Latest Industrial Protocols Technical Articles

Modbus is one of the oldest industrial communication protocols still in use today. Continue reading to find out how the…

Modbus is one of the oldest industrial communication protocols still in use today. Continue reading to find out how the protocol works and how to use it for monitoring and control.

There are many settings and configurations to consider when using RS232 devices. This article breaks down this…

There are many settings and configurations to consider when using RS232 devices. This article breaks down this communication standard and explains how to send messages from one device to another.

IIoT is a daunting topic due to ambiguous interactions of hardware and software. This article outlines the basic steps to…

IIoT is a daunting topic due to ambiguous interactions of hardware and software. This article outlines the basic steps to use an MQTT broker to collect the number of cycles from a pneumatic cylinder for PM software.

Many control product manufacturers offer these downloadable ‘EDS files’ for peripheral equipment, but what exactly is…

Many control product manufacturers offer these downloadable ‘EDS files’ for peripheral equipment, but what exactly is an EDS, and how can they aid in the development of a project?

Industrial communication channels often contain terms such as ‘Modbus over RS485’ or ‘CIP Safety over Ethernet’.…

Industrial communication channels often contain terms such as ‘Modbus over RS485’ or ‘CIP Safety over Ethernet’. What does it mean to send one network over another, and how does it work to your advantage?

Network routers are designed to route and pass information between a system of connected computers and devices. Learn…

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.

Safety is one of the most critical aspects of machine design. Today, with network connections between different machines…

Safety is one of the most critical aspects of machine design. Today, with network connections between different machines and control centers, safety signals must be shared logically and reliably across networks.

Network switches allow the interconnection of devices and controllers across a facility, with particular features that…

Network switches allow the interconnection of devices and controllers across a facility, with particular features that make them a good fit for industrial applications. We introduce a few of the leading manufacturers of these products.

The PCU400 can handle all known industrial protocols and forward them to the master station to get an effective…

The PCU400 can handle all known industrial protocols and forward them to the master station to get an effective connection between the SCADA system and the data from the manufacturing or system process.

Explore the design of a servo pick and place sample case using B&R Automation Studio, from the project creation to the…

Explore the design of a servo pick and place sample case using B&R Automation Studio, from the project creation to the configuration of the controller, drives, and motion axes. 

Over the last decade, cloud service providers have improved technology, particularly data security and integrity. These…

Over the last decade, cloud service providers have improved technology, particularly data security and integrity. These remain the top concern of many manufacturing businesses, but as improvements are rolled out, more and more companies are adopting cloud solutions. 

One common challenge when working with legacy control systems is establishing communication with old devices that use old…

One common challenge when working with legacy control systems is establishing communication with old devices that use old protocols like RS232 and RS485. Learn about the importance of converting from serial to Ethernet.

There are many distributed fieldbus capabilities for valve manifolds that can save on network overhead and wiring. In…

There are many distributed fieldbus capabilities for valve manifolds that can save on network overhead and wiring. In this article, we will look at PLC programming of fieldbus manifolds highlighting Festo's CPX layout.

What if you could control the end position and the speed of a hydraulic actuator accurately with just a simple signal?…

What if you could control the end position and the speed of a hydraulic actuator accurately with just a simple signal? Some systems use simple open/close valves, but others require far more precision.

Modbus is a communication protocol stemming from the early days of Modicon PLCs, but is still common today. These two…

Modbus is a communication protocol stemming from the early days of Modicon PLCs, but is still common today. These two example implementations of Modbus transactions will get you started.

Industrial automation is only possible when the various system components can communicate with each other using physical…

Industrial automation is only possible when the various system components can communicate with each other using physical cable connections. In this article, learn about some of the most popular communication cables and connectors used in the industry.

This article reviews and compares some of the most prominent industrial Ethernet protocols.

This article reviews and compares some of the most prominent industrial Ethernet protocols.

In this article, learn the basics of Allen-Bradley Data Highway, the various network structures, and the relationship…

In this article, learn the basics of Allen-Bradley Data Highway, the various network structures, and the relationship between DH and Ethernet networks.

This article teaches the basics of gateways in industrial networks and PLC-to-PLC communication.

This article teaches the basics of gateways in industrial networks and PLC-to-PLC communication.