Latest Protocols Technical Articles

Some new factories are networked from stem to stern, ready to roll. But sometimes, it’s just you and a new PLC, so it…

Some new factories are networked from stem to stern, ready to roll. But sometimes, it’s just you and a new PLC, so it won’t really matter how you set things up, it’ll probably work just fine, right?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Logic is critical for industrial control, and it usually looks like ladders, function blocks, or structured text. I/O…

Logic is critical for industrial control, and it usually looks like ladders, function blocks, or structured text. I/O controllers are designed to automate simple logic tasks and data functions.

Nidec’s Control Techniques has launched the SI-BACnet IP add-on module for new and existing HVAC drives to help…

Nidec’s Control Techniques has launched the SI-BACnet IP add-on module for new and existing HVAC drives to help communicate between devices and create a connected automated building.

Every method of connecting to an industrial device—USB, serial, or Ethernet—poses challenges. For Ethernet, we often…

Every method of connecting to an industrial device—USB, serial, or Ethernet—poses challenges. For Ethernet, we often must adjust the IP address of our PC, not only the device itself.

As we approach the conclusion of Python data structures, we’ll examine the tuple. Used less frequently than lists and…

As we approach the conclusion of Python data structures, we’ll examine the tuple. Used less frequently than lists and dictionaries, tuples do serve some handy use cases where immutability is a critical requirement.

Sensor networks with built-in logic functions can save cost and program execution speed, but what are those various logic…

Sensor networks with built-in logic functions can save cost and program execution speed, but what are those various logic functions, and when might they be preferred over normal PLC ladder logic?

Learn how to set up Ethernet/IP communications, including steps for both the FANUC controller and the Studio 5000…

Learn how to set up Ethernet/IP communications, including steps for both the FANUC controller and the Studio 5000 environment for a Rockwell PLC.

Innovative pulp and paper operators are turning advanced process control, automated testing, and quality control system…

Innovative pulp and paper operators are turning advanced process control, automated testing, and quality control system data into actionable business insights that improve operational efficiency all along the value chain.

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 use analog I/O devices with AutomationDirect’s Productivity series of PLCs and Productivity Suite…

Learn how to use analog I/O devices with AutomationDirect’s Productivity series of PLCs and Productivity Suite software. Wiring, configuring I/O, and programming will be a part of this tutorial.