Latest Sensors Technical Articles

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.

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?

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.

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.

Learn about force control in robots and what sets it apart from typical point-to-point programming. This feedback method…

Learn about force control in robots and what sets it apart from typical point-to-point programming. This feedback method can overcome many small irregularities in manufacturing processes.

In this instrumentation and control (I&C) article, we will explore the fundamental terminology and concepts used when…

In this instrumentation and control (I&C) article, we will explore the fundamental terminology and concepts used when working with industrial plants.

Whether using industrial DIN-rail DC power supplies or linear power supplies for motors, these devices all have the…

Whether using industrial DIN-rail DC power supplies or linear power supplies for motors, these devices all have the potential to fail. Although there can be several root causes, there are a few simple methods of testing a power supply.

Discover how digital and analog industrial joysticks can provide crucial precision in sectors like manufacturing and…

Discover how digital and analog industrial joysticks can provide crucial precision in sectors like manufacturing and industrial automation, used mainly for motion control applications.

Industrial sensor applications face challenges of digital or analog, NPN or PNP, normally closed and normally open, but…

Industrial sensor applications face challenges of digital or analog, NPN or PNP, normally closed and normally open, but for optical sensors, the terms “light-on” and “dark-on” must also be understood.

A shunt resistor connects in series with a load to measure the high current in the DC circuit. Using Ohm's law, the…

A shunt resistor connects in series with a load to measure the high current in the DC circuit. Using Ohm's law, the current value can be calculated by measuring the voltage across the shunt.

Have you ever disassembled a motor and wondered how it rotates? Throughout this article, we’ll discuss electromagnetic…

Have you ever disassembled a motor and wondered how it rotates? Throughout this article, we’ll discuss electromagnetic induction and how magnetic fields can be utilized to generate motion.

The simple tasks can lead to the most failures. Basic practices in the wiring assembly stages of a project can lead to…

The simple tasks can lead to the most failures. Basic practices in the wiring assembly stages of a project can lead to long-term success or haunting tales of intermittent yet persistent failures.

The SLC 500 PLC family dominated automation control for well over thirty years and now, with the recent discontinuation…

The SLC 500 PLC family dominated automation control for well over thirty years and now, with the recent discontinuation of most of the series, we look at the differences between SLC and modern Logix PLCs.