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Control System Process Data Archiving: Strategy and Methodology

Control System Process Data Archiving: Strategy and Methodology

Data stored in a historian server is useful for analysis and troubleshooting. Learn about data archiving techniques for control systems, as well as what type of data is stored and the tools to make it happen.


PLC Discrete Outputs

PLC Discrete Outputs

Programmable Logic Controllers, or PLCs, are designed to receive signals and influence load devices automatically. Learn how to connect and program discrete output devices like solenoids, relays, and lights.


NEW Control Automation PLC Video - Discrete PLC Outputs

NEW Control Automation PLC Video - Discrete PLC Outputs

We are excited to release the next tutorial video from our own Control Automation studio. Join us on Thursday, January 5th at 11am ET/8am PT to kick off the new year with a live Q&A from the video author and engineer.


News Jan 04, 2023 by David Peterson
The Technology Battle: Smaller PLCs vs Larger PLCs

The Technology Battle: Smaller PLCs vs Larger PLCs

Is it worth considering the swap from large, bulky PLCs to smaller, compact micro PLCs, saving space in your electrical cabinets, while also reducing complex code to cleaner condensed programs?


News Jan 04, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Arduino PLC IDE Tutorial 2: Analog I/O and External Devices

Arduino PLC IDE Tutorial 2: Analog I/O and External Devices

Previously, we described how to use the new Arduino PLC IDE to control discrete devices. This tutorial will describe how to connect various peripheral equipment (VFD and robot) using analog inputs and outputs.


 Reducing Downtime in Energy Management with Latest Industrial Gateways

Reducing Downtime in Energy Management with Latest Industrial Gateways

Moxa’s latest industrial gateways, the AIG-100 Series, aim to simplify remote data transfer between IIoT devices and are especially targeted for increasing communication efficiency in renewable energy systems.


News Jan 03, 2023 by Seth Price
Power Supplies: Understanding the Differences Between Linear and Switching

Power Supplies: Understanding the Differences Between Linear and Switching

Linear and switch-mode power supplies provide direct current to power control components and electrical devices. Learn about the differences between the two power supplies and which one is best for your control system.


Material Manufacturing: New Weld Wire Reduces Failures from Hydrogen Damage

Material Manufacturing: New Weld Wire Reduces Failures from Hydrogen Damage

Material manufacturing and process system industries rely on strong materials and assemblies that can withstand harsh environments and conditions. One new weld process can reduce failures and provide security for long-lasting mechanical fixtures.


News Dec 30, 2022 by Seth Price
Robot Motion Command Types: Understanding Linear, Joint, and Arc Movement

Robot Motion Command Types: Understanding Linear, Joint, and Arc Movement

Programming robots may seem like a simple task of moving from point to point, like a really expensive game of Connect the Dots. Linear, joint, and circular motion commands affect robot movement differently, each meant to be used in certain settings.


Electronic Datasheet (EDS) Files: Why do We Use Them?

Electronic Datasheet (EDS) Files: Why do We Use Them?

Many control product manufacturers offer these downloadable ‘EDS files’ for peripheral equipment, but what exactly is an EDS, and how can they aid in the development of a project?


Rockwell Expands Support and Features for Studio 5000

Rockwell Expands Support and Features for Studio 5000

Rockwell Automation released a new version of Studio 5000 Logix Designer with process automation in the spotlight. Industry 4.0 and digital twin features have also been added.


News Dec 27, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich
Teardown: What’s Inside a Timer Relay?

Teardown: What’s Inside a Timer Relay?

PLCs and microprocessors have largely replaced timing functions in control circuits. But these timer relays still hold many necessary tasks. What’s inside these devices might be more complex than you imagined!


Snowbotics: Paving the Way for a Shovel-free Holiday

Snowbotics: Paving the Way for a Shovel-free Holiday

With snow piling up in many parts of the world this holiday season, the use of robotic and autonomous technologies are being used to pave the way on driveways and runways for a shovel-free snow season.


News Dec 23, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida
Holiday Woes? Robotic and Automation Technologies Can Help!

Holiday Woes? Robotic and Automation Technologies Can Help!

Crying loud for all to hear? For many, holidays can be a stressful time. Luckily, you can ease your woes with the help of the latest robotic and automation technologies to get gifts under the tree and cookies on the table.


News Dec 22, 2022 by Caitlin Nicholson
How To: Use the Arduino PLC IDE to Build Basic Ladder Diagrams

How To: Use the Arduino PLC IDE to Build Basic Ladder Diagrams

Following the release of the official Arduino PLC IDE, this tutorial will introduce programming and understanding of the function blocks common to all IEC 61131 languages, starting with bit commands, timers, and counters.


Meet SWIFTI, the “First” Industrial Cobot

Meet SWIFTI, the “First” Industrial Cobot

ABB looks to bridge the gap between industrial and collaborative robotics, resulting in the new SWIFTI CRB 1300 'industrial cobot,' capable of higher speeds and payloads than traditional cobots in its class.


News Dec 20, 2022 by Damond Goodwin
Introducing the “Smallest PLC Ever” to the Market

Introducing the “Smallest PLC Ever” to the Market

Crouzet introduces the "slimmest PLC" to the industrial automation market. At only 17.5mm wide, the Millennium Slim is changing the way we think about control automation topology.


News Dec 19, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich
Teardown: What’s Inside a DC Servo Motor?

Teardown: What’s Inside a DC Servo Motor?

We know that servo motors are found inside machines that rely on precise motion with feedback to verify proper operation, but how do they work, and what makes them different from any other kind of motor?


Beyond the Factory Floor—Robots for the Retail Sector

Beyond the Factory Floor—Robots for the Retail Sector

DOBOT has launched its Nova Series of collaborative robots for the area of retail to help with customer-oriented tasks like coffee making and physical therapy.


News Dec 16, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida
Counters with OpenPLC: Count Down Instructions on an Arduino Project Kit

Counters with OpenPLC: Count Down Instructions on an Arduino Project Kit

Counting is a fundamental task for any process controller. Learn how to implement a PLC counter instruction (CTD) with an Arduino or compatible board using the OpenPLC Ladder Diagram (LD) platform.