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Logic at the Sensor Level: Can it Simplify Automation?

Logic at the Sensor Level: Can it Simplify Automation?

Sensor networks with built-in logic functions can save cost and program execution speed, but what are those various logic functions, and when might they be preferred over normal PLC ladder logic?


The Beginner’s Guide to Automation: Adding Control to the System

The Beginner’s Guide to Automation: Adding Control to the System

Every automated cell requires a ‘brain’ in order to achieve the required tasks. How do you determine the necessary I/O, communication protocols, and processor necessary for controlling your system?


Mitsubishi PLC Tutorial: Program and Display Strings In Ladder Logic

Mitsubishi PLC Tutorial: Program and Display Strings In Ladder Logic

Learn how to write a ladder logic program to assign a string value to a data register and share that register with any HMI compatible with Mitsubishi’s MELSEC PLC series.


Enhanced Analog Sensing With New Compact 5000 HART I/O Modules

Enhanced Analog Sensing With New Compact 5000 HART I/O Modules

Rockwell PLC users can more easily integrate field-level analog HART devices with two new modules designed for the popular 5380 CompactLogix platform.


News Jun 03, 2024 by Austin Futrell
ABB, Rockwell Automation, and Others Launch Edge Interoperability Initiative for Automation Ecosystems

ABB, Rockwell Automation, and Others Launch Edge Interoperability Initiative for Automation Ecosystems

ABB, Rockwell Automation, and other top industrial automation companies have come together to develop an open standard for interoperability between hardware and software in the industrial space.


News May 31, 2024 by Shawn Dietrich
Python Tutorial Part 3 | Data Structures: Lists

Python Tutorial Part 3 | Data Structures: Lists

This section will dive into the world of data structures used within the Python programming environment, starting with one of the more commonly used structures called ‘lists.’


Understanding Sensors with Timer Functions: Applications and Advantages

Understanding Sensors with Timer Functions: Applications and Advantages

Sensors with timer functions advance modern automation systems, enhancing the precision and flexibility of in-process controls to ease the strict requirement for an external, clock-based logic CPU.


Converting DC to AC: Basic Principles of Inverters

Converting DC to AC: Basic Principles of Inverters

This article investigates the basic principles of inverters, different types of DC-to-AC conversion, and common applications for generating AC voltage in manufacturing.


New I/O Modules for AutomationDirect’s Productivity PLC Series

New I/O Modules for AutomationDirect’s Productivity PLC Series

The new additions include a high-current relay output for the Productivity1000 and 2000 series and a TTL input and output for the Productivity2000, allowing interface with systems of varying voltages.


News May 27, 2024 by David Peterson
Control Techniques and KB Electronics Join the Nidec Family

Control Techniques and KB Electronics Join the Nidec Family

Nidec has added two more drive manufacturers, Control Techniques and KB Electronics, to its list of brands, increasing product availability and support for all things that rotate.


News May 24, 2024 by Shawn Dietrich
Driving DC Motors: Rectifiers vs. Pulse-Width Modulation

Driving DC Motors: Rectifiers vs. Pulse-Width Modulation

Although DC motor technology has a strong legacy, control strategies vary from simple to complex. Designs must consider not just the motor, but also the electrical supply and the environment.


Autonics Launches LSE3 Series LiDAR Sensors for Accurate Object Detection

Autonics Launches LSE3 Series LiDAR Sensors for Accurate Object Detection

Autonics has released its newest series of LiDAR sensors for object detection in industrial and commercial settings. The laser scanners feature a 90-degree detection angle and up to a 10 x 10 m detection area.


News May 23, 2024 by Damond Goodwin
Python Tutorial Part 2 | Basic Data Types

Python Tutorial Part 2 | Basic Data Types

This article will focus on the basic building blocks of the Python programming language that are core to interacting with programs, including strings, integers, floats, and booleans.


Rockwell Automation Announces a New Product, Partnership, and Expansion

Rockwell Automation Announces a New Product, Partnership, and Expansion

Rockwell Automation has started constructing a new manufacturing facility in India, developed a low-voltage motor control center, and partnered with an educational institution to invest in the future workforce.


News May 22, 2024 by Seth Price
Metrology Platform Allows Real-Time Battery Electrode Inspection

Metrology Platform Allows Real-Time Battery Electrode Inspection

Thermo Fisher’s Thermo Scientific LInspector Edge In-line Mass Profilometer analyzes electrode coatings in real time to improve battery performance and safety.


News May 19, 2024 by Mike Falter
Mitsubishi HMI Programming Tutorial: Controlling On/Off Bits

Mitsubishi HMI Programming Tutorial: Controlling On/Off Bits

Learn how to use GT Designer 3 to create an interactive control system on Mitsubishi HMIs. With practical examples of simple on/off bits, gain some understanding of HMI designing and programming.


Introducing the edgeConnector Allen-Bradley PLC for Data Integration

Introducing the edgeConnector Allen-Bradley PLC for Data Integration

Softing Industrial has expanded its edgeConnector product family of docker containers to support the widely used Allen-Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix controllers.


News May 15, 2024 by Austin Futrell
Festo Creates a Buzz with Swarming Bees and Busy Bacteria

Festo Creates a Buzz with Swarming Bees and Busy Bacteria

Taking cues from biology and putting bacteria to work are allowing Festo to develop new automation processes. These technologies were on display at Hannover Messe 2024.


News May 14, 2024 by Stephanie Leonida
3 Lessons From Automate: Looking Toward the Trends of the Future

3 Lessons From Automate: Looking Toward the Trends of the Future

The Automate Show is a great place to get a pulse on the tech that will be driving industrial automation. From the demos and displays, what kind of trends can we expect throughout 2024 and beyond?


News May 14, 2024 by David Peterson
Weidmuller Introduces New Modular Compact Terminal Blocks

Weidmuller Introduces New Modular Compact Terminal Blocks

Weidmuller recently launched several new product ranges of multi-purpose terminal blocks, designed to save valuable cabinet space for signal routing and marshaling in distributed control systems.


News May 13, 2024 by Bob Odhiambo