Unexpected, false, and fluctuating PLC input signals can cost many hours of debugging, but luckily, there are some quick, simple tricks to try before downtime is wasted.
Unexpected, false, and fluctuating PLC input signals can cost many hours of debugging, but luckily, there are some quick, simple tricks to try before downtime is wasted.
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?
Using an Arduino Opta PLC, a few off-the-shelf electrical components, and the popular OpenPLC software environment,…
Using an Arduino Opta PLC, a few off-the-shelf electrical components, and the popular OpenPLC software environment, automation control concepts can be built on your own test bench.
Industrial sensor applications face challenges of digital or analog, NPN or PNP, normally closed and normally open, but…
Industrial sensor applications face challenges of digital or analog, NPN or PNP, normally closed and normally open, but for optical sensors, the terms “light-on” and “dark-on” must also be understood.
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?
CODESYS is an automation software that is independent from any one vendor, capable of many PLC, I/O, and motion…
CODESYS is an automation software that is independent from any one vendor, capable of many PLC, I/O, and motion operations. However, being vendor-agnostic can present challenges. Learn how to get started.
The purpose of LOTO is to create a method of reducing the chance that a worker will be exposed to hazardous energy.…
The purpose of LOTO is to create a method of reducing the chance that a worker will be exposed to hazardous energy. It’s important for companies to establish an SOP for standardized LOTO practice.
Air motors are common in process industries, mainly used in hazardous areas. This article introduces the features and…
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.
The choice to ground or float a power supply is not always clear in the NEC. This article explains floating or fixing a…
The choice to ground or float a power supply is not always clear in the NEC. This article explains floating or fixing a DC supply with respect to ground and how circuits can be functionally constructed both ways.
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas: like you’ve (probably) never heard it before.
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas: like you’ve (probably) never heard it before.
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.
As an engineer, why would you settle for simply plugging and unplugging your Christmas lights when you could, instead,…
As an engineer, why would you settle for simply plugging and unplugging your Christmas lights when you could, instead, spend many hours automating this very important December job? Let me show you.
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.
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.
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.
Conveyor systems come in all shapes and sizes, with factors like the drive motor and conveyor style influencing the…
Conveyor systems come in all shapes and sizes, with factors like the drive motor and conveyor style influencing the control method. Join us as we dive into the world of automated conveyance.
Inputs and outputs play crucial roles in various automated processes. This article will explain the variances between…
Inputs and outputs play crucial roles in various automated processes. This article will explain the variances between digital and group I/O and offer guidance on setting up each type through Ethernet.
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.
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