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Troubleshooting PLCs and I/O Modules Using Tools and Instruments

When inputs or outputs stop working, the equipment fails to respond and money starts slipping away. Dive into the concept of troubleshooting I/O without ever opening the PLC software.

November 21, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich

Data Flow Tutorial With Mage.ai | Part 1: The Challenge of Data

All of modern industry relies on data. In the first installment of a series showcasing the importance of industrial data movement, we explain the challenge of data flow and build a fault list.

November 13, 2023 by Michael Levanduski

Handling of Power System Data: Engineering Limits and Data Currency

Power systems rely on meaningful data, as do most other processes. Within SCADA environments, individual data points are tracked, compared to limits, and evaluated to obtain current readings.

November 08, 2023 by Munir Ahmad

Create Your Own IIoT Tech Stack Project | Part 6: Node-RED Development

This article will explore the setup of Node-RED, the glue that will serve to connect all of the individual components of the solution that we have created up to this point.

October 26, 2023 by Michael Levanduski

Create Your Own IIoT Tech Stack Project | Part 5: Database Setup

Now that our IIoT project has verified the transmission of an MQTT data payload packet, this next article will explore the setup of an InfluxDB database to store the incoming sensor data.

October 24, 2023 by Michael Levanduski

Troubleshooting TRIAC Outputs For PLC AC Modules

When troubleshooting AC outputs driven by TRIACs, some confusing meter readings can result from the solid state properties of a series circuit. In this article, learn proper troubleshooting techniques.

October 23, 2023 by David Peterson

Create Your Own IIoT Tech Stack Project | Part 3: Commissioning MQTT Broker

Learn to develop an actual IoT solution end to end. Create a Mosquitto MQTT broker for the Raspberry Pi client in order to connect and publish Sense HAT sensor data.

October 17, 2023 by Michael Levanduski

Create Your Own IIoT Tech Stack Project | Part 2: Testing The Data Payload

Learn to develop an actual IoT solution end to end. This second article explains configuration files, testing the edge device publisher script, and viewing the payload using a sandbox subscriber script.

October 15, 2023 by Michael Levanduski

Pulse Frequency Modulation (PFM): It’s Not PWM, But Related

Every so often, a new data format comes along, and we first consider that it might simply be a mistake in typing. Pulse Frequency Modulation (PFM) is not brand new, but still unknown to many engineers.

October 12, 2023 by David Peterson

A Look Inside the Circuit Construction of an NPN and PNP Sensor

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?

October 09, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich

5 Reasons Why Sensors Are Crucial For Modern Manufacturing

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.

October 03, 2023 by Eric Whitley, L2L

Raspberry Pi Sense HAT Joystick Controls and Event-Based Programming

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.

September 24, 2023 by Michael Levanduski

Understanding Fiber Optic’s Role in Photoelectric Sensing

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?

September 21, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich

Raspberry Pi Sensors: Sense HAT Temperature, Pressure, and Humidity

Explore the sensors used to obtain temperature, pressure, and humidity for industrial applications on this value-packed, compact add-on for the Raspberry Pi.

September 17, 2023 by Michael Levanduski

Sense HAT: The Coolest HAT for the Raspberry Pi

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.

September 03, 2023 by Michael Levanduski

A Tale of Two Standards | Comparing Analog Voltage and Current

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?

August 28, 2023 by David Peterson

Three Things About IO-Link Sensors That May Shock You

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.

August 15, 2023 by David Peterson

Wood You Look at That? The Incredible Automation Controlling Lumber Mills

From forest to felling, logging road to mill, finished lumber’s adventure on its way to market is filled with control and automation. Learn about the process from start to finish and how lumber mills ensure the world has access to high-quality lumber thanks to control technology.

August 14, 2023 by David Peterson

Beginner’s Guide to Programmable Encoders

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.

August 03, 2023 by Muhammad Asim Niazi

Examples of Analog Signals in Control Systems

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?

July 25, 2023 by Gunner Scott