-to-machine (M2M) communication is a critical component of the modern connected facility. OPC UA stands out as an…

Machine-to-machine (M2M) communication is a critical component of the modern connected facility. OPC UA stands out as an open protocol for making the link between shop floor and cloud systems.

Truly understanding how to implement IIoT technology requires tangible examples of machines, platforms, and data insights…

Truly understanding how to implement IIoT technology requires tangible examples of machines, platforms, and data insights that give relevance to high-level concepts.

Learn about how one example platform, KEPServerEX by PTC, uses OPC UA to integrate machine centers with various…

Learn about how one example platform, KEPServerEX by PTC, uses OPC UA to integrate machine centers with various communication protocol differences, the ultimate goal of M2M integration.

Inputs and outputs play crucial roles in various automated processes. This article will explain the variances between…

Inputs and outputs play crucial roles in various automated processes. This article will explain the variances between digital and group I/O and offer guidance on setting up each type through Ethernet.

The OPC UA protocol is designed to solve two problems in automation: interoperability between device vendors and…

The OPC UA protocol is designed to solve two problems in automation: interoperability between device vendors and independence from incompatible transport layer differences.

Learn about the modules and systems that provide a network connection to the outside world, transforming traditional PLCs…

Learn about the modules and systems that provide a network connection to the outside world, transforming traditional PLCs into true, modern process automation controllers (PAC).

Embedded, modular, panel mount, distributed, machine mount, and remote, oh my! What does it all mean, and how are you…

Embedded, modular, panel mount, distributed, machine mount, and remote, oh my! What does it all mean, and how are you supposed to know which one to choose for your application?

Join Control Automation for a visit to Beckhoff USA in Minneapolis, MN, as we learn about cabinet-free controls,…

Join Control Automation for a visit to Beckhoff USA in Minneapolis, MN, as we learn about cabinet-free controls, high-speed motion, and magnetic conveyance working to drive the future of the industry.

One of the smallest PLCs on the market, the Millenium Slim by Crouzet, can handle advanced functions with a wireless…

One of the smallest PLCs on the market, the Millenium Slim by Crouzet, can handle advanced functions with a wireless interface and function block (FBD) style IEC 61131 programming.

Ladder logic is an industrial control systems legend stemming from electrical line diagrams before the days of PLCs.…

Ladder logic is an industrial control systems legend stemming from electrical line diagrams before the days of PLCs. Although logical, they are difficult to interpret.

In any process industry, transducers are the basic instrumentation unit for continuous monitoring of system variables…

In any process industry, transducers are the basic instrumentation unit for continuous monitoring of system variables that provide inputs for control system algorithms and outputs.

Ladder logic is an industrial control systems legend stemming from electrical line diagrams before the days of PLCs.…

Ladder logic is an industrial control systems legend stemming from electrical line diagrams before the days of PLCs. Although logical, they are difficult to interpret.

Learn all about the central processing unit (CPU): the built-in module inside the PLC responsible for executing the…

Learn all about the central processing unit (CPU): the built-in module inside the PLC responsible for executing the program and communicating with external devices.

With a C++ extension, monitoring of status and warning messages can easily be displayed with OpenPLC. Arduino PLC…

With a C++ extension, monitoring of status and warning messages can easily be displayed with OpenPLC. Arduino PLC variables can then be observed using a serial terminal or monitor.

We’ll start exploring loops with the ‘while’ loop in this tutorial. Loops are critical in all programming…

We’ll start exploring loops with the ‘while’ loop in this tutorial. Loops are critical in all programming languages, especially in the control world, where loops form the basis of PLC functionality.