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Ladder Logic: It’s Not Just Digital Electrical Prints Anymore

Ladder Logic: It’s Not Just Digital Electrical Prints Anymore

Ladder logic is the legendary industrial graphical programming language that once resembled electrical drawings, but it has advanced far beyond a collection of digital electrical symbols.


Your Plant Floor: Can Diagnose Issues in Seconds, But Fix in Days

Your Plant Floor: Can Diagnose Issues in Seconds, But Fix in Days

Edge devices can spot plant problems fast but rarely fix them. Keep MQTT as the device interface and add a NATS backbone for local storage, two-way commands, and autonomous recovery.


How to Use AI Without Exposing Engineering Data

How to Use AI Without Exposing Engineering Data

As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into engineering workflows, we must also pay attention to important questions around data security, privacy, and governance.


When Testing Data Can’t Be Trusted: The Role of Calibration in Automated QC

When Testing Data Can’t Be Trusted: The Role of Calibration in Automated QC

The accuracy of many automated manufacturing systems can be verified simply by visual inspection or built-in alarms. However, quality control systems rely on a traceable process of calibration.


What Does the UL508 Say About Wiring Connections?

What Does the UL508 Say About Wiring Connections?

Wire nuts? Soldering? Terminal blocks? Learn what the UL508 standard says about the acceptable types of wiring connections for industrial control panels.


Simple Connection: Driving Standard I/O With IO-Link

Simple Connection: Driving Standard I/O With IO-Link

Sometimes switching to a new network protocol means updating all of the devices to this new standard, just so they all communicate. Fortunately, IO-Link includes simple connections baked right in.


Engineering Around AI Hallucinations

Engineering Around AI Hallucinations

AI has a reputation for reporting incorrect facts and making faulty assumptions, all with an attitude of confidence. Learn to identify those situations that require extra care and verification.


Tutorial: Commissioning a Balluff BNI IO-Link Master

Tutorial: Commissioning a Balluff BNI IO-Link Master

IO-Link is regarded as a robust field-level network that adds tremendous sensing capability beyond standard analog and digital I/O. Yet it can be difficult to set up. Here’s a guide.


AI-Generated Code: To Trust or To Verify?

AI-Generated Code: To Trust or To Verify?

AI is a hot topic across nearly all facets of modern life. In control engineering, AI can save time, or it can ruin a project. The difference lies in understanding what’s happening under the hood.


The Right Controller: Comparing Industrial PCs and PLCs

The Right Controller: Comparing Industrial PCs and PLCs

This article offers a brief review of controllers: their use through history and an analysis of factors to consider when deciding what to use.


Automated Water Management Safeguards the Suds for a Rural Coin Laundry

Automated Water Management Safeguards the Suds for a Rural Coin Laundry

Suds-n-Duds is a staple for local Atmore, AL residents. It's critical to protect the washing machines with a system that monitors well pressure while automatically switching and flushing the municipal supply.


Introduction to Allen-Bradley PowerFlex Drives With Ethernet/IP

Introduction to Allen-Bradley PowerFlex Drives With Ethernet/IP

An overview of the Allen-Bradley PowerFlex variable frequency drive with Ethernet/IP protocol: features, wiring diagrams, and parameterization methods.


Understanding the Devices Used in Remote Industrial Networking

Understanding the Devices Used in Remote Industrial Networking

Industrial gateways provide secure, reliable connections to OT infrastructure from the outside world, but the options can be overwhelming. Follow along as we dive into the world of gateways.


Remote Industrial Equipment Connections: Benefits and Risks

Remote Industrial Equipment Connections: Benefits and Risks

Connecting to equipment remotely can save time and travel expenses. It is a powerful tool, but with great power comes great responsibility.


Reversing Motor Contactors: Interlocking Methods That Prevent Short-Circuits

Reversing Motor Contactors: Interlocking Methods That Prevent Short-Circuits

Installing a reversing contactor is only half the project; ensuring safety and reliable performance under load is a top priority for motor control designs.


The One Where A Modbus Output is Controlled by Two PLCs

The One Where A Modbus Output is Controlled by Two PLCs

Get ready for a control-themed roller coaster ride, pitting two PLCs against one Modbus I/O rack, and you might be shocked at the results: Who will win… And who will lose?


Compressed Air Control Systems: Where Efficiency Is Really Won or Lost

Compressed Air Control Systems: Where Efficiency Is Really Won or Lost

Compressed air is a standard industrial fixture, but it can be expensive when years of improper maintenance and servicing finally catch up. But what can be done to prevent these rising costs?


Networking Tutorial: Connect and Configure a Mitsubishi iQ-F PLC

Networking Tutorial: Connect and Configure a Mitsubishi iQ-F PLC

Learn how to configure the connection for a Mitsubishi FX5UC controller over Ethernet using GX Works 3.


Parallel Loading: Driving Multiple Motors From a Single VFD

Parallel Loading: Driving Multiple Motors From a Single VFD

When motors drive in parallel from a single main power source, do they each need an individual VFD? Check out why this is useful in some cases, and take note of some necessary precautions.


The Journey of Data From Motor to Maintenance

The Journey of Data From Motor to Maintenance

Predictive maintenance brings real cost and time savings, but there can be a lot of confusion when setting up a system. Control.com talks to the experts at NORD, a motor specialist, to learn more.