Latest Energy & Infrastructure Technical Articles

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.

Power and control interruptions are, at best, problematic. In some applications, it’s catastrophic. Learn about…

Power and control interruptions are, at best, problematic. In some applications, it’s catastrophic. Learn about redundancy for the system, power supplies, control devices, and network topologies.

Compressed air is a common economical way of adding motion to your automated equipment, but the air needs to be filtered,…

Compressed air is a common economical way of adding motion to your automated equipment, but the air needs to be filtered, regulated, and sometimes lubricated. The air prep unit does all that and more.

Machine-to-machine (M2M) communication is a critical component of the modern connected facility. OPC UA stands out as an…

Machine-to-machine (M2M) communication is a critical component of the modern connected facility. OPC UA stands out as an open protocol for making the link between shop floor and cloud systems.

Truly understanding how to implement IIoT technology requires tangible examples of machines, platforms, and data insights…

Truly understanding how to implement IIoT technology requires tangible examples of machines, platforms, and data insights that give relevance to high-level concepts.

Timers and counters are two of the most important fundamental function blocks in automation programming. Learn how to use…

Timers and counters are two of the most important fundamental function blocks in automation programming. Learn how to use TwinCAT 3 to program and monitor these important function variables.

Learn about how one example platform, KEPServerEX by PTC, uses OPC UA to integrate machine centers with various…

Learn about how one example platform, KEPServerEX by PTC, uses OPC UA to integrate machine centers with various communication protocol differences, the ultimate goal of M2M integration.

Even though electrical safety practices have existed for over a century, arc flash safety has only gained traction in…

Even though electrical safety practices have existed for over a century, arc flash safety has only gained traction in recent decades. This article discusses the danger and prevention of arc flash injury.

The simple tasks can lead to the most failures. Basic practices in the wiring assembly stages of a project can lead to…

The simple tasks can lead to the most failures. Basic practices in the wiring assembly stages of a project can lead to long-term success or haunting tales of intermittent yet persistent failures.

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.

The OPC UA protocol is designed to solve two problems in automation: interoperability between device vendors and…

The OPC UA protocol is designed to solve two problems in automation: interoperability between device vendors and independence from incompatible transport layer differences.

This article takes an in-depth look at how magmeters work, the different types of magmeters, and useful equations for…

This article takes an in-depth look at how magmeters work, the different types of magmeters, and useful equations for calculating flow rates using a magmeter.

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.

Before tuning a motion axis, you must define the axis. If the control system doesn’t understand the axis properties or…

Before tuning a motion axis, you must define the axis. If the control system doesn’t understand the axis properties or specifications, it can’t be expected to effectively complete the tuning process.

Embedded, modular, panel mount, distributed, machine mount, and remote, oh my! What does it all mean, and how are you…

Embedded, modular, panel mount, distributed, machine mount, and remote, oh my! What does it all mean, and how are you supposed to know which one to choose for your application?

Regardless of industry, codes and standards developed by organizations including ISO, ANSI, and IEEE are an integral part…

Regardless of industry, codes and standards developed by organizations including ISO, ANSI, and IEEE are an integral part of the environment in which we work and have a major influence on engineering and design.

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.