Two industrial protocols still have a solid foothold in industry: DeviceNet and ControlNet. But what's the difference, and what are the key applications of each…
Two industrial protocols still have a solid foothold in industry: DeviceNet and ControlNet. But what's the difference, and what are the key applications of each type of network?
Learn how to align and configure the parameters of a light curtain using a send/receive pair of SICK deTec4 light beam…
Learn how to align and configure the parameters of a light curtain using a send/receive pair of SICK deTec4 light beam curtains and the new DCM4 extension module for advanced operating modes.
Learn a few tips and solutions to promote long-lasting electric motor health, explaining why some maintenance practices…
Learn a few tips and solutions to promote long-lasting electric motor health, explaining why some maintenance practices are a better fit for certain devices and situations.
Some safety applications aren’t a simple on/off at all times; they need objects to pass through a light curtain without…
Some safety applications aren’t a simple on/off at all times; they need objects to pass through a light curtain without stopping the machine. For these, we turn to muting and blanking features.
Learn about safety light curtains: which one will fit your application, how to choose the proper size, and how to…
Learn about safety light curtains: which one will fit your application, how to choose the proper size, and how to properly process the output signals.
Although ‘HMI’ has become synonymous with a durable, rugged touchscreen measuring 7 to 21 inches and mounted in a…
Although ‘HMI’ has become synonymous with a durable, rugged touchscreen measuring 7 to 21 inches and mounted in a control cabinet door, the reality of the interface extends far beyond this device.
Why do "forever" LEDs fail? A technical guide on L70 standards, multi-voltage IC drivers, and a comparison of…
Why do "forever" LEDs fail? A technical guide on L70 standards, multi-voltage IC drivers, and a comparison of industry-leading LED manufacturers.
Showcase, manufacturing, repair, and research: Join Control.com for a recap of our team’s recent visit to the US HQ of…
Showcase, manufacturing, repair, and research: Join Control.com for a recap of our team’s recent visit to the US HQ of Mitsubishi Electric Automation, and see where the magic happens.
Learn the difference between common and individually isolated PLC I/O modules; how do we know when isolation might be…
Learn the difference between common and individually isolated PLC I/O modules; how do we know when isolation might be helpful or required for outputs, inputs, and analog signals?
Learn about electrical signalling systems for process control. What advantages may be provided by choosing analog systems…
Learn about electrical signalling systems for process control. What advantages may be provided by choosing analog systems vs. advanced modern fieldbus protocols?
When the power is removed to a circuit, the common measurements of voltage and current prove meaningless. The only…
When the power is removed to a circuit, the common measurements of voltage and current prove meaningless. The only remaining option is to use resistance testing to determine which components and conductors are working.
This guide shows you how to create a simple Inovance HMI project and connect it to a Mitsubishi PLC using serial and…
This guide shows you how to create a simple Inovance HMI project and connect it to a Mitsubishi PLC using serial and Ethernet methods, including practical setup steps and common mistakes to avoid.
Conveyor technology is rapidly advancing thanks to the close integration of mechanical machines and electrical controls,…
Conveyor technology is rapidly advancing thanks to the close integration of mechanical machines and electrical controls, but it’s important to understand how feedback improves that relationship.
A practical, experience-driven guide to designing and wiring electrical cabinets for machine-tending robotic cells.
A practical, experience-driven guide to designing and wiring electrical cabinets for machine-tending robotic cells.
Is it best to ‘controller scope’ or ‘program scope’ your tags? This is the question asked by many new PLC…
Is it best to ‘controller scope’ or ‘program scope’ your tags? This is the question asked by many new PLC programmers, and it often comes down to personal preference.
The stack light has a simple but powerful purpose: to report the status of the equipment. Follow along as we take a deep…
The stack light has a simple but powerful purpose: to report the status of the equipment. Follow along as we take a deep dive into the venerable illuminated signal tower.
Alignment procedures for pulleys and shafts are a key to preventing costly breakdowns. An effective strategy pairs…
Alignment procedures for pulleys and shafts are a key to preventing costly breakdowns. An effective strategy pairs alignment with vibration analysis to both prevent and predict these downtime events.
Explore the art of automated palletizing and the different ways you can accelerate the packaging process using PLC and…
Explore the art of automated palletizing and the different ways you can accelerate the packaging process using PLC and robotic controls.
Networked remote I/O allows machine centers to operate while physically separated from the rest of the system, and often,…
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.
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