Latest PLCs & PACs Technical Articles

Distributed control systems (DCS) evolved out of control systems for facilities, but their scope can be difficult to…

Distributed control systems (DCS) evolved out of control systems for facilities, but their scope can be difficult to fully understand. This article explores the role of a DCS and how it fits in with PLCs and PACs.

The benefits of modern building automation systems (BAS) include interoperability and technical support in case a problem…

The benefits of modern building automation systems (BAS) include interoperability and technical support in case a problem occurs. Learn about the BAS four-layer architecture concept adopted by manufacturers.

Learn all about the differences between PLC and CNC hardware, and be informed in making the right decision. Although…

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.

It can be easy to group CNCs and PLCs together since they are both run by digital processors and programs. Are they…

It can be easy to group CNCs and PLCs together since they are both run by digital processors and programs. Are they interchangeable? This article explores the possibility on a software level.

Sequencer functions are used to perform a specific output pattern that needs continuous repeating. When there are more…

Sequencer functions are used to perform a specific output pattern that needs continuous repeating. When there are more than three steps in a process, it is generally better to use a sequencer function rather than simple routines.

This article discusses how to use sensors with open collector outputs and learning some of the module connections involved.

This article discusses how to use sensors with open collector outputs and learning some of the module connections involved.

A typical control system uses PNP sensors and tends to be easier to visualize. For opposite polarity systems, the NPN…

A typical control system uses PNP sensors and tends to be easier to visualize. For opposite polarity systems, the NPN sensor is the only compatible sensor type. Learn more about NPN sensors, including characteristics and uses.

Learn about factory acceptance tests (FATs), including how the tests are created, where they are performed, and the…

Learn about factory acceptance tests (FATs), including how the tests are created, where they are performed, and the responsibilities for both the buyer and manufacturer of the equipment.

What are pilot valves and how do they work? This article dives into some of the different types and uses for these components.

What are pilot valves and how do they work? This article dives into some of the different types and uses for these components.

This article discusses structure data types, structure tags, and various applications of user-defined structures.

This article discusses structure data types, structure tags, and various applications of user-defined structures.

Electrical noise is a common problem inside industrial facilities. The following will explain a few simple strategies for…

Electrical noise is a common problem inside industrial facilities. The following will explain a few simple strategies for reducing this noise.

In this article, we’ll investigate the meaning of an array, but also explore some of the ways in which arrays can be…

In this article, we’ll investigate the meaning of an array, but also explore some of the ways in which arrays can be used specifically within the context of a PLC system.

The latest report from NIST and other government organizations found that tracking behavior may be a new way to track…

The latest report from NIST and other government organizations found that tracking behavior may be a new way to track potential security threats.

For most systems, there are various languages meant for specific purposes, including Function Block, Sequential Charts,…

For most systems, there are various languages meant for specific purposes, including Function Block, Sequential Charts, and Structured Text.

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

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

Learn the strategy called 'feed forward' which can predict motion control system outputs. This helps to turn the feedback…

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.

This article discusses PLC Sequencer Logic and the steps needed to accomplish PLC sequencing.

This article discusses PLC Sequencer Logic and the steps needed to accomplish PLC sequencing.

Designing the control systems for a properly functioning cleanroom comes with its own set of challenges and requirements.…

Designing the control systems for a properly functioning cleanroom comes with its own set of challenges and requirements. Here, learn what goes into cleanroom system design and why.

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

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