Learn how to integrate fail-safe logic and explosion-proof design to keep your processes running safely and smoothly.
Learn how to integrate fail-safe logic and explosion-proof design to keep your processes running safely and smoothly.
It’s easy to obtain I/O values for local and remote modules and network nodes. But what about system data that’s…
It’s easy to obtain I/O values for local and remote modules and network nodes. But what about system data that’s built into the PLC? How can we access and use that information?
Learn about electrical signalling systems for process control. What advantages may be provided by choosing analog systems…
Learn about electrical signalling systems for process control. What advantages may be provided by choosing analog systems vs. advanced modern fieldbus protocols?
MQTT and OPC UA are very different, but they accomplish essentially the same thing: push data from one device to another.…
MQTT and OPC UA are very different, but they accomplish essentially the same thing: push data from one device to another. Which method to use relies on understanding how each process is accomplished.
This guide shows you how to create a simple Inovance HMI project and connect it to a Mitsubishi PLC using serial and…
This guide shows you how to create a simple Inovance HMI project and connect it to a Mitsubishi PLC using serial and Ethernet methods, including practical setup steps and common mistakes to avoid.
Learn how to assess risks and determine SIL by understanding operator actions as initiating events, independent…
Learn how to assess risks and determine SIL by understanding operator actions as initiating events, independent protection layers, or a part of the safety instrumented function loop.
When setting up a new program in a Rockwell PLC, task scheduling is an important and often overlooked issue where errors…
When setting up a new program in a Rockwell PLC, task scheduling is an important and often overlooked issue where errors appear as inconsistencies, often incorrectly attributed to random faults.
This article provides an overview of the OSI models, IT/OT industrial protocols, and key applications behind the…
This article provides an overview of the OSI models, IT/OT industrial protocols, and key applications behind the networking capabilities that drive modern industrial and process automation systems.
You’ve seen it a thousand times: 24 volts powering a device or representing a trigger signal, but what makes 24 VDC…
You’ve seen it a thousand times: 24 volts powering a device or representing a trigger signal, but what makes 24 VDC such a versatile voltage, and what about the other voltages in control cabinets?
Stacking items on a pallet seems a minor part of the manufacturing process, but it actually requires speed, precision,…
Stacking items on a pallet seems a minor part of the manufacturing process, but it actually requires speed, precision, and flexibility to relieve a heavy burden placed on employees.
Is it best to ‘controller scope’ or ‘program scope’ your tags? This is the question asked by many new PLC…
Is it best to ‘controller scope’ or ‘program scope’ your tags? This is the question asked by many new PLC programmers, and it often comes down to personal preference.
Looking for a way to create IIoT applications for your factory without hiring expensive developers or spending months on…
Looking for a way to create IIoT applications for your factory without hiring expensive developers or spending months on the computer? Take a look at Node-RED’s approach to low-code applications.
The stack light has a simple but powerful purpose: to report the status of the equipment. Follow along as we take a deep…
The stack light has a simple but powerful purpose: to report the status of the equipment. Follow along as we take a deep dive into the venerable illuminated signal tower.
Alignment procedures for pulleys and shafts are a key to preventing costly breakdowns. An effective strategy pairs…
Alignment procedures for pulleys and shafts are a key to preventing costly breakdowns. An effective strategy pairs alignment with vibration analysis to both prevent and predict these downtime events.
After working with solenoid valves for many years, there are still a few questions: is AD or DC voltage better? Do we…
After working with solenoid valves for many years, there are still a few questions: is AD or DC voltage better? Do we really need lubrication? I turned to an expert for some answers.
Learn about OT resilience strategies, including SSH, authentication, port blocking, and MAC address binding, methods that…
Learn about OT resilience strategies, including SSH, authentication, port blocking, and MAC address binding, methods that can be employed to protect network switches.
Networked remote I/O allows machine centers to operate while physically separated from the rest of the system, and often,…
Networked remote I/O allows machine centers to operate while physically separated from the rest of the system, and often, the solution can drop right into place.
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.
Alignment is an often overlooked element in operations, leading to both energy efficiency and equipment longevity in…
Alignment is an often overlooked element in operations, leading to both energy efficiency and equipment longevity in rotating machinery.
Motion systems come in many forms. Hydraulic motion brings some unique problems, not seen in electric systems. This…
Motion systems come in many forms. Hydraulic motion brings some unique problems, not seen in electric systems. This article will focus on how to recognize prominent failures quickly and correctly.
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