An age-old debate in PLC programming: investigating the uses and caveats of latching software commands versus seal-in ladder logic for industrial control applications.
An age-old debate in PLC programming: investigating the uses and caveats of latching software commands versus seal-in ladder logic for industrial control applications.
Nidec’s Control Techniques has launched the SI-BACnet IP add-on module for new and existing HVAC drives to help…
Nidec’s Control Techniques has launched the SI-BACnet IP add-on module for new and existing HVAC drives to help communicate between devices and create a connected automated building.
It's important to keep your system up and running without regular intervention. While every system requires maintenance,…
It's important to keep your system up and running without regular intervention. While every system requires maintenance, never overlook the critical importance of tools and training for the operators.
When setting up a system for the first time, the process can seem complex and daunting. However, there are tools…
When setting up a system for the first time, the process can seem complex and daunting. However, there are tools available to make the job much easier before commissioning.
Every automated cell requires a ‘brain’ in order to achieve the required tasks. How do you determine the necessary…
Every automated cell requires a ‘brain’ in order to achieve the required tasks. How do you determine the necessary I/O, communication protocols, and processor necessary for controlling your system?
Although DC motor technology has a strong legacy, control strategies vary from simple to complex. Designs must consider…
Although DC motor technology has a strong legacy, control strategies vary from simple to complex. Designs must consider not just the motor, but also the electrical supply and the environment.
Parameters control the operation and command sources for VFDs. The PowerFlex series from Rockwell Automation is no…
Parameters control the operation and command sources for VFDs. The PowerFlex series from Rockwell Automation is no exception. Learn how to adjust the parameters for networking and IP configuration.
Expanding motor drives with I/O is a cost-effective way of increasing local control without burdening the control system.…
Expanding motor drives with I/O is a cost-effective way of increasing local control without burdening the control system. Control Technique’s new SI-I/O 24 Plus expands I/O right on the drive unit.
Recently, the Control.com engineering team had the opportunity to visit the R&D demo lab facility for the robotics…
Recently, the Control.com engineering team had the opportunity to visit the R&D demo lab facility for the robotics division of Epson, located in Los Alamitos, CA. Come learn how the magic happens!
Electrical control holds many advantages over fluid power with precise control, feedback, and a lower-maintenance system.…
Electrical control holds many advantages over fluid power with precise control, feedback, and a lower-maintenance system. But how do electric actuators work, and how do they stack up against fluids?
Learn how to control servo motors from a PLC using Allen-Bradley servos and Rockwell Automation’s Studio 5000 using a…
Learn how to control servo motors from a PLC using Allen-Bradley servos and Rockwell Automation’s Studio 5000 using a simple-to-understand method.
We know what a circuit breaker is meant to do: stop the flow of electricity in case of a fault or failure. But just like…
We know what a circuit breaker is meant to do: stop the flow of electricity in case of a fault or failure. But just like fuses, breakers and overloads respond differently depending on the load.
Servo motors are common in all kinds of motion control applications for various industries, but what are these devices,…
Servo motors are common in all kinds of motion control applications for various industries, but what are these devices, and what makes them different from standard AC or DC motors?
Many sensors, like prox, optical, and ultrasonic, are familiar to control engineers. More and more modern devices are…
Many sensors, like prox, optical, and ultrasonic, are familiar to control engineers. More and more modern devices are incorporating advanced motion profiles requiring motion sensing in many axes.
This article investigates the basic components and wiring conventions for common three-phase motor starter…
This article investigates the basic components and wiring conventions for common three-phase motor starter configurations, including direct online, reversing, and star-delta.
Complete wiring guide for 3-phase motor starters with and without overload (OL) relays.
Complete wiring guide for 3-phase motor starters with and without overload (OL) relays.
Have you ever heard of a relay? Of course you have. There are many different kinds, plus hundreds of different trade…
Have you ever heard of a relay? Of course you have. There are many different kinds, plus hundreds of different trade lingo names. What are some of the most common, and how do we use them?
When the angle or distance of motion is more important than speed and power, certain motors shine brighter, like…
When the angle or distance of motion is more important than speed and power, certain motors shine brighter, like steppers, named for the individual steps they take when control voltage is applied.
Safety devices have two main purposes, both of them meant for (you guessed it) safety. They protect both machine and…
Safety devices have two main purposes, both of them meant for (you guessed it) safety. They protect both machine and operator from harm. But what’s inside, and how do these switches work?
Compete wiring diagram guide for 3-wire, 6-wire, 9-wire, and 12-wire three-phase motors used for industrial automation.
Compete wiring diagram guide for 3-wire, 6-wire, 9-wire, and 12-wire three-phase motors used for industrial automation.