When IT and OT converge on the shop floor, it’s important to understand how and when to let a computer control the assignment of network addresses, or when you…
When IT and OT converge on the shop floor, it’s important to understand how and when to let a computer control the assignment of network addresses, or when you would rather keep it under control.
Pressures are always rising and falling in fluid systems. Sometimes the changes are extreme and lead to damage. What…
Pressures are always rising and falling in fluid systems. Sometimes the changes are extreme and lead to damage. What causes problematic pressure changes, and how can you trace them to their source?
In the world of mechanical power transmission, gears, belts, and chains dominate the landscape, but what's so special…
In the world of mechanical power transmission, gears, belts, and chains dominate the landscape, but what's so special about chain drives, and why would they be used in place of rubber belts?
Hydraulic cylinders and actuators can quickly move heavy objects and provide strong clamping forces. But when they break…
Hydraulic cylinders and actuators can quickly move heavy objects and provide strong clamping forces. But when they break down, the effects can be catastrophic and the repairs costly and timely.
There are two types of winding designs inside three-phase industrial motors: Wye and Delta. Although the motors and…
There are two types of winding designs inside three-phase industrial motors: Wye and Delta. Although the motors and connections look similar on the outside, this article discusses the internal construction for Delta wound motors.
An overview of HMI data types, input controls, output indicators, and message functions, the building blocks used to…
An overview of HMI data types, input controls, output indicators, and message functions, the building blocks used to construct informative and appealing HMI applications.
A PLC can be placed in Run or Stop, or occasionally Program mode, usually through physical or virtual methods. But what…
A PLC can be placed in Run or Stop, or occasionally Program mode, usually through physical or virtual methods. But what do these modes mean, and when should they be used?
Function block diagrams can be a useful tool, but they can also add a lot of complexity. Learn about the what, when,…
Function block diagrams can be a useful tool, but they can also add a lot of complexity. Learn about the what, when, where, and why of function block diagram (FBD) programming.
Some controllers and network devices have one port, while others have two. Why is there a difference, and what advantages…
Some controllers and network devices have one port, while others have two. Why is there a difference, and what advantages does having two network ports actually provide?
Analog voltage and current are the dominating standards for industrial technology. Is one format better than the other?…
Analog voltage and current are the dominating standards for industrial technology. Is one format better than the other? And if so, why do both signal types still exist in modern systems?
Control.com’s Director of Engineering got to explore IO-Link sensors and what he found might surprise you! Although…
Control.com’s Director of Engineering got to explore IO-Link sensors and what he found might surprise you! Although still considered an “emerging” technology, it’s clear IO-Link technology boasts several bonafide benefits over traditional sensors.
From forest to felling, logging road to mill, finished lumber’s adventure on its way to market is filled with control…
From forest to felling, logging road to mill, finished lumber’s adventure on its way to market is filled with control and automation. Learn about the process from start to finish and how lumber mills ensure the world has access to high-quality lumber thanks to control technology.
Understanding the building blocks of s-domain analysis and magnitude response theory can go a long way in helping…
Understanding the building blocks of s-domain analysis and magnitude response theory can go a long way in helping engineers predict how and why some system design choices are made over others.
Some workplaces are more dangerous than others, not because of the practices, but rather the products. Where do…
Some workplaces are more dangerous than others, not because of the practices, but rather the products. Where do explosions occur, and what practices exist to reduce such risk for equipment and workforce?
User-defined data types (UDTs) are a powerful and useful tool when applied to their full advantage. However, misused,…
User-defined data types (UDTs) are a powerful and useful tool when applied to their full advantage. However, misused, they can become problematic and introduce roadblocks to troubleshooting and upgrading PLC programs.
Triggering a machine by an external event often requires a pulse timer for OpenPLC Pulse Timer control. Here’s a brief…
Triggering a machine by an external event often requires a pulse timer for OpenPLC Pulse Timer control. Here’s a brief tutorial on how an M5Stack Core can offer a simple, effective low-cost Arduino OpenPLC HMI solution.
What are these terms, PLC, PAC, RTU, DCS, SCADA? Why are they so important to industrial robotics and automation? Explore…
What are these terms, PLC, PAC, RTU, DCS, SCADA? Why are they so important to industrial robotics and automation? Explore how each different piece functions to build a comprehensive automated system.
Many articles address the wiring and implementation of analog control signals, but where are they used, and what might…
Many articles address the wiring and implementation of analog control signals, but where are they used, and what might make them a better (or perhaps worse) decision than digital input/output devices?
Using the right motor for the right task is critical - but what happens if the motor is connected to the wrong supply? It…
Using the right motor for the right task is critical - but what happens if the motor is connected to the wrong supply? It is never recommended, but important to quickly understand symptoms of incorrect wiring.
Directional control valves (DCVs) come in many shapes and sizes for pneumatic and hydraulic applications. Learn to…
Directional control valves (DCVs) come in many shapes and sizes for pneumatic and hydraulic applications. Learn to distinguish the different configurations and the meaning of external markings.
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