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What’s a Signal Conditioner, and Why Do I Need One?

What’s a Signal Conditioner, and Why Do I Need One?

There aren’t actually all that many industrial I/O signal types, and most sensors are designed to output just the right type of signal. But… How do we deal with those pesky potentiometers?


VFD-Induced Bearing Currents: Six Checks for Controls Engineers

VFD-Induced Bearing Currents: Six Checks for Controls Engineers

While mechanical wear in rotating machinery may be obvious over time, electrical faults can also cause bearings to fail. Unfortunately, the symptoms can look surprisingly similar.


Companion Guide to Ladder Logic / ST Conversion

Companion Guide to Ladder Logic / ST Conversion

This guide examines common ladder logic structures and presents the equivalent structured text representation, mainly intended as a learning guide for those getting started with ST.


Driving VFDs | What Does the S-Curve Parameter Mean?

Driving VFDs | What Does the S-Curve Parameter Mean?

Accelerating motors is a tricky topic, with profiles ranging from step inputs to polynomials. Which profile is the best choice, and why?


NPN and PNP Wiring | Incremental Encoders Are Not Interchangeable

NPN and PNP Wiring | Incremental Encoders Are Not Interchangeable

Encoders rely on high-speed outputs supplying signals to a PLC. Learn why these signals cannot be interchanged at will, and some best practices for preventing false rotational counts.


Ladder Logic: It’s Not Just Digital Electrical Prints Anymore

Ladder Logic: It’s Not Just Digital Electrical Prints Anymore

Ladder logic is the legendary industrial graphical programming language that once resembled electrical drawings, but it has advanced far beyond a collection of digital electrical symbols.


What Does the UL508 Say About Wiring Connections?

What Does the UL508 Say About Wiring Connections?

Wire nuts? Soldering? Terminal blocks? Learn what the UL508 standard says about the acceptable types of wiring connections for industrial control panels.


Remote Industrial Equipment Connections: Benefits and Risks

Remote Industrial Equipment Connections: Benefits and Risks

Connecting to equipment remotely can save time and travel expenses. It is a powerful tool, but with great power comes great responsibility.


The One Where A Modbus Output is Controlled by Two PLCs

The One Where A Modbus Output is Controlled by Two PLCs

Get ready for a control-themed roller coaster ride, pitting two PLCs against one Modbus I/O rack, and you might be shocked at the results: Who will win… And who will lose?


Networking Tutorial: Connect and Configure a Mitsubishi iQ-F PLC

Networking Tutorial: Connect and Configure a Mitsubishi iQ-F PLC

Learn how to configure the connection for a Mitsubishi FX5UC controller over Ethernet using GX Works 3.


Parallel Loading: Driving Multiple Motors From a Single VFD

Parallel Loading: Driving Multiple Motors From a Single VFD

When motors drive in parallel from a single main power source, do they each need an individual VFD? Check out why this is useful in some cases, and take note of some necessary precautions.


The Journey of Data From Motor to Maintenance

The Journey of Data From Motor to Maintenance

Predictive maintenance brings real cost and time savings, but there can be a lot of confusion when setting up a system. Control.com talks to the experts at NORD, a motor specialist, to learn more.


Parallel Load Devices: Multiple AC Motors on One Control Circuit

Parallel Load Devices: Multiple AC Motors on One Control Circuit

Requiring multiple AC motors to start simultaneously is a common need for conveyors within manufacturing plants, but can we really reduce costs and panel space by eliminating redundant components?


Adding Remote I/O to a PLC Project: Synergy Logic Meets CompactLogix

Adding Remote I/O to a PLC Project: Synergy Logic Meets CompactLogix

In this tutorial, we add remote I/O to a Studio 5000 project using Modbus TCP and the new SLM System from Synergy Logic, which promises to simplify the integration. We’ll see how it lives up.


Dot Notation: A Different Way Of Addressing Integers in PLCs

Dot Notation: A Different Way Of Addressing Integers in PLCs

Addressing variables at the bit level can save precious PLC memory as well as make your code more readable and easier to understand.


Fail‑Safe Motor Circuits: When Loss of Power Moves You Toward Safety

Fail‑Safe Motor Circuits: When Loss of Power Moves You Toward Safety

Part 1 of a 2-part series. A practical look at the failures that plague motor drive systems, even those that are rated to be fail-safe.


Tutorial: How to Set Up a Light Curtain

Tutorial: How to Set Up a Light Curtain

Learn how to align and configure the parameters of a light curtain using a send/receive pair of SICK deTec4 light beam curtains and the new DCM4 extension module for advanced operating modes.


Customizing Light Curtain Configuration: Muting and Blanking

Customizing Light Curtain Configuration: Muting and Blanking

Some safety applications aren’t a simple on/off at all times; they need objects to pass through a light curtain without stopping the machine. For these, we turn to muting and blanking features.


Installing and Configuring Light Curtains

Installing and Configuring Light Curtains

Learn about safety light curtains: which one will fit your application, how to choose the proper size, and how to properly process the output signals.


The Spectrum Between Human and Machine: The Industrial HMI

The Spectrum Between Human and Machine: The Industrial HMI

Although ‘HMI’ has become synonymous with a durable, rugged touchscreen measuring 7 to 21 inches and mounted in a control cabinet door, the reality of the interface extends far beyond this device.