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Industrial Motor Health Tips | Modern Maintenance Solutions

Industrial Motor Health Tips | Modern Maintenance Solutions

Learn a few tips and solutions to promote long-lasting electric motor health, explaining why some maintenance practices are a better fit for certain devices and situations.


Mitsubishi PLC to VFD Control: RS-485 Communication

Mitsubishi PLC to VFD Control: RS-485 Communication

This guide shows you how to set up RS-485 communication between the FX3U PLC and the FR-D700 inverter with the FX3U-485-BD. You can control speed and monitor the system using ladder logic.


The 100,000-Hour Myth: Decoding Industrial LED Life Cycles

The 100,000-Hour Myth: Decoding Industrial LED Life Cycles

Why do "forever" LEDs fail? A technical guide on L70 standards, multi-voltage IC drivers, and a comparison of industry-leading LED manufacturers.


Data Centers, AI, and the New Control Playbook: Weidmüller’s Perspective

Data Centers, AI, and the New Control Playbook: Weidmüller’s Perspective

Control.com chats with Weidmüller to get some insights about data center automation, learning about security, environmental impacts, regulations, and more.


MQTT vs. OPC UA: Protocols From an OEM Perspective

MQTT vs. OPC UA: Protocols From an OEM Perspective

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.


Introduction to Common Network Protocols in Industrial Automation

Introduction to Common Network Protocols in Industrial Automation

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.


Managing and Configuring Switches for Secure SCADA Networks | Part 2

Managing and Configuring Switches for Secure SCADA Networks | Part 2

Learn about OT resilience strategies, including SSH, authentication, port blocking, and MAC address binding, methods that can be employed to protect network switches.


Remote Industry and the Growing Popularity of Cellular Systems

Remote Industry and the Growing Popularity of Cellular Systems

Previously reserved for personal and commercial deployments, learn how cellular IoT connectivity technologies are influencing industrial trends, organizations, and integrators.


What are Interposing Relays in Control Circuits?

What are Interposing Relays in Control Circuits?

An interposing relay is an interface between a control system and a higher power circuit to provide isolation or amplification of mismatched voltage and current from a control to a load circuit.


Tricks of the Trade: Troubleshooting Industrial Control Cabinets

Tricks of the Trade: Troubleshooting Industrial Control Cabinets

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?


Remote Networking: Explaining VPNs for Control Engineers

Remote Networking: Explaining VPNs for Control Engineers

It can be risky to adopt unknown technology; it poses serious security concerns if misused. The Control.com engineering team contacted our friends at OnLogic to gain some insight into VPN technology.


The Dirty Details of Electrical Power: Line/Load Reactors and Filters

The Dirty Details of Electrical Power: Line/Load Reactors and Filters

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?


Shunt Resistors and Applications in the Field of Instrumentation

Shunt Resistors and Applications in the Field of Instrumentation

A shunt resistor connects in series with a load to measure the high current in the DC circuit. Using Ohm's law, the current value can be calculated by measuring the voltage across the shunt.


Basics of Air Motors: Pneumatically Controlled Rotation

Basics of Air Motors: Pneumatically Controlled Rotation

Air motors are common in process industries, mainly used in hazardous areas. This article introduces the features and working principles of air motors and the differences between air and electrical motors.


Marvel Over DC Voltage: Permanent Magnet vs. Field Wound Motors

Marvel Over DC Voltage: Permanent Magnet vs. Field Wound Motors

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.


Communication and Power Redundancy for Control Devices

Communication and Power Redundancy for Control Devices

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.


Facts Behind the Shock! Investigating the Dangers of Arc Flash

Facts Behind the Shock! Investigating the Dangers of Arc Flash

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.


Comparing SLC and ControlLogix PLCs: An In-Depth Review

Comparing SLC and ControlLogix PLCs: An In-Depth Review

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.


Electromagnetic Flowmeters | Using Magnetic Force to Sense Fluid Flow

Electromagnetic Flowmeters | Using Magnetic Force to Sense Fluid Flow

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.


Info Byte: Normally Open vs. Normally Closed: What Does It Mean?

Info Byte: Normally Open vs. Normally Closed: What Does It Mean?

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.