Latest Utilities Technical Articles

Categories

IIoT Cyber Attack Vectors and Best Mitigating Practices

IIoT infrastructure is more susceptible to cyber-attacks than legacy infrastructure due to its cloud-based nature; this article covers attack vectors and best mitigating practices.

17 hours ago by Anish Devasia

HMI Troubleshooting and Maintenance

In this article, we cover some of the most common HMI failures and troubleshooting methods.

one day ago by Antonio Armenta

Machine-readable vs. Human-readable Data

Industrial manufacturers use two main data types—machine-readable and human-readable—to analyze for maintenance, monitoring, or other applications.

2 days ago by Muhammad Asim Niazi

Future-proofing and Future Trends in IoT and IIoT

Dive into the importance of future-proofing IoT technologies, and future trends to keep in mind.

3 days ago by Anish Devasia

LabVIEW Architecture: The State Machine

In this article, we show how to use a LabVIEW VI to program a state machine for industrial instrumentation systems.

July 17, 2021 by Seth Price

Addressing Common IIoT Cybersecurity Risks in Industrial Control Systems

Addressing cybersecurity threats introduced by IIoT (industrial internet of things) technology and devices can quickly seem overwhelming. However, an understanding of the risks can lead to some straightforward countermeasures.

July 15, 2021 by Sara McCaslin

Creating and Calling LabVIEW Sub-VIs

When programming large virtual instruments (VIs) in LabVIEW, it may be useful to create and call a sub-VI to enhance readability and delegation.

July 13, 2021 by Seth Price

The Difference Between HMI and SCADA and How They Work Together

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

July 06, 2021 by Antonio Armenta

Designing a LabVIEW Human Machine Interface (HMI) for Increased Safety and Readability

LabVIEW Virtual Instruments (VIs) can simulate tools like multimeters, which are useful for measuring in control systems. Read this article to learn more about designing around possible safety and readability blockers.

July 02, 2021 by Seth Price

The Difference Between Office Networks and Industrial Networks

Although there are many similarities, there are also vast differences between office networks and industrial networks. Find out what those differences are in this article.

July 01, 2021 by Rob Hulsebos

How MQTT is Used for Industrial Automation

Learn about the background and use of message queue telemetry transport (MQTT) in the industrial automation industry.

June 30, 2021 by Anthony King Ho

Field-oriented Control (Vector Control) for Brushless DC Motors

Field-oriented control (FOC), also called vector control, can control three-phase DC motors and stepper motors; read more to learn its advantages, how it works, and its best applications.

June 24, 2021 by Damond Goodwin

CSA vs. UL Certifications

Now that we’ve learned the basics of common certifications like CSA and UL, let’s figure out their similarities and differences.

June 23, 2021 by Muhammad Asim Niazi

Alternate Uses for Differential Pressure Measurements

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

June 22, 2021 by Seth Price

Deep Dive Into Fault Tree Analysis

After learning about the basic events and symbols found within a fault tree, let’s dive through a fault tree analysis (FTA) example, industries that use it, and some software.

June 18, 2021 by Anish Devasia

Introduction to Fault Tree Analysis

Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) can be used in industrial systems to find faults, damages, and predictive maintenance. Learn about FTA's basics.

June 16, 2021 by Anish Devasia

Using Serial Communications in LabVIEW

LabVIEW offers the ability to communicate with most serial-based instruments and devices, including Arduino and Raspberry Pi.

June 13, 2021 by Antonio Armenta

Qualitative vs. Quantitative Risk Assessment

Industrial risk assessments can be qualitative or quantitative; discover which RA best suits your facility’s needs and why.

June 10, 2021 by Muhammad Asim Niazi

Understanding Analog Versus Digital Signals in Control Systems

Start to understand the difference between analog and digital communications, and read a few examples of how analog, digital, and discrete signals can be used in a control system.

May 24, 2021 by David Peterson

Understanding Mathematical Units for Electric Troubleshooting in Industrial Environments

A previous article mentions various electrical units used in troubleshooting techniques. This article expands on those and discusses some additional units that engineers may need to know.

May 12, 2021 by David Peterson