Latest Motors & Motion Controls Technical Articles

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CNC Hardware and PLC Hardware Signal Differences

CNC Hardware and PLC Hardware Signal Differences

Learn all about the differences between PLC and CNC hardware, and be informed in making the right decision. Although different, it is possible to interchange them, but challenges exist because of the hardware and devices being controlled.


The Difference Between Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) and Soft Starters

The Difference Between Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) and Soft Starters

The following will examine how to reduce the wear on motors during startup and compare soft starters and variable frequency drives (VFDs). 


Robotics and Automation Push Further Into Manufacturing

Robotics and Automation Push Further Into Manufacturing

Industry leaders partner to bring innovation and push automation even further into the world of manufacturing, but how are they achieving this?


The Science of Mechanical Motion: Gears and Pulleys

The Science of Mechanical Motion: Gears and Pulleys

The choice of load device and transmission method often dictates what kind of control system is used, so it’s important to be familiar with the mechanical and electrical components of a system.


A Comparison of Mechanical Power Transmission Methods

A Comparison of Mechanical Power Transmission Methods

In nearly every machine with motion, a selection of gears, belts, and chains sends power to the final mechanisms and power must be transmitted from the motor to the final load(s) device. Choosing between transmission methods isn’t always simple, but a few key properties can help to make the choices easier.


Comparison of Modbus Over TCP/IP and Profinet

Comparison of Modbus Over TCP/IP and Profinet

Two of the most common protocols are Modbus and Profinet. They are similar in many ways, but there are some crucial differences.


Overview of Motor Contactors and AC Drives

Overview of Motor Contactors and AC Drives

This article discusses motor contractors and how they play an essential role in most robotic cells.


Motion Control Systems: PID Feed Forward

Motion Control Systems: PID Feed Forward

Learn the strategy called 'feed forward' which can predict motion control system outputs. This helps to turn the feedback into a double-check as opposed to the sole provider of the output signal.


Integral Windup Method in PID Control

Integral Windup Method in PID Control

Integral or Reset Windup is a problem that can occur from these systems, and there are a few possible approaches to minimize the effects.


An Overview of Integral Gain

An Overview of Integral Gain

This article discusses the meaning of integral gain and how to calculate integral gain to achieve better control results.


How to Troubleshoot Encoders with an Oscilloscope

How to Troubleshoot Encoders with an Oscilloscope

In this article, learn the different errors that keep an encoder from working correctly and how to troubleshoot issues using an oscilloscope and other T&M tools.


Soft vs. Direct On-line Motor Starting

Soft vs. Direct On-line Motor Starting

Get to know the hows and whys of choosing the proper start-up method of motors in different applications.


Quality Protocols and Verification Master Plans for Manufacturing Facilities

Quality Protocols and Verification Master Plans for Manufacturing Facilities

Manufacturing plants must follow certain safety protocols set to them by governing bodies in their countries. Learn about key verification protocols (IQ, OQ, and PQ) and how to properly set up a verification master plan.


Encoders vs. Resolvers: Applications and Characteristics

Encoders vs. Resolvers: Applications and Characteristics

Learn the general characteristics of encoders and resolvers; these two components may seem to have much in common but are used in very different applications.


Utilizing Exoskeleton Robots for Industrial Applications

Utilizing Exoskeleton Robots for Industrial Applications

Learn all about exoskeletons, a way to fuse robotics and humans in ways that can help the manufacturing process while protecting the human body from excessive strain.


How to Convert Gray Code to Binary for Encoders

How to Convert Gray Code to Binary for Encoders

The sensors in absolute encoders output Gray code sequences which require some complicated conversion methods to be properly used. This article shows how to take the Gray code used by absolute encoders and convert it to binary.


An Introduction to Gray Code for Encoders

An Introduction to Gray Code for Encoders

This article introduces Gray code, a specialized binary arrangement necessary for absolute encoders to communicate with controllers.


How Does Motion Planning for Autonomous Robot Manipulation Work?

How Does Motion Planning for Autonomous Robot Manipulation Work?

Learn all about visual servoing and motion planning to create an autonomous robot!


An Introduction to Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) for Robots

An Introduction to Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) for Robots

SLAM for robotics utilizes mapping and localization for accurate movement. This article covers the architecture of a mobile robot running SLAM and the different broad classifications withing SLAM.


A Look Into Rotary Encoder Types: Absolute and Incremental

A Look Into Rotary Encoder Types: Absolute and Incremental

This article looks at rotary encoders, covering the main types, introducing their characteristics, and introducing their key applications in control systems.