Latest I/O Devices and Sensors Technical Articles

Linear position sensors are used in electrical and fluid-actuated motion devices. They allow extremely precise position,…

Linear position sensors are used in electrical and fluid-actuated motion devices. They allow extremely precise position, velocity, and acceleration control, and provide feedback to ensure product quality and tolerance compliance.

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.

Moisture inside industrial pneumatic systems is a major cause for concern, and if the air is not filtered or dried…

Moisture inside industrial pneumatic systems is a major cause for concern, and if the air is not filtered or dried properly, it can lead to serious failures.

The fourth pillar of effective statistical process control (SPC) is the use of designed experiments used to learn as much…

The fourth pillar of effective statistical process control (SPC) is the use of designed experiments used to learn as much as possible from a limited number of experiments, yet remain statistically relevant enough to be useful.

Statistical process control (SPC) allows for continual improvement process (CIP), a method of optimizing a process driven…

Statistical process control (SPC) allows for continual improvement process (CIP), a method of optimizing a process driven by data and statistical methods.

Statistical process control (SPC) is meaningless without the proper collection and analysis of data. For some process…

Statistical process control (SPC) is meaningless without the proper collection and analysis of data. For some process parameters, this is a simple task. But not every part of a process is driven by simple, quantitative parameters.

Learn how statistical process control (SPC) can provide a foundation for decisions used to reduce waste and increase…

Learn how statistical process control (SPC) can provide a foundation for decisions used to reduce waste and increase efficiency in the manufacturing process.

What is laser sensing, how does it work, and what types of laser sensors exist?

What is laser sensing, how does it work, and what types of laser sensors exist?

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.

Safety is of utmost importance in the day-to-day operations of any system, especially a system where humans and machines…

Safety is of utmost importance in the day-to-day operations of any system, especially a system where humans and machines work together. Learn all about Safety Instrumented Systems and what it takes to keep workers safe, and the system running smoothly!

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!

Due to the robust nature of process industries, there is a vast amount of data to read. Remote access can help parse data…

Due to the robust nature of process industries, there is a vast amount of data to read. Remote access can help parse data and has many additional benefits in these industries.

Let’s take a closer look at retrofitting T-cart control with newer technology, such as using laser distance sensors…

Let’s take a closer look at retrofitting T-cart control with newer technology, such as using laser distance sensors versus limit switches.

Learn the differences and similarities between human-machine interface (HMI) and supervisory control and data acquisition…

Learn the differences and similarities between human-machine interface (HMI) and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and how they work together.

Learn about the numerous libraries, toolkits, and interfaces to achieve motor and motion control using LabVIEW.

Learn about the numerous libraries, toolkits, and interfaces to achieve motor and motion control using LabVIEW.

Besides measuring pressure to compare different parts of a process, differential pressure transmitters can also measure…

Besides measuring pressure to compare different parts of a process, differential pressure transmitters can also measure fluid level, volume, and flow.

Learn about specific components used in feedback devices and some of the jargon you may encounter when working with servo…

Learn about specific components used in feedback devices and some of the jargon you may encounter when working with servo motion systems.

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.