We usually think of joysticks in terms of video game controllers, but they exist in all kinds of industrial systems: heavy equipment, overhead cranes, and even…
We usually think of joysticks in terms of video game controllers, but they exist in all kinds of industrial systems: heavy equipment, overhead cranes, and even some robotic controls. But how do they work?
Variable control allows external conditions, like temperature, to be monitored so the controller can activate devices to…
Variable control allows external conditions, like temperature, to be monitored so the controller can activate devices to heat or cool the system as needed. Simulate a temp controller with low-cost components!
Designing, installing, and maintaining control systems involves a lot of wires. Each wire has a purpose, often indicated…
Designing, installing, and maintaining control systems involves a lot of wires. Each wire has a purpose, often indicated by the color of the insulation. But what are the common colors, and what do they mean?
Limit switches are electromechanical devices that open or close contacts when external pressure is applied to an…
Limit switches are electromechanical devices that open or close contacts when external pressure is applied to an actuator. This solves a simple problem faced by motion devices: limiting movement
Phoenix Contact's CAPAROC electronic circuit breaker system now includes modules fit for hazardous locations, with a…
Phoenix Contact's CAPAROC electronic circuit breaker system now includes modules fit for hazardous locations, with a Class I, Division 2 rating for North America and triple rating for use across the globe.
ABB has improved its miniature circuit breaker (MCB) technology nearly 100 years after ABB first launched the technology.…
ABB has improved its miniature circuit breaker (MCB) technology nearly 100 years after ABB first launched the technology. The new generation of MCBs is designed for greater efficiency, performance, and ease of use.
Advantech has designed its latest control console, the IPC-320 compact tower, with IoT capabilities in mind, giving end…
Advantech has designed its latest control console, the IPC-320 compact tower, with IoT capabilities in mind, giving end users greater functionality in a small, space-saving design.
Motor control is accomplished by circuit devices from simple contactors to complex frequency drive systems. Rockwell…
Motor control is accomplished by circuit devices from simple contactors to complex frequency drive systems. Rockwell Automation recently added a host of new features and upgrades to common product lines.
Emerson aims to increase efficiency in the process industry via its new line of aluminum filter regulators that come as…
Emerson aims to increase efficiency in the process industry via its new line of aluminum filter regulators that come as part of a single-source supply for valve piloting systems.
Track energy data and monitor trends remotely with ABB’s new SmartTracker software and hardware solution to monitor UPS…
Track energy data and monitor trends remotely with ABB’s new SmartTracker software and hardware solution to monitor UPS system health, operation, and optimization from a secure, cloud-based platform.
Learn about the history, framework, and current uses of the Open Platform Communications United Architecture (OPC UA)…
Learn about the history, framework, and current uses of the Open Platform Communications United Architecture (OPC UA) communication protocol in industrial automation.
The subject of grounding in electronics is broad and complex, spanning across a variety of functions and objectives. In…
The subject of grounding in electronics is broad and complex, spanning across a variety of functions and objectives. In this article, we will investigate the applications and regulation of grounding in control systems on a fundamental level.
Field-oriented control (FOC), also called vector control, can control 3-phase alternating current motors and brushless DC…
Field-oriented control (FOC), also called vector control, can control 3-phase alternating current motors and brushless DC motors. Read more to learn its advantages, how it works, and its best applications.
Schaffner has added the option of an advanced human-machine interface (HMI) to their existing Ecosine Active Sync…
Schaffner has added the option of an advanced human-machine interface (HMI) to their existing Ecosine Active Sync harmonic filter solution to increase client control and ease of use.
Large motors require a circuit to turn on and off. This may be as simple as a single on/off drum-type switch or as…
Large motors require a circuit to turn on and off. This may be as simple as a single on/off drum-type switch or as elaborate as a VFD unit. Learn about some common control circuit designs for typical three-phase motor requirements.
EMC-compliant panels are an excellent first step in reducing electromagnetic interference from industrial control…
EMC-compliant panels are an excellent first step in reducing electromagnetic interference from industrial control systems. Learn about some features of electromagnetic compatibility in panels.
The choice to ground or float a power supply is not always clear in the NEC. This article explains floating or fixing a…
The choice to ground or float a power supply is not always clear in the NEC. This article explains floating or fixing a DC supply with respect to ground and how circuits can be functionally constructed both ways.
Using symbols instead of text provides a fast and effective way to describe an electrical system. Learn about the what,…
Using symbols instead of text provides a fast and effective way to describe an electrical system. Learn about the what, when, where, and why of commonly used electrical symbols from the perspective of a controls engineer.
ABB introduces a retrofit program to replace aging protection devices with new multi-function devices. The program…
ABB introduces a retrofit program to replace aging protection devices with new multi-function devices. The program promises to extend the lifespan of switchgears and future-proof equipment for an ever-expanding electrical grid.
Uninterruptible power supplies are beneficial in applications where a consistent power supply protects and operates…
Uninterruptible power supplies are beneficial in applications where a consistent power supply protects and operates sensitive electrical equipment. Traco’s latest TIB-240BCMU module can turn a normal AC/DC power supply into an operable UPS system.
Facebook
Google
GitHub
Linkedin