Networked remote I/O allows machine centers to operate while physically separated from the rest of the system, and often, the solution can drop right into place.
Networked remote I/O allows machine centers to operate while physically separated from the rest of the system, and often, the solution can drop right into place.
When dealing with two or more I/O systems, the subject of power supply commons will arise. Sometimes the solution is…
When dealing with two or more I/O systems, the subject of power supply commons will arise. Sometimes the solution is simple, but it can require creativity to find the best (and safest) solution.
This article introduces Modbus, an industrial protocol that laid the foundation for fieldbus communication in industrial systems.
This article introduces Modbus, an industrial protocol that laid the foundation for fieldbus communication in industrial systems.
This article will illustrate the setup and use of OpenPLC variables and math instructions within a ladder diagram program…
This article will illustrate the setup and use of OpenPLC variables and math instructions within a ladder diagram program on a microcontroller or single-board computer platform.
Learn about more advanced Boolean logic functions, including truth tables, Schmitt triggers, and multiplexers that can be…
Learn about more advanced Boolean logic functions, including truth tables, Schmitt triggers, and multiplexers that can be implemented in a PLC function block programming environment.
Learn about some of the basic Boolean logic gates using the graphical PLC language of function blocks, recreating ladder…
Learn about some of the basic Boolean logic gates using the graphical PLC language of function blocks, recreating ladder logic and other IEC languages with a digital flair.
Learn how to configure a MELSEC PLC using the MX OPC server and GX Simulator to connect to Factory I/O.
Learn how to configure a MELSEC PLC using the MX OPC server and GX Simulator to connect to Factory I/O.
Finding a good PLC simulator can be challenging. Read an assessment of Factory I/O and learn how it works, how to get…
Finding a good PLC simulator can be challenging. Read an assessment of Factory I/O and learn how it works, how to get started, and how to use it in your automation learning journey.
In this article, we will learn how to set up a Mitsubishi FX PLC to drive a FR-D700 3-phase VFD, including detailed…
In this article, we will learn how to set up a Mitsubishi FX PLC to drive a FR-D700 3-phase VFD, including detailed parameter settings, wiring, and HMI integration.
Using a MOVE function block, a counter preset value can be loaded into an OpenPLC counter using a digital input. The…
Using a MOVE function block, a counter preset value can be loaded into an OpenPLC counter using a digital input. The technique allows flexibility in creating counter-based automation applications.
In this article, we’ll connect a Festo CMMT to a Rockwell CompactLogix PLC, and as a bonus, we’ll add an HMI to…
In this article, we’ll connect a Festo CMMT to a Rockwell CompactLogix PLC, and as a bonus, we’ll add an HMI to provide some basic on/off and positional targeting controls.
Learn how to segment your sequential control logic for easy troubleshooting using Step (STL) and Return (RET) commands in…
Learn how to segment your sequential control logic for easy troubleshooting using Step (STL) and Return (RET) commands in Mitsubishi PLCs.
Learn how to configure a single motion axis using Festo’s Automation Suite, a servo motor drive, and a simple electric…
Learn how to configure a single motion axis using Festo’s Automation Suite, a servo motor drive, and a simple electric linear slide assembly.
Learn in this detailed analysis about the performance of industrial PLC and a prototyping microcontroller to perform…
Learn in this detailed analysis about the performance of industrial PLC and a prototyping microcontroller to perform stepper motor motion control for an arc welding automation project.
Some new factories are networked from stem to stern, ready to roll. But sometimes, it’s just you and a new PLC, so it…
Some new factories are networked from stem to stern, ready to roll. But sometimes, it’s just you and a new PLC, so it won’t really matter how you set things up, it’ll probably work just fine, right?
Unexpected, false, and fluctuating PLC input signals can cost many hours of debugging, but luckily, there are some quick,…
Unexpected, false, and fluctuating PLC input signals can cost many hours of debugging, but luckily, there are some quick, simple tricks to try before downtime is wasted.
When the blinking lights on automation devices stop blinking, the control cabinet is often the go-to troubleshooting…
When the blinking lights on automation devices stop blinking, the control cabinet is often the go-to troubleshooting culprit, but how do you make the best judgments for quickly locating the problem?
After we explored the initial configuration, it’s now time to see exactly how to implement IO-Link in a simple PLC…
After we explored the initial configuration, it’s now time to see exactly how to implement IO-Link in a simple PLC project, explaining how to interpret process data bytes for input and output.
Using an Arduino Opta PLC, a few off-the-shelf electrical components, and the popular OpenPLC software environment,…
Using an Arduino Opta PLC, a few off-the-shelf electrical components, and the popular OpenPLC software environment, automation control concepts can be built on your own test bench.
Learn about produced and consumed tags in PLCs, their functions, setup, and important considerations for effective data…
Learn about produced and consumed tags in PLCs, their functions, setup, and important considerations for effective data sharing between controllers in a control system.
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