Latest Motors & Motion Controls Technical Articles

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Top Five Machine Safety Risks and Automated Solutions for the Shop Floor

Top Five Machine Safety Risks and Automated Solutions for the Shop Floor

Each machine on the factory floor comes with risk; learn common safety risks and corresponding automation solutions.


Understanding Mathematical Units for Electric Troubleshooting in Industrial Environments

Understanding Mathematical Units for Electric Troubleshooting in Industrial Environments

A previous article mentions various electrical units used in troubleshooting techniques. This article expands on those and discusses some additional units that engineers may need to know.


What is Machine-to-Machine Communication?

What is Machine-to-Machine Communication?

Learn about some of the machine-to-machine communication methodologies, including wired and wireless M2M communication techniques.


Common Control Concepts Used in Robot Motion Planning

Common Control Concepts Used in Robot Motion Planning

Learn about motion planning for robotic systems and arms including tips on math concepts and space configuration.


Synchronous Serial Interface (SSI) Protocol for Encoders

Synchronous Serial Interface (SSI) Protocol for Encoders

This article discusses some of the encoder types, signal types, and wiring needed for synchronous serial interface (SSI) protocol.


Comparing Electrical and Mechanical Motor Soft-start Methods

Comparing Electrical and Mechanical Motor Soft-start Methods

Learn about the different types of electrical and mechanical soft-start methods as well as devices to use for each method.


The Importance of Neutral Wire in 3-Phase Systems

The Importance of Neutral Wire in 3-Phase Systems

Learn about the importance of wiring in 3-phase systems and how to complete this wiring in various industrial scenarios and control cabinets.


The Link Between VFD Skip Frequency Parameters and Harmonics

The Link Between VFD Skip Frequency Parameters and Harmonics

Variable frequency drives (VFDs) can output simulated waveforms of nearly any frequency. However, in order to be truly useful, harmonics and resonance in the system must be avoided and frequency parameters should be put in place.


Hall-effect Sensors in Electric Motors and Linear Applications

Hall-effect Sensors in Electric Motors and Linear Applications

Learn about how Hall-effect sensors are used in linear and electric motor applications, including brushed and brushless DC motors. 


How Does a DC Motor Work?

How Does a DC Motor Work?

Modern circuitry and technology have allowed innovations in DC motor applications, leading to distinct differences between brushed and brushless DC motors.


Three-Phase Motors with Twelve Wires

Three-Phase Motors with Twelve Wires

Of all types of three-phase motors, the twelve-wire motor provides the most options for connecting based on voltage and system configuration (wye or delta). Learn the details and wiring options of these versatile motors.


Examples of Synchronized Motion Control in Different Industries

Examples of Synchronized Motion Control in Different Industries

Learn about some of the fascinating examples of synchronized motion control throughout installations, manufacturing, and advanced robotics.


Three-Wire vs. Six-Wire Three-Phase Motors

Three-Wire vs. Six-Wire Three-Phase Motors

Three-phase motors with three or six wires have limited options for wiring, but are easier to use and have important roles to play. Learn the difference between three- and six-wire three-phase motors for low and high voltage applications.


A Look at High-Precision Fluid Dispensing

A Look at High-Precision Fluid Dispensing

Specialized industrial, medical, and research applications require fluids to be dispensed with high accuracy and precision. Due to the differing physical properties exhibited by different fluids, this can be challenging. 


Comparing Single-Phase vs Three-Phase Motors

Comparing Single-Phase vs Three-Phase Motors

In this article, learn the differences between single- and three-phase motors, including how each one works and applications best suited for each type.


Controlling VFDs with Manual Inputs

Controlling VFDs with Manual Inputs

To increase the flexibility of a motor control system, a variable frequency drive (VFD) is a common device that solves many motor control problems. In this article, learn how to control manual input of VFDs.


Introduction to Allen-Bradley PowerFlex Drives with Ethernet I/P

Introduction to Allen-Bradley PowerFlex Drives with Ethernet I/P

An overview of the Allen-Bradley PowerFlex variable frequency drive with Ethernet I/P protocol.


An Introduction to Synchronized Motion Control

An Introduction to Synchronized Motion Control

Learn about what synchronized motion control is, including its different types and applications.


Common Motor Windings and Wiring for Three-Phase Motors

Common Motor Windings and Wiring for Three-Phase Motors

This article looks at some common windings and wirings for three-phase motors, including internal Wye windings and low and high voltage wirings.


Introduction to Advanced Motor Control Circuits

Introduction to Advanced Motor Control Circuits

This article looks at a few of the more advanced motor control circuits for a three-phase motor.