Latest Data Analytics & Simulation Technical Articles

Categories

Examples of IIoT Applications

Examples of IIoT Applications

By shaping new concepts and business models, the IIoT is bringing more efficiency and capacity to automated systems. Take a look at some of the ways the IIoT is revolutionizing the manufacturing and automation sectors. 


An Overview of Sequential Function Chart (SFC) PLC Programming

An Overview of Sequential Function Chart (SFC) PLC Programming

Sequential Function Chart (SFC) is a graphical programming language among the languages identified by IEC 61131-3 programming languages and standard for PLC programming using ladder logic.


 PLC Program Commands: Arrays and Pointers

PLC Program Commands: Arrays and Pointers

The ability to utilize an array effectively is a fundamental skill in becoming a PLC programmer, but it can also be very complex and difficult to master. Let’s do a run-down of arrays and some of their complexities!


PLC Ladder Logic on an Arduino: Introduction to OpenPLC

PLC Ladder Logic on an Arduino: Introduction to OpenPLC

Build a low-cost PLC using the Arduino Uno and the open-source industrial controls software, OpenPLC, to learn how to program with ladder logic, beginning with your first OpenPLC project: Hello World.


Challenges and Best Practices Implementing Industrial IoT Solutions

Challenges and Best Practices Implementing Industrial IoT Solutions

As the IIoT continues to grow in the industrial sector, businesses face a number of obstacles to integrating its solutions. Learn about these challenges as well as some potential solutions.


Solving the Biggest Challenge of IoT Devices: Power

Solving the Biggest Challenge of IoT Devices: Power

Remote locations are notoriously difficult to supply power, yet they are the exact locations where many data points must be collected. How can IoT devices be designed to conserve power to last for months or even years?


Components of the Industrial Internet of Things

Components of the Industrial Internet of Things

Learn about the four IIoT architecture layers: perception, network, processing, and application, and how  these layers are necessary to implement IIoT in an industrial setting to benefit varying processes.


Introduction to Add-on Instructions for PLC Ladder Logic Programming

Introduction to Add-on Instructions for PLC Ladder Logic Programming

Learn how to take advantage of the powerful AOI feature that comes standard in Allen-Bradley / Rockwell PLCs using RSLogix 5000 and Studio 5000 Software.


IoT Software Distribution Models: Cloud Based and On Premises

IoT Software Distribution Models: Cloud Based and On Premises

Software distribution models have historically been on premises, however, as industry has become more digital, cloud-based solutions have become increasingly popular, including SaaS and its variants, IaaS and PaaS.  


Preventing Failures in High-Temperature Manufacturing Processes

Preventing Failures in High-Temperature Manufacturing Processes

Any machine can become a source of elevated temperature, even under regular operation. We cannot assume that temperature problems occur only based on climate conditions, and mitigation steps must be employed.


Cloud Computing and the Industrial Internet of Things

Cloud Computing and the Industrial Internet of Things

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. 


Recreating PLC Ladder Logic in an Arduino C/C++ IDE

Recreating PLC Ladder Logic in an Arduino C/C++ IDE

​​​​​​​Arduinos have been a staple in the community of makers, students, and project innovators for many years. For many using Arduino’s IDE, there can be difficulties in translating between PLC ladder rungs and text programming.


PLC Program Commands: Move and Copy Instructions

PLC Program Commands: Move and Copy Instructions

Moving data is a critical function of PLCs. In this article, we’ll talk about Move, Masked Move, Copy File, and Synchronous Copy File and show how they can be used to move individual pieces of data and entire arrays. 


Collaborative Robot Cells: Simple and User-friendly Design Priorities

Collaborative Robot Cells: Simple and User-friendly Design Priorities

Learn about the common applications, programming procedures, and safety protocols of collaborative robot work cells, which are often simpler and less expensive than industrial robot work cells.  


Understanding Differences Between Power and Ground Side Switching

Understanding Differences Between Power and Ground Side Switching

Learn about power side and ground side switching and how designing these circuits to have predictable failures from the beginning helps in system maintenance and troubleshooting.


What is Firmware, and Why is PLC Firmware Important?

What is Firmware, and Why is PLC Firmware Important?

Inside a controller, code is interpreted into the binary signals that influence input and output signals, flags and registers, and even the communication of network signals. This is the job of firmware.


How to Program a Robot: Industrial Robotic Arm Coding Basics

How to Program a Robot: Industrial Robotic Arm Coding Basics

The world of manufacturing is filled with robots, but beginners are still always faced with key questions, starting with perhaps the most basic: how do you program industrial robots?


Understanding PLC Program Commands: Comparison Instructions

Understanding PLC Program Commands: Comparison Instructions

​​​​​​​We will show you how to recognize, utilize, and efficiently operate your comparison instructions in Rockwell Automation’s Studio 5000 and Automation Direct’s Productivity Suite to make your program flow smoothly.


Configuring a Network With Pneumatic Valve Manifolds

Configuring a Network With Pneumatic Valve Manifolds

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.


Understanding PLC Program Commands: Trigonometry Instructions

Understanding PLC Program Commands: Trigonometry Instructions

We will show you how to use the basic trigonometry functions to build ladder logic in a PLC, allowing for a clean, well-organized, and easy-to-use code that allows you and other users to troubleshoot your programs.