Latest PLCs & PACs Technical Articles

The sensors in absolute encoders output Gray code sequences which require some complicated conversion methods to be…

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.

Learn how one engineer's real-world experience showed him the importance and power of SCADA systems for control automation.

Learn how one engineer's real-world experience showed him the importance and power of SCADA systems for control automation.

Learn about the supervisory control and data acquisition system used to program PLCs and PIDs. See where, how, and why…

Learn about the supervisory control and data acquisition system used to program PLCs and PIDs. See where, how, and why SCADA systems are so popular.

Wiring design systems can become confusing when some switching devices send power to the load automatically while others…

Wiring design systems can become confusing when some switching devices send power to the load automatically while others do not. Often called ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ contacts, these devices are fairly easy to troubleshoot once the differences are understood.

The simplest and most common measurement to obtain using a multimeter is voltage, in fact, they are often called…

The simplest and most common measurement to obtain using a multimeter is voltage, in fact, they are often called ‘voltmeters’ for this reason.

In the world of automation, PLCs and PACs are often at the center of the action. But where did these machines come from,…

In the world of automation, PLCs and PACs are often at the center of the action. But where did these machines come from, what are the functional differences between the two, and what applications are they best suited for?

In this article, we will discuss the main causes of failure in mechanical relays, as well as look into simple methods of…

In this article, we will discuss the main causes of failure in mechanical relays, as well as look into simple methods of testing relays using common hand tools.

Just like the emergence of transistors led to digital control systems, solid-state electronics have created a whole new…

Just like the emergence of transistors led to digital control systems, solid-state electronics have created a whole new variety of relays with some striking differences, with a few distinct advantages.

Whether it’s a critical machine repair or the installation of a brand new piece of equipment, it’s important to have…

Whether it’s a critical machine repair or the installation of a brand new piece of equipment, it’s important to have the knowledge and skill to properly connect sensors to a control system.

This article provides an introduction to proximity and distance sensors and common uses for them.

This article provides an introduction to proximity and distance sensors and common uses for them.

This article will focus on using an Allen-Bradley ramp/soak controller with a PID.

This article will focus on using an Allen-Bradley ramp/soak controller with a PID.

The ramp/soak controller has long been associated with temperature control loops and is included standard in some, and as…

The ramp/soak controller has long been associated with temperature control loops and is included standard in some, and as an option on other stand-alone electronic temperature controllers. 

The wide variety of sensors available for control systems leads to the daunting task of selecting the proper device.

The wide variety of sensors available for control systems leads to the daunting task of selecting the proper device.

In this article, we will discuss the application and identification of NPN sensors, clarifying why they work and how to…

In this article, we will discuss the application and identification of NPN sensors, clarifying why they work and how to properly use them in a control circuit setting.

Why do we need to use PNP sensors in certain applications, and which markings and diagrams allow us to identify these devices?

Why do we need to use PNP sensors in certain applications, and which markings and diagrams allow us to identify these devices?

This article discusses different types of motor encoders in automation, specifically linear and rotary encoders and their…

This article discusses different types of motor encoders in automation, specifically linear and rotary encoders and their applications.

This article provides an introduction to several serial communication methods and how to understand and apply them.

This article provides an introduction to several serial communication methods and how to understand and apply them.

PID controllers are an excellent method of using feedback to turn an otherwise open-loop system into one which can follow…

PID controllers are an excellent method of using feedback to turn an otherwise open-loop system into one which can follow a carefully prescribed profile, correcting for inconsistencies caused by the equipment, the environment, and even the products in the manufacturing process.

A human-machine interface is a valuable tool used to display key information and control your automated system with a…

A human-machine interface is a valuable tool used to display key information and control your automated system with a panel that can be designed and programmed with flexibility.