Servo drives interact with hardware axes, but there are many ways to configure the motion. I/O signals allow connections of sensors and switches for functions…
Servo drives interact with hardware axes, but there are many ways to configure the motion. I/O signals allow connections of sensors and switches for functions like homing and setting travel limits.
Learn how to use simple ladder logic and discrete outputs to control the e-Actuator series from SMC, an interesting…
Learn how to use simple ladder logic and discrete outputs to control the e-Actuator series from SMC, an interesting electric motion axis designed to operate with only simple discrete signal inputs.
When dealing with two or more I/O systems, the subject of power supply commons will arise. Sometimes the solution is…
When dealing with two or more I/O systems, the subject of power supply commons will arise. Sometimes the solution is simple, but it can require creativity to find the best (and safest) solution.
Whether using industrial DIN-rail DC power supplies or linear power supplies for motors, these devices all have the…
Whether using industrial DIN-rail DC power supplies or linear power supplies for motors, these devices all have the potential to fail. Although there can be several root causes, there are a few simple methods of testing a power supply.
Learn how electric actuators can replace fluid systems with SMC’s e-Actuator series, offering simple setup, clean…
Learn how electric actuators can replace fluid systems with SMC’s e-Actuator series, offering simple setup, clean operation, and accurate motion contro
Selecting the right robotic gripper is key to performance. Discover gripping solutions for delicate parts, soft foods,…
Selecting the right robotic gripper is key to performance. Discover gripping solutions for delicate parts, soft foods, and industrial payloads.
Finding a good PLC simulator can be challenging. Read an assessment of Factory I/O and learn how it works, how to get…
Finding a good PLC simulator can be challenging. Read an assessment of Factory I/O and learn how it works, how to get started, and how to use it in your automation learning journey.
In this article, we continue our tutorial by designing a simple structured text motion program and downloading it to the…
In this article, we continue our tutorial by designing a simple structured text motion program and downloading it to the onboard PLC.
In this article, we’ll explore the SBD drive series from CMZ, including setting up the motor, scaling and testing the…
In this article, we’ll explore the SBD drive series from CMZ, including setting up the motor, scaling and testing the axis, before creating a simple motion program in the onboard PLC.
IO-Link has established itself as a reliable field network that’s constantly evolving with new generations of devices.…
IO-Link has established itself as a reliable field network that’s constantly evolving with new generations of devices. Learn how to configure logic directly on the IO-Link master.
H-bridge circuits are commonly used to provide current switching capabilities to different electrical components in…
H-bridge circuits are commonly used to provide current switching capabilities to different electrical components in automated systems like motor control circuits, VFDs, and DC/AC current conversions.
Learn how to configure a single motion axis and perform some basic cyclic action using Festo’s Automation Suite and a…
Learn how to configure a single motion axis and perform some basic cyclic action using Festo’s Automation Suite and a simple electric linear axis.
Learn how to configure a single motion axis using Festo’s Automation Suite, a servo motor drive, and a simple electric…
Learn how to configure a single motion axis using Festo’s Automation Suite, a servo motor drive, and a simple electric linear slide assembly.
DIN valve connectors, not to be confused with DIN rails, are a common electrical connector for valves in the automation…
DIN valve connectors, not to be confused with DIN rails, are a common electrical connector for valves in the automation industry, efficiently providing power to valves, sensors, and even small motors.
We know that PID stands for proportional, integral, and derivative, but have you ever seen exactly how the derivative…
We know that PID stands for proportional, integral, and derivative, but have you ever seen exactly how the derivative term affects the final output signal in a motion control system?
A well-designed SCADA system can reduce costs, increase throughput, and improve usability. Successful implementation…
A well-designed SCADA system can reduce costs, increase throughput, and improve usability. Successful implementation requires consideration from both an operational and a business perspective.
Unexpected, false, and fluctuating PLC input signals can cost many hours of debugging, but luckily, there are some quick,…
Unexpected, false, and fluctuating PLC input signals can cost many hours of debugging, but luckily, there are some quick, simple tricks to try before downtime is wasted.
Watch how each of the P and I terms influence the output of a motion control system. How do we explain and prevent terms…
Watch how each of the P and I terms influence the output of a motion control system. How do we explain and prevent terms like overshoot, error, and long settling time?
When the blinking lights on automation devices stop blinking, the control cabinet is often the go-to troubleshooting…
When the blinking lights on automation devices stop blinking, the control cabinet is often the go-to troubleshooting culprit, but how do you make the best judgments for quickly locating the problem?
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.