Most engineers are familiar with the basic control system terms of sinking and sourcing, or the NPN and PNP terms from which they are derived. But how exactly do…
Most engineers are familiar with the basic control system terms of sinking and sourcing, or the NPN and PNP terms from which they are derived. But how exactly do those transistors play a role in inputs or outputs?
Data has become the currency that enables operational excellence. Sensors are the key links, acting as the eyes and ears…
Data has become the currency that enables operational excellence. Sensors are the key links, acting as the eyes and ears of modern manufacturing units by providing real-time data on machine performance.
Have you ever needed to know the temperature, pressure, flow, or other measurement on location, but the readout is way…
Have you ever needed to know the temperature, pressure, flow, or other measurement on location, but the readout is way off in the control room? Here’s an easy way to add a readout in the field.
Taking web-based HMI design from a simulated project to the real-world environment. Part 1 introduces tag instances and…
Taking web-based HMI design from a simulated project to the real-world environment. Part 1 introduces tag instances and attributes.
The Raspberry Pi 4 Sense HAT add-on can be used to control output events based on feedback from sensors, and the built-in…
The Raspberry Pi 4 Sense HAT add-on can be used to control output events based on feedback from sensors, and the built-in joystick can be used to trigger those events.
Photoelectric sensors and fiber optic sensors are very similar in a lot of ways, but which one is superior in function…
Photoelectric sensors and fiber optic sensors are very similar in a lot of ways, but which one is superior in function and durability, and under what conditions might one be preferred?
Explore the sensors used to obtain temperature, pressure, and humidity for industrial applications on this value-packed,…
Explore the sensors used to obtain temperature, pressure, and humidity for industrial applications on this value-packed, compact add-on for the Raspberry Pi.
This top-mount accessory for the Raspberry Pi offers various capabilities at a low cost, perfect for analyzing and…
This top-mount accessory for the Raspberry Pi offers various capabilities at a low cost, perfect for analyzing and solving problems related to vibration, temperature, humidity, and others.
Analog voltage and current are the dominating standards for industrial technology. Is one format better than the other?…
Analog voltage and current are the dominating standards for industrial technology. Is one format better than the other? And if so, why do both signal types still exist in modern systems?
Control.com’s Director of Engineering got to explore IO-Link sensors and what he found might surprise you! Although…
Control.com’s Director of Engineering got to explore IO-Link sensors and what he found might surprise you! Although still considered an “emerging” technology, it’s clear IO-Link technology boasts several bonafide benefits over traditional sensors.
Understanding the building blocks of s-domain analysis and magnitude response theory can go a long way in helping…
Understanding the building blocks of s-domain analysis and magnitude response theory can go a long way in helping engineers predict how and why some system design choices are made over others.
Triggering a machine by an external event often requires a pulse timer for OpenPLC Pulse Timer control. Here’s a brief…
Triggering a machine by an external event often requires a pulse timer for OpenPLC Pulse Timer control. Here’s a brief tutorial on how an M5Stack Core can offer a simple, effective low-cost Arduino OpenPLC HMI solution.
Programmable encoders provide engineers real flexibility to adjust process parameters. From operating theory to…
Programmable encoders provide engineers real flexibility to adjust process parameters. From operating theory to programming methods, here’s everything you need to know to begin leveraging these handy devices.
What are these terms, PLC, PAC, RTU, DCS, SCADA? Why are they so important to industrial robotics and automation? Explore…
What are these terms, PLC, PAC, RTU, DCS, SCADA? Why are they so important to industrial robotics and automation? Explore how each different piece functions to build a comprehensive automated system.
Many articles address the wiring and implementation of analog control signals, but where are they used, and what might…
Many articles address the wiring and implementation of analog control signals, but where are they used, and what might make them a better (or perhaps worse) decision than digital input/output devices?
Digital signals hold a prominent position due to their compatibility with computers. But what are digital signals, and…
Digital signals hold a prominent position due to their compatibility with computers. But what are digital signals, and what are some examples of the various devices used with digital inputs and outputs?
Rockwell Automation’s Micro800 series is the modern replacement for some older MicroLogix PLCs. Learn how to get…
Rockwell Automation’s Micro800 series is the modern replacement for some older MicroLogix PLCs. Learn how to get started with basic I/O, plus timers and counters, to build your own programs in a snap!
I could run down to the local box store or internet marketplace and buy a 5-port switch for less than 20 dollars, or…
I could run down to the local box store or internet marketplace and buy a 5-port switch for less than 20 dollars, or invest in an industrial switch for hundreds. Why would I choose the industrial switch?
Force compensators and force compliance end effectors can expand the capabilities of traditional robotics to reach into…
Force compensators and force compliance end effectors can expand the capabilities of traditional robotics to reach into difficult processes, ranging from grinding and alignment to precision measurement.
Implementing PID control in a PLC is far more complicated than textbooks would make it appear. There is more to the…
Implementing PID control in a PLC is far more complicated than textbooks would make it appear. There is more to the process than simply picking gain (k) values and calculating an output value.
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