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How to Use Analog to Digital Converters in a Control System

How to Use Analog to Digital Converters in a Control System

Using an ADC can be very useful when dealing with analog devices in microprocessors, and a necessity when adding analog devices to an industrial controller. But once you connect the hardware - what next?


Dynamic Braking Resistors for Motor Control Applications

Dynamic Braking Resistors for Motor Control Applications

Large DC and AC motor drives often provide terminals for installing a braking resistor. What are these resistors, and how do they slow down a machine? What hazards and cautions must be considered?


Replacing a Control Cabinet with Modules? Beckhoff Says Yes!

Replacing a Control Cabinet with Modules? Beckhoff Says Yes!

Beckhoff Automation is advancing the concept of reducing cabinet space and lowering construction time with their recently announced MX-System.


News Apr 21, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich
Introduction to Safety Relays

Introduction to Safety Relays

Redundancy and safety are often seen together in industrial safety systems. Safety relays monitor emergency devices to switch contacts based on status - but what makes them different from normal relays?


How-To: Programming with IO-Link Devices

How-To: Programming with IO-Link Devices

Advanced features such as programmable limits, diagnostics, and remote configuration are available with IO-Link devices. Learn how to connect an example IO-Link block into an actual PLC project.


Info Byte: Preventing Relay Burnout with Flyback Diodes

Info Byte: Preventing Relay Burnout with Flyback Diodes

Inductive loads, such as solenoids and contactors, can cause arcs and failures back into electromechanical switching devices, causing costly downtime. The solution is cheaper than you think.


Combating That Killer of Industrial Pneumatic Systems - Water

Combating That Killer of Industrial Pneumatic Systems - Water

Moisture inside industrial pneumatic systems is a major cause for concern, and if the air is not filtered or dried properly, it can lead to serious failures.


Choosing The Right Cables for Industrial Automation

Choosing The Right Cables for Industrial Automation

Industrial automation is only possible when the various system components can communicate with each other using physical cable connections. In this article, learn about some of the most popular communication cables and connectors used in the industry.


Antaira Technologies Releases Managed Switches with Industrial M12 Interface

Antaira Technologies Releases Managed Switches with Industrial M12 Interface

Antaira Technologies has recently expanded its industrial networking infrastructure product line with the introduction of new managed switches.


Comparing Industrial Ethernet Protocols

Comparing Industrial Ethernet Protocols

This article reviews and compares some of the most prominent industrial Ethernet protocols.


Lock-out-tag-out (LOTO) Devices for Industrial Safety

Lock-out-tag-out (LOTO) Devices for Industrial Safety

One of the most visible elements of industrial safety is the use of lock-out-tag-out (LOTO) devices, familiar to those with experience. But, if you are new to the workforce, a brief introduction may be helpful.


TSN Ethernet Switches Enable Lower Latency Data Traffic Flows

TSN Ethernet Switches Enable Lower Latency Data Traffic Flows

Microchip Technology’s new family of switches increases the reliability of networks with higher speed components and Time-Sensitive Networking protocol conformity.


News Feb 14, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich
Process Noise Sources and How to Fix Them

Process Noise Sources and How to Fix Them

Noise signal sources occur primarily from radiofrequency interference (RFI), often in the form of impulse functions or arcing. How do you mitigate process noise from your control system?


FANUC Introduces Educational Package Combining Machine Tool and Cobot Technologies

FANUC Introduces Educational Package Combining Machine Tool and Cobot Technologies

FANUC provides educational resources and pathways to bridge the skills gap for the future of industrial automation and manufacturing.


News Jan 26, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida
An Overview of Power Over Ethernet (PoE) and Its Use in Industrial Applications

An Overview of Power Over Ethernet (PoE) and Its Use in Industrial Applications

What is Power over Ethernet (PoE), how does it work, and how can industrial facilities benefit?


Introduction to Smart Sensors

Introduction to Smart Sensors

Smart sensors differ from traditional sensors in that they offer benefits such as self-diagnostics, simplified wiring and communication, and more efficient remote monitoring.


Introduction to Photoelectric Sensors

Introduction to Photoelectric Sensors

Sensing objects is a tricky business because of the many variables in light, surface texture, distance, color, and other factors. Learn how a photo sensor works!


POSITAL Debuts New Products Including Encoders and Measurement Devices

POSITAL Debuts New Products Including Encoders and Measurement Devices

POSITAL recently added to their encoders, measurement display, and Wiegand sensors for implantable devices.


News Dec 15, 2021 by Shawn Dietrich
ODVA Enhances Ethernet/IP Specification to Support New Ethernet-APL in Process Automation

ODVA Enhances Ethernet/IP Specification to Support New Ethernet-APL in Process Automation

What is Ethernet-APL, and how could it help combine Ethernet protocols and expand their capabilities?


News Dec 08, 2021 by Shawn Dietrich
How Remote Access is Advancing in the Process Industries

How Remote Access is Advancing in the Process Industries

Due to the robust nature of process industries, there is a vast amount of data to read. Remote access can help parse data and has many additional benefits in these industries.