Latest Component Manufacturing Technical Articles

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.

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.

After we explored the initial configuration, it’s now time to see exactly how to implement IO-Link in a simple PLC…

After we explored the initial configuration, it’s now time to see exactly how to implement IO-Link in a simple PLC project, explaining how to interpret process data bytes for input and output.

Filters and reactors can protect your electrical devices, but what is the difference between these two kinds of devices,…

Filters and reactors can protect your electrical devices, but what is the difference between these two kinds of devices, and are they supposed to be installed before or after a VFD?

Since their creation, DC motors have become a part of our everyday lives. In this article, we’ll examine the…

Since their creation, DC motors have become a part of our everyday lives. In this article, we’ll examine the differences between various types of field-wound and permanent magnet DC motors.

Electromagnetic devices like motors and transformers rely on electric currents that drive magnetic fields which, in turn,…

Electromagnetic devices like motors and transformers rely on electric currents that drive magnetic fields which, in turn, can drive current on their own. That’s not always a good thing.

Learn about various ways to activate directional control valves for fluids using manual input, air pilot sources, and…

Learn about various ways to activate directional control valves for fluids using manual input, air pilot sources, and electrical controls. Sometimes, valves even use a mix of multiple power sources.

These days, the industrial PC (IPC) is changing the way that engineers approach control logic solutions. Learn how to set…

These days, the industrial PC (IPC) is changing the way that engineers approach control logic solutions. Learn how to set up a basic project in a Beckhoff IPC using structured text programming.

The SLC 500 PLC family dominated automation control for well over thirty years and now, with the recent discontinuation…

The SLC 500 PLC family dominated automation control for well over thirty years and now, with the recent discontinuation of most of the series, we look at the differences between SLC and modern Logix PLCs.

Some terminology, like 'normally open' and 'normally closed' switch contacts, is common throughout industry but can still…

Some terminology, like 'normally open' and 'normally closed' switch contacts, is common throughout industry but can still be confusing, misleading, or even hazardous if not properly understood.

Electrical grounding is used to accomplish several different tasks, but none more important than for the safety of users…

Electrical grounding is used to accomplish several different tasks, but none more important than for the safety of users and equipment while maintaining strict adherence to regulations.

Learn all about the power supply: modular and built-in devices that deliver electricity to the PLC backplane and modules,…

Learn all about the power supply: modular and built-in devices that deliver electricity to the PLC backplane and modules, and learn the difference between control and field device power delivery.

Across every make and model of articulated robot, certain maintenance procedures must be followed as motion occurs.…

Across every make and model of articulated robot, certain maintenance procedures must be followed as motion occurs. Failure to do so can often result in warnings, alarms, and even failure.

Join Control Automation as we visit Central CA colleges to help install robotic equipment and learn how local industries…

Join Control Automation as we visit Central CA colleges to help install robotic equipment and learn how local industries partner with schools to create exciting opportunities for students.