Latest PLCs Technical Articles

The control and visualization of power plant processes through SCADA improves the supervision, coordination, and security…

The control and visualization of power plant processes through SCADA improves the supervision, coordination, and security of the power system operations.

Learn how to move data through arrays using LFL, LFU, FFL, and FFU instructions, as well as a technique on cycling data…

Learn how to move data through arrays using LFL, LFU, FFL, and FFU instructions, as well as a technique on cycling data through an array by putting it in the front and letting it drop out the back using CPS instructions.

Arduino’s open-source, microcontroller-based platform has revolutionized academic and hobbyist spaces, providing a low…

Arduino’s open-source, microcontroller-based platform has revolutionized academic and hobbyist spaces, providing a low cost, accessible introduction to engineering and programming.

While B&R PLC controllers are quite different from typical PLCs, Automation Studio offers tools and features that make…

While B&R PLC controllers are quite different from typical PLCs, Automation Studio offers tools and features that make programming them less intensive. In this article, we’ll discuss how to program B&R PLCs with Automation Studio.

The ability to utilize an array effectively is a fundamental skill in becoming a PLC programmer, but it can also be very…

The ability to utilize an array effectively is a fundamental skill in becoming a PLC programmer, but it can also be very complex and difficult to master. Let’s do a run-down of arrays and some of their complexities!

Learn how to take advantage of the powerful AOI feature that comes standard in Allen-Bradley / Rockwell PLCs using…

Learn how to take advantage of the powerful AOI feature that comes standard in Allen-Bradley / Rockwell PLCs using RSLogix 5000 and Studio 5000 Software.

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.

​​​​​​​Arduinos have been a staple in the community of makers, students, and project innovators for many…

​​​​​​​Arduinos have been a staple in the community of makers, students, and project innovators for many years. For many using Arduino’s IDE, there can be difficulties in translating between PLC ladder rungs and text programming.

Moving data is a critical function of PLCs. In this article, we’ll talk about Move, Masked Move, Copy File, and…

Moving data is a critical function of PLCs. In this article, we’ll talk about Move, Masked Move, Copy File, and Synchronous Copy File and show how they can be used to move individual pieces of data and entire arrays. 

Learn about the common applications, programming procedures, and safety protocols of collaborative robot work cells,…

Learn about the common applications, programming procedures, and safety protocols of collaborative robot work cells, which are often simpler and less expensive than industrial robot work cells.  

Inside a controller, code is interpreted into the binary signals that influence input and output signals, flags and…

Inside a controller, code is interpreted into the binary signals that influence input and output signals, flags and registers, and even the communication of network signals. This is the job of firmware.

Centralized control systems are often seen as outdated compared to decentralized systems; however, both have their…

Centralized control systems are often seen as outdated compared to decentralized systems; however, both have their advantages and disadvantages when it comes to choosing which one to use in manufacturing. 

​​​​​​​We will show you how to recognize, utilize, and efficiently operate your comparison instructions in…

​​​​​​​We will show you how to recognize, utilize, and efficiently operate your comparison instructions in Rockwell Automation’s Studio 5000 and Automation Direct’s Productivity Suite to make your program flow smoothly.

Credited with coining the name ‘PLC’, Allen-Bradley and parent company Rockwell Automation are major players in the…

Credited with coining the name ‘PLC’, Allen-Bradley and parent company Rockwell Automation are major players in the world of control systems. Learn how the hardware platforms have evolved into the familiar modern configurations.

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.

Modbus is a communication protocol stemming from the early days of Modicon PLCs, but is still common today. These two…

Modbus is a communication protocol stemming from the early days of Modicon PLCs, but is still common today. These two example implementations of Modbus transactions will get you started.

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.

In this article, learn the basics of Allen-Bradley Data Highway, the various network structures, and the relationship…

In this article, learn the basics of Allen-Bradley Data Highway, the various network structures, and the relationship between DH and Ethernet networks.

One of the most visible elements of industrial safety is the use of lock-out-tag-out (LOTO) devices, familiar to those…

One of the most visible elements of industrial safety is the use of lock-out-tag-out (LOTO) devices, familiar to those with experience. But, if you are new to the workforce, a brief introduction may be helpful.