Latest Distributed I/O Technical Articles

Any kind of computer programming can be challenging to determine what aspects are truly unique versus what aspects should…

Any kind of computer programming can be challenging to determine what aspects are truly unique versus what aspects should be standardized across projects and platforms to streamline future development.

This article features an in-depth discussion of the various options for buttons and switches, including function, styles,…

This article features an in-depth discussion of the various options for buttons and switches, including function, styles, shapes, and illumination options for all kinds of control panel inputs.

Designing, installing, and maintaining control systems involves a lot of wires. Each wire has a purpose, often indicated…

Designing, installing, and maintaining control systems involves a lot of wires. Each wire has a purpose, often indicated by the color of the insulation. But what are the common colors, and what do they mean?

Many control product manufacturers offer these downloadable ‘EDS files’ for peripheral equipment, but what exactly is…

Many control product manufacturers offer these downloadable ‘EDS files’ for peripheral equipment, but what exactly is an EDS, and how can they aid in the development of a project?

You are bound to encounter two terms associated with sensors and some loads: ‘NPN’ and ‘PNP’. You must understand…

You are bound to encounter two terms associated with sensors and some loads: ‘NPN’ and ‘PNP’. You must understand the relationship between the field device and the control module in order to choose and install components properly when needed.

When selecting the right module for the right load, be sure to understand how the load resistance will affect the voltage…

When selecting the right module for the right load, be sure to understand how the load resistance will affect the voltage and current of the output module terminals.

There are many distributed fieldbus capabilities for valve manifolds that can save on network overhead and wiring. In…

There are many distributed fieldbus capabilities for valve manifolds that can save on network overhead and wiring. In this article, we will look at PLC programming of fieldbus manifolds highlighting Festo's CPX layout.

What if you could control the end position and the speed of a hydraulic actuator accurately with just a simple signal?…

What if you could control the end position and the speed of a hydraulic actuator accurately with just a simple signal? Some systems use simple open/close valves, but others require far more precision.

Before digital control systems, responses were fairly slow. Push a button, and a motor contactor engaged. These days, the…

Before digital control systems, responses were fairly slow. Push a button, and a motor contactor engaged. These days, the speed of computers introduces some new challenges but brings solutions as well.

Inductive loads, such as solenoids and contactors, can cause arcs and failures back into electromechanical switching…

Inductive loads, such as solenoids and contactors, can cause arcs and failures back into electromechanical switching devices, causing costly downtime. The solution is cheaper than you think.

Learn the basics of connecting multiple PLCs to an HMI using various data types.

Learn the basics of connecting multiple PLCs to an HMI using various data types.

Smart sensors differ from traditional sensors in that they offer benefits such as self-diagnostics, simplified wiring and…

Smart sensors differ from traditional sensors in that they offer benefits such as self-diagnostics, simplified wiring and communication, and more efficient remote monitoring.

Sensing objects is a tricky business because of the many variables in light, surface texture, distance, color, and other…

Sensing objects is a tricky business because of the many variables in light, surface texture, distance, color, and other factors. Learn how a photo sensor works!

Centralized and decentralized computing have different cybersecurity needs. Let’s review the differences and some best…

Centralized and decentralized computing have different cybersecurity needs. Let’s review the differences and some best practices.

IIoT infrastructure is more susceptible to cyber-attacks than legacy infrastructure due to its cloud-based nature; this…

IIoT infrastructure is more susceptible to cyber-attacks than legacy infrastructure due to its cloud-based nature; this article covers attack vectors and best mitigating practices.

Dive into why protocols are essential in industrial remote monitoring along with the most common types of open protocols…

Dive into why protocols are essential in industrial remote monitoring along with the most common types of open protocols seen in facilities.

This article in our continuing series about remote monitoring covers equipment and devices necessary to establish a…

This article in our continuing series about remote monitoring covers equipment and devices necessary to establish a remote monitoring mechanism.

Learn about the different types of industrial remote monitoring and some of the various remote monitoring processes used…

Learn about the different types of industrial remote monitoring and some of the various remote monitoring processes used in industry.

What kind of guidance is available to help you defend your industrial control system (ICS)?

What kind of guidance is available to help you defend your industrial control system (ICS)?