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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.


Methods of Controlling Motor Speed With a VFD

Methods of Controlling Motor Speed With a VFD

Motor speed control can be a tricky process, due to the variety of options. In a VFD, speed can be controlled using fixed values, digital or analog signals, or communication networks.


A Legacy of Factory and Motion Control: Mitsubishi Electric Automation

A Legacy of Factory and Motion Control: Mitsubishi Electric Automation

Showcase, manufacturing, repair, and research: Join Control.com for a recap of our team’s recent visit to the US HQ of Mitsubishi Electric Automation, and see where the magic happens.


How Combustible Dust Hazards Affect Automated Process Control

How Combustible Dust Hazards Affect Automated Process Control

Learn how to integrate fail-safe logic and explosion-proof design to keep your processes running safely and smoothly.


Set Up For Success | Scheduling Tasks in PLC Programs

Set Up For Success | Scheduling Tasks in PLC Programs

When setting up a new program in a Rockwell PLC, task scheduling is an important and often overlooked issue where errors appear as inconsistencies, often incorrectly attributed to random faults.


Automation Questions: Why Do We Choose Certain Control Voltages?

Automation Questions: Why Do We Choose Certain Control Voltages?

You’ve seen it a thousand times: 24 volts powering a device or representing a trigger signal, but what makes 24 VDC such a versatile voltage, and what about the other voltages in control cabinets?


Advantages of Remote I/O Devices With Networking Technologies

Advantages of Remote I/O Devices With Networking Technologies

Networked remote I/O allows machine centers to operate while physically separated from the rest of the system, and often, the solution can drop right into place.


Should I Connect the Commons or Not? Power Supplies Across Systems

Should I Connect the Commons or Not? Power Supplies Across Systems

When dealing with two or more I/O systems, the subject of power supply commons will arise. Sometimes the solution is simple, but it can require creativity to find the best (and safest) solution.


Troubleshooting Linear Hydraulic Motion

Troubleshooting Linear Hydraulic Motion

Motion systems come in many forms. Hydraulic motion brings some unique problems, not seen in electric systems. This article will focus on how to recognize prominent failures quickly and correctly.


Introduction to H-Bridges for Industrial Motor Control

Introduction to H-Bridges for Industrial Motor Control

H-bridge circuits are commonly used to provide current switching capabilities to different electrical components in automated systems like motor control circuits, VFDs, and DC/AC current conversions.


Installing and Using Modern Industrial Joystick Controls

Installing and Using Modern Industrial Joystick Controls

Discover how digital and analog industrial joysticks can provide crucial precision in sectors like manufacturing and industrial automation, used mainly for motion control applications.


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?


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?


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.


The Rolling Showdown: Belt vs. Roller Conveyor Systems

The Rolling Showdown: Belt vs. Roller Conveyor Systems

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.


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.


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.


Understanding I/O Terminal Types And When To Use Them

Understanding I/O Terminal Types And When To Use Them

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?


Fundamentals of Grounding and Safety: Protecting People and Equipment

Fundamentals of Grounding and Safety: Protecting People and Equipment

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.