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Reversing Motor Contactors: Interlocking Methods That Prevent Short-Circuits

Reversing Motor Contactors: Interlocking Methods That Prevent Short-Circuits

Installing a reversing contactor is only half the project; ensuring safety and reliable performance under load is a top priority for motor control designs.


Parallel Loading: Driving Multiple Motors From a Single VFD

Parallel Loading: Driving Multiple Motors From a Single VFD

When motors drive in parallel from a single main power source, do they each need an individual VFD? Check out why this is useful in some cases, and take note of some necessary precautions.


The Journey of Data From Motor to Maintenance

The Journey of Data From Motor to Maintenance

Predictive maintenance brings real cost and time savings, but there can be a lot of confusion when setting up a system. Control.com talks to the experts at NORD, a motor specialist, to learn more.


Parallel Load Devices: Multiple AC Motors on One Control Circuit

Parallel Load Devices: Multiple AC Motors on One Control Circuit

Requiring multiple AC motors to start simultaneously is a common need for conveyors within manufacturing plants, but can we really reduce costs and panel space by eliminating redundant components?


Applying Fail-Safe Solutions to Protect Motor Control Systems

Applying Fail-Safe Solutions to Protect Motor Control Systems

Part 2 of a 2-part series. A practical look at how normally closed (NC) power contacts and feedback can drive loads toward a defined safe state under real‑world faults.


Fail‑Safe Motor Circuits: When Loss of Power Moves You Toward Safety

Fail‑Safe Motor Circuits: When Loss of Power Moves You Toward Safety

Part 1 of a 2-part series. A practical look at the failures that plague motor drive systems, even those that are rated to be fail-safe.


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.


DC Bus Fundamentals in Industrial Motor Drives

DC Bus Fundamentals in Industrial Motor Drives

Learn about precharge circuits, inrush current, and understand why VFD and servo drives may trip during power-up.


Synchronized Motion for Servos | Coordinated Axes

Synchronized Motion for Servos | Coordinated Axes

Coordinating motion in three or more axes is a difficult manual process. For more advanced gantry or articulated robots, this motion type solves the complex calculation of a set of related joints.


The Role of Sensors and Control Systems in Smarter Conveyor Design

The Role of Sensors and Control Systems in Smarter Conveyor Design

Conveyor technology is rapidly advancing thanks to the close integration of mechanical machines and electrical controls, but it’s important to understand how feedback improves that relationship.


Control.com Readers’ Choice Awards 2025

Control.com Readers’ Choice Awards 2025

Welcome to the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026! We’re excited to see where the industrial automation world takes us in this new year.


Synchronized Motion for Servos | Gearing Profile

Synchronized Motion for Servos | Gearing Profile

Synchronized motion has become an industry standard with robots, gantries, and pick and place automation. Follow along this three-part series as we discuss methods of synchronizing servo motors.


What Is an HVAC System and What Role Do Control Systems Play?

What Is an HVAC System and What Role Do Control Systems Play?

Managing the climate inside a building is critical for both people and infrastructure. Managing the climate is the job of HVAC control systems, but what’s inside an HVAC system, and how do they work?


Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) In Motor Control

Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) In Motor Control

What is the purpose of a variable frequency drive? How do they work? And why would we prefer using VFDs over basic motor starters for heavy loads?


Throwback: A Look at Electric Motors in the Early Days of Mining

Throwback: A Look at Electric Motors in the Early Days of Mining

Take a step back and check out a bit of the history of motors in the mining industry, from driving compressed air to generating various DC and AC voltages for mineral transportation.


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.


Understanding the Derivative Term in PID Control

Understanding the Derivative Term in PID Control

We know that PID stands for proportional, integral, and derivative, but have you ever seen exactly how the derivative term affects the final output signal in a motion control system?


Add a Dynamic Braking Resistor to a PowerFlex VFD

Add a Dynamic Braking Resistor to a PowerFlex VFD

Dynamic braking resistors stop motors more quickly by converting the rotational energy, but how do we select the correct one and configure a PowerFlex drive to utilize the resistor effectively?


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?


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.