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Understanding Computerized Maintenance Management Systems

A computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) is a software system that manages an entire company’s maintenance activities. It supports the maintenance personnel by helping to develop a database relevant to maintenance activities.

4 days ago by Muhammad Asim Niazi

A Comparison of Mechanical Power Transmission Methods

In nearly every machine with motion, a selection of gears, belts, and chains sends power to the final mechanisms and power must be transmitted from the motor to the final load(s) device. Choosing between transmission methods isn’t always simple, but a few key properties can help to make the choices easier.

September 23, 2020 by David Peterson

The Purpose of NPN Sensors in Control Systems

A typical control system uses PNP sensors and tends to be easier to visualize. For opposite polarity systems, the NPN sensor is the only compatible sensor type. Learn more about NPN sensors, including characteristics and uses.

September 19, 2020 by David Peterson

How to Perform a Site Acceptance Test

Learn about site acceptance tests (SATs), how they differ from and complement factory acceptance tests, and what the necessary steps entail.

September 17, 2020 by Muhammad Asim Niazi

Methods for Power Supply Troubleshooting

Whether using an industrial DIN-rail power supply or a linear supply for an audio application, these devices have the potential to fail. Although there can be several reasons, there are a few simple (and some not-so-simple) methods of testing a power supply for proper functionality.

September 14, 2020 by David Peterson

An Overview of Pilot Valves

What are pilot valves and how do they work? This article dives into some of the different types and uses for these components.

September 07, 2020 by David Peterson

Alternative PLC Programming Languages

For most systems, there are various languages meant for specific purposes, including Function Block, Sequential Charts, and Structured Text.

August 27, 2020 by David Peterson

Common NEMA Enclosure Ratings 

This article discusses several different types of NEMA enclosure ratings and which one may be the right one for your specific applications.

August 24, 2020 by Dennis Lynch

How to Program Industrial Robots: Resources and Tips

With technology becoming more connected and smarter, understanding robotic programming is becoming even more of a valuable skill. Are you keeping up?

August 21, 2020 by Jeff Kerns

Considerations for Designing Cleanroom Control Systems

Designing the control systems for a properly functioning cleanroom comes with its own set of challenges and requirements. Here, learn what goes into cleanroom system design and why.

August 01, 2020 by Muhammad Asim Niazi

Intergral Windup Method in PID Control

Integral or Reset Windup is a problem that can occur from these systems, and there are a few possible approaches to minimize the effects.

July 28, 2020 by David Peterson

Utilizing Edge Computing and Cloud Computing in Industrial Automation

Edge computing and cloud computing both have their place in industrial automation and control systems. Learn about the uses and how far the two technologies have to go before they're universally adopted.

July 22, 2020 by Akshay Kumar

How to Troubleshoot Encoders with an Oscilloscope

In this article, learn the different errors that keep an encoder from working correctly and how to troubleshoot issues using an oscilloscope and other T&M tools.

July 20, 2020 by Anish Devasia

Soft vs. Direct On-line Motor Starting

Get to know the hows and whys of choosing the proper start-up method of motors in different applications.

July 16, 2020 by David Peterson

How to Identify and Troubleshoot Power and Ground Side Circuits

This article introduces a few simple methods to test which type of circuits — whether ground- or power-switched — are being used and how to troubleshoot and properly fix issues.

July 06, 2020 by David Peterson

Understanding Differences Between Power and Ground Side Switching

Learn what Ground Side Switching means, and how it helps in the overall maintenance of the system and how creating predictable failures is essential

July 05, 2020 by David Peterson

Digital Twinning and its Use in SCADA Systems

Learn all about Digital Twinning, and how this new technique can change the way we do a number of industrial operations!

June 28, 2020 by Anish Devasia

Replacing Advanced Process Automation Control System (APACS) with Controllogix

A synopsis of a recent control system replacement on replacing APACS with Controllogix.

June 26, 2020 by Dennis Lynch

A Technical Overview of Drones and their Autonomous Applications

Learn how drones operate, the physics of their flight, the hardware that makes them work, possible industry applications, and major considerations for commercial use.

June 25, 2020 by Akshay Kumar

Understanding Floating Point Numbers in PLC Programming

There are three main types of values that must be handled by a PLC: boolean, integers, and floating-point numbers. These last floating-point values can create the most confusion for programmers and technicians.

June 15, 2020 by David Peterson