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Fundamentals of Grounding in Industrial Automation and Control Systems

Fundamentals of Grounding in Industrial Automation and Control Systems

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.


Understanding RS232 Serial Communication Message Formats

Understanding RS232 Serial Communication Message Formats

There are many settings and configurations to consider when using RS232 devices. This article breaks down this communication standard and explains how to send messages from one device to another.


Rugged and Reliable: Belden Unveils Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) Portfolio

Rugged and Reliable: Belden Unveils Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) Portfolio

Belden’s Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) devices provide users reliable and fast network connection for safe and efficient operation and are designed to survive rugged environments while using less material.


News Jan 25, 2023 by Seth Price
Safety Devices - The When, How, and Why

Safety Devices - The When, How, and Why

Machine safety design can be a daunting task with all the different safety devices on the market today. Choosing the correct device for your design can be made easier by understanding when to use the proper device.


Comparing Parallel Circuits: Practical vs Theoretical Electrical Systems

Comparing Parallel Circuits: Practical vs Theoretical Electrical Systems

We are taught that parallel circuits maintain equal voltage across all branch resistors, equally sharing the source voltage. But reality is often far from ideal, and individual devices certainly impact the rest of the circuit.


Differences Between a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and a Remote Terminal Unit (RTU)

Differences Between a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and a Remote Terminal Unit (RTU)

Despite the many overlaps, PLCs and RTUs are two different devices, each with specific suitable applications.


Electromechanical Integration Using Fusion 360

Electromechanical Integration Using Fusion 360

Nearly every electronic product depends on the unity of electrical components and PCBs with physical enclosures and parts. Learn how Autodesk’s Fusion 360 offers a complete solution for electromechanical integration and design.


What You Need to Know: Unmanaged Switches for Industrial Ethernet

What You Need to Know: Unmanaged Switches for Industrial Ethernet

Network switches allow the interconnection of devices and controllers across a facility, with particular features that make them a good fit for industrial applications. We introduce a few of the leading manufacturers of these products.


Schaffner’s Unique Locking Plug Prevents Accidental Unplugging

Schaffner’s Unique Locking Plug Prevents Accidental Unplugging

Schaffner releases new power connector, expanding on their IEC lock connector offerings to prevent accidental unplugging and for reducing electrical noise.


News Sep 07, 2022 by Seth Price
Advanced Energy Unveils Latest Additions to TEGAM 700 Series Bond Meters

Advanced Energy Unveils Latest Additions to TEGAM 700 Series Bond Meters

Advanced Energy has released two new bond meters, the TEGAM 720A and TEGAM 730A, to measure electrical bonding between devices for the aerospace, automotive, and renewable energy industries.


News Sep 01, 2022 by Seth Price
Easier Signal Connections With New Banner Junction Blocks

Easier Signal Connections With New Banner Junction Blocks

Merging shared signals has been the job of terminal strips and junction boxes since the early days of electrical systems. Banner Engineering’s new molded junction blocks ease the process for assembling and troubleshooting.


News Aug 29, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich
Thermocouple Types: Which One Is Right For You?

Thermocouple Types: Which One Is Right For You?

There are many considerations when selecting a thermocouple type. In this article, we look at the advantages, and limitations, of the eight standard thermocouples and various installation considerations.


The Annual EETech Engineering Survey of 2022

The Annual EETech Engineering Survey of 2022

The quality of content from our educational site comes from understanding our audience and your needs. Help give us the best snapshot of today’s control industry, along with a free chance to win one of several Amazon card prizes!


News Aug 09, 2022 by David Peterson
Grounding for Control Transformers

Grounding for Control Transformers

Grounding transformer connections presents its own set of challenges. This article addresses these challenges and several common configurations for control transformer grounding.


Finally: Phoenix Contact Unveils XTV Push-in Connector Type Suitable for Stranded Wire

Finally: Phoenix Contact Unveils XTV Push-in Connector Type Suitable for Stranded Wire

Three main terminal block styles have dominated the control landscape: screw-down, spring-clamp, and push-in. Although this last style speeds up troubleshooting and installation, it has been a challenge to accept stranded wires, until now.


News Aug 02, 2022 by David Peterson
Negative Effects of Grounding (Earthing) a DC Power Supply

Negative Effects of Grounding (Earthing) a DC Power Supply

DC voltage systems exist to provide controllers and field devices with stable power, but it is not always clear when these systems should be bonded with the earth ground of the AC line voltage supply.


Working With Legacy Systems—Why Use Serial to Ethernet Converters?

Working With Legacy Systems—Why Use Serial to Ethernet Converters?

One common challenge when working with legacy control systems is establishing communication with old devices that use old protocols like RS232 and RS485. Learn about the importance of converting from serial to Ethernet.


Configuring a Network With Pneumatic Valve Manifolds

Configuring a Network With Pneumatic Valve Manifolds

There are many distributed fieldbus capabilities for valve manifolds that can save on network overhead and wiring. In this article, we will look at PLC programming of fieldbus manifolds highlighting Festo's CPX layout.


A How-to Guide to Control Automation Day 2022

A How-to Guide to Control Automation Day 2022

Welcome to Control Automation Day 2022—Control.com’s digital-only event for engineers! Here is your guide to navigating the keynote addresses, live educational sessions, and exciting giveaways from your favorite manufacturers!


News Jun 20, 2022 by David Peterson
Industrial Cabling Solutions: HELUKABEL Acquires EKD and Sangel

Industrial Cabling Solutions: HELUKABEL Acquires EKD and Sangel

HELUKABEL adds EKD Systems and Sangel Systemtechnik to its network to become a complete electrical connection system solution provider.


News May 26, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida