Latest Control Systems & HMIs Technical Articles

Sensor Installation for Control and Automation Systems

Whether it’s a critical machine repair or the installation of a brand new piece of equipment, it’s important to have the knowledge and skill to properly connect sensors to a control system.

March 19, 2020 by David Peterson

Introduction and Common Uses for Distance and Proximity Sensors

This article provides an introduction to proximity and distance sensors and common uses for them.

March 16, 2020 by Damond Goodwin

Using the Allen-Bradley Ramp/Soak Controller With a PID

This article will focus on using an Allen-Bradley ramp/soak controller with a PID.

March 13, 2020 by Dennis Lynch

Introduction to the Allen Bradley Ramp/Soak Controller

The ramp/soak controller has long been associated with temperature control loops and is included standard in some, and as an option on other stand-alone electronic temperature controllers.

March 12, 2020 by Dennis Lynch

Tips to Consider for Sensor Selection

The wide variety of sensors available for control systems leads to the daunting task of selecting the proper device.

March 11, 2020 by David Peterson

Making Sense of Serial Communication Methods

This article provides an introduction to several serial communication methods and how to understand and apply them.

February 22, 2020 by David Peterson

Using PID and Feedback Loops for Precise Motion Systems

PID controllers are an excellent method of using feedback to turn an otherwise open-loop system into one which can follow a carefully prescribed profile, correcting for inconsistencies caused by the equipment, the environment, and even the products in the manufacturing process.

February 15, 2020 by David Peterson

Connecting Remote Input and Output Devices Using Computer Networking Technologies

Networked remote I/O allows us to work with a machine center separately from the rest of the system, and drop the solution right in place.

February 11, 2020 by David Peterson

Using a Human-Machine Interface to Streamline Operations

A human-machine interface is a valuable tool used to display key information and control your automated system with a panel that can be designed and programmed with flexibility.

February 07, 2020 by David Peterson

Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) In Motor Control

Introduction to variable frequency drives (VFDs) in motor control for medium to large-size industrial applications.

February 05, 2020 by David Peterson

Parametric Modeling in CATIA CAD Software for Process Optimization

Learn about CATIA, a CAD software program used for parametric modeling, and how it can improve automated processes.

February 02, 2020 by Maher Elkhaldi

Vibration Monitoring in Predictive Maintenance (PdM)

Advanced automation and IoT devices can detect vibration, but even complex systems can miss a variable and cause chaos.

January 25, 2020 by Jeff Kerns

Cyber Resilience in Industrial Control Systems

Take a look at the concept of cyber resilience in control systems and how it relates to cybersecurity for critical infrastructure in the age of security vulnerabilities

January 10, 2020 by Weston Floyd

Applications and Limitations of Genetic Programming

Learn about the applications and future directions of genetic programming.

December 27, 2019 by Greg Schmidt

Evolving a Sorting Program and Symbolic Regression

Learn about symbolic regression in genetic programming, one of the breaking fields of research for algorithm development that can be used in the control systems of tomorrow.

December 24, 2019 by Greg Schmidt

An Introduction to Genetic Programming: The “Holy Grail” of Systems that Can Author Themselves

Can a system author itself? Genetic programming may represent the next revolution for control systems, robot navigation, pattern recognition, and more.

December 19, 2019 by Greg Schmidt