Today’s manufacturers, whether discreet or process-oriented, must find new and innovative ways to increase efficiency, flexibility and speed to market, while guaranteeing quality and safety. They need to be agile and digital — one step ahead of the curve and two steps ahead of the status quo.
Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) are designed as an endlessly-looping program, examining all lines of code as…
Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) are designed as an endlessly-looping program, examining all lines of code as rapidly as possible. Following are a few critical tips for…
Programming simple coil and contact commands is an easy matter in most PLC IDEs. Connecting and configuring analog inputs…
Programming simple coil and contact commands is an easy matter in most PLC IDEs. Connecting and configuring analog inputs can be more challenging with various bit resolutions…
Analog outputs are a special signal with a wider current or voltage range, in contrast with a limited discrete on/off…
Analog outputs are a special signal with a wider current or voltage range, in contrast with a limited discrete on/off output. These signals are used to control or set parameters…
The S7-1200 is one of Siemens’ most popular PLC options for relatively small automation projects. Learn how to use the…
The S7-1200 is one of Siemens’ most popular PLC options for relatively small automation projects. Learn how to use the Totally Integrated Automation Portal to design simple…
Despite the many overlaps, PLCs and RTUs are two different devices, each with specific suitable applications.
Despite the many overlaps, PLCs and RTUs are two different devices, each with specific suitable applications.
Software obsolescence poses a threat in industrial automation equal to hardware obsolescence and should not be…
Software obsolescence poses a threat in industrial automation equal to hardware obsolescence and should not be overlooked. Many PLC OEMs offer tools to migrate upgraded software…
Configuring analog signals into usable digital quantities is accomplished by scaling function inside the PLC, which,…
Configuring analog signals into usable digital quantities is accomplished by scaling function inside the PLC, which, along with analog signal wiring, is important to understand.
One of the most considerable risks in aging control environments is that eventually, spare parts become obsolete and…
One of the most considerable risks in aging control environments is that eventually, spare parts become obsolete and unavailable, and the lack of an upgrade plan can turn a…
The timer is a fundamental function of ladder logic programming. In this article, we discuss on- and off-delay as well as…
The timer is a fundamental function of ladder logic programming. In this article, we discuss on- and off-delay as well as retentive timers and define the inputs and outputs…
In this first of an upcoming series, we investigate Siemens as a major PLC manufacturer, learning about the hardware,…
In this first of an upcoming series, we investigate Siemens as a major PLC manufacturer, learning about the hardware, software, and key applications of each product lineup.
AC motors are common throughout industry - easily controlled by VFDs and without the maintenance that comes with DC…
AC motors are common throughout industry - easily controlled by VFDs and without the maintenance that comes with DC brushes. So then, why are DC motors still used in certain…
This article reviews and compares some of the most prominent industrial Ethernet protocols.
This article reviews and compares some of the most prominent industrial Ethernet protocols.
In this article, learn about the key features and benefits of some of the most popular PLM applications in the market.
In this article, learn about the key features and benefits of some of the most popular PLM applications in the market.
Learn the definition of PLM and the stages of a product's lifecycle from initial concept design to final phaseout.
Learn the definition of PLM and the stages of a product's lifecycle from initial concept design to final phaseout.
This article teaches the basics of gateways in industrial networks and PLC-to-PLC communication.
This article teaches the basics of gateways in industrial networks and PLC-to-PLC communication.
Learn the basics of connecting multiple PLCs to an HMI using various data types.
Learn the basics of connecting multiple PLCs to an HMI using various data types.
Learn about computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and how it is used in various sectors across the manufacturing industry.
Learn about computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and how it is used in various sectors across the manufacturing industry.
Motors drive all sorts of processes in a facility. Depending on the application, which motor starter is best suited for…
Motors drive all sorts of processes in a facility. Depending on the application, which motor starter is best suited for your needs?
With the adoption of digital transformation and industry 4.0, conveyors are becoming smarter. This article examines smart…
With the adoption of digital transformation and industry 4.0, conveyors are becoming smarter. This article examines smart conveyor systems and what makes them “smart.”
Micro PLCs are quite similar to their larger PLC brethren. What are the major differences, advantages, and disadvantages…
Micro PLCs are quite similar to their larger PLC brethren. What are the major differences, advantages, and disadvantages of micro PLCs?
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