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The Basics of Optical Sensors and Common Types

The Basics of Optical Sensors and Common Types

Optical sensors are one of the most popular sensor types in industrial automation. This article covers optical sensor basics and commonly used types, including fiber optic, photoelectric, and optical encoders.


 Rugged and Intelligent Sensing: Inductive Proximity Sensors with IO-Link Capabilities

Rugged and Intelligent Sensing: Inductive Proximity Sensors with IO-Link Capabilities

Carlo Gavazzi has released a new family of full-metal inductive proximity sensors with an IP69K rating and standard IO-Link capabilities to suit any automation application.


News Mar 21, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Understanding Thermal and Pressure Safety Valves for Fluid Flow Systems

Understanding Thermal and Pressure Safety Valves for Fluid Flow Systems

Safety is a concern in any system containing potential energy, whether electrical, chemical, or fluid. Each has methods of protection, and for fluid systems, certain shutoff valves are used in situations when excess pressure can be a problem.


Field-oriented Control (Vector Control) for Brushless DC Motors

Field-oriented Control (Vector Control) for Brushless DC Motors

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.


Introduction to Industrial Sensors

Introduction to Industrial Sensors

Industrial sensors can be found in nearly every modern industrial process, regardless of complexity. Learn the history, evolution, and variety of sensors that make manufacturing the modern marvel we see today.


AVEVA to Transition to a Subscription Model for Industrial Software

AVEVA to Transition to a Subscription Model for Industrial Software

AVEVA has begun a portfolio-wide transition to a subscription model, expecting 80% of clients to be switched over by 2025. With the transition, clients can expect to see quicker ROI, reduced costs, and the latest in software.


News Mar 16, 2023 by Seth Price
Inrush Current: Why Is Motor Startup Current So High?

Inrush Current: Why Is Motor Startup Current So High?

Motors consume the highest current during startup—this is a well-known fact. But logically, the slowest speed should relate to the lowest power consumption. Why, then, is inrush current so high for motors?


Faster Computing in a Smaller IPC: The Helix 401

Faster Computing in a Smaller IPC: The Helix 401

Industrial computing leader OnLogic sets the stage for more reliable data processing at the edge with the new Helix 401 IPC with expanded I/O and faster CPU/GPU capabilities, all in a rugged, fanless enclosure.


News Mar 14, 2023 by David Peterson
Addressing Common Industrial IoT Cybersecurity Risks For Control Systems

Addressing Common Industrial IoT Cybersecurity Risks For Control Systems

Addressing cybersecurity threats introduced by IIoT technology and devices can quickly seem overwhelming. However, an understanding of the risks can lead to some straightforward countermeasures.


Modbus to Analog Hub For Controlling Analog Devices with RS485 Interface

Modbus to Analog Hub For Controlling Analog Devices with RS485 Interface

Banner Engineering's new R90C Modbus to Analog Hub allows users to easily add analog output to a system that uses Modbus or RS485 without purchasing expensive output cards or replacing outdated equipment.


News Mar 09, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
ASRock Industrial IoT Controller Sees Upgrades for Greater Power and Performance

ASRock Industrial IoT Controller Sees Upgrades for Greater Power and Performance

ASRock Industrial has introduced a new addition to their IoT controllers. The iEP-5010G is packed with communication and input/outputs for modern IoT controller solutions.


News Mar 08, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Siemens TIA Portal and S7-1200 Tutorial 2: Analog Inputs

Siemens TIA Portal and S7-1200 Tutorial 2: Analog Inputs

Programming simple coil and contact commands is an easy matter in most PLC IDEs. Connecting and configuring analog inputs can be more challenging with various bit resolutions and conversion commands.


Understanding Controller Memory Types and Conservation

Understanding Controller Memory Types and Conservation

Insufficient controller memory can result in reduced HMI and SCADA response speed and longer scan times. Know the differences between RAM, ROM, and removable memory, and how to keep program sizes in check.


Pilz Releases New “Key In Pocket” for Machine Maintenance Safety

Pilz Releases New “Key In Pocket” for Machine Maintenance Safety

Machine maintenance safety is a major concern for manufacturers, and Pilz hopes to increase efficiency through the use of card readers to reduce cost and improve the process over traditional methods.


News Mar 02, 2023 by Damond Goodwin
Introduction to Basic Three-Phase Motor Control Circuits

Introduction to Basic Three-Phase Motor Control Circuits

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.


Turbine Maintenance: Understanding Ratcheting and Turning Gears

Turbine Maintenance: Understanding Ratcheting and Turning Gears

Turbine ratcheting helps prevent damage by regulating a turbine's uniform warm-up and cool-down. In this article, we will discuss the principles and challenges behind this process.


“Four Times More Performance”: B&R Unveils Backplane Bus for X20 System

“Four Times More Performance”: B&R Unveils Backplane Bus for X20 System

Greater I/O and computing power are becoming necessary as automation takes on more tasks. With its latest offering, B&R aims to stay ahead of competitors by offering faster control systems with more rapid I/O capabilities.


News Feb 22, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
How IIoT can Benefit Maintenance Practices and Increase Overall Equipment Effectiveness

How IIoT can Benefit Maintenance Practices and Increase Overall Equipment Effectiveness

As data becomes available, maintenance can shift from being done on a rigid schedule to a more cost-effective plan of fixing as required, even turning attention to the root cause of maintenance woes.


ATX West 2023 Technology Highlight: PLCs with Additional Capabilities

ATX West 2023 Technology Highlight: PLCs with Additional Capabilities

PLCs need no trade show to announce their presence. But many companies have developed improvements to the traditional platform that can present new opportunities for the future of operational technology.


News Feb 21, 2023 by David Peterson
Delivering Reduced Cost of Ownership With Enhanced Cloud-based MES

Delivering Reduced Cost of Ownership With Enhanced Cloud-based MES

GE Digital continues improving its Proficy Smart Factory portfolio by enhancing its cloud-based manufacturing execution system (MES) for overall equipment effectiveness and production and quality management.


News Feb 20, 2023 by Damond Goodwin