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Ethernet Ports on Controllers: How Many, and What do They Do?

Ethernet Ports on Controllers: How Many, and What do They Do?

Some controllers and network devices have one port, while others have two. Why is there a difference, and what advantages does having two network ports actually provide?


A Tale of Two Standards | Comparing Analog Voltage and Current

A Tale of Two Standards | Comparing Analog Voltage and Current

Analog voltage and current are the dominating standards for industrial technology. Is one format better than the other? And if so, why do both signal types still exist in modern systems?


Banner Engineering Releases a New Analog Input/Output Converter

Banner Engineering Releases a New Analog Input/Output Converter

Banner Engineering augments the Snap Signal series with a new converter that transmits analog I/O signals and converts them to Modbus or IO-Link.


News Aug 28, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Schneider Electric Launches Managed Security Services

Schneider Electric Launches Managed Security Services

Schneider Electric offers its Managed Security Services (MSS) geared towards shoring up industrial data security and readiness.


News Aug 22, 2023 by Seth Price
Mitsubishi Electric Announces Exciting Automation Updates

Mitsubishi Electric Announces Exciting Automation Updates

Mitsubishi Electric continues to make advancements in the automation space, with new robots and controllers released recently, securing Mitsubishi as a leader in the future of industrial technology.


News Aug 18, 2023 by Seth Price
SMC Releases New Direct Operated 2-Port Solenoid Valve

SMC Releases New Direct Operated 2-Port Solenoid Valve

SMC has engineered a new lineup of stainless steel 2-port solenoid valves for use in potable, drinking water applications.


News Aug 17, 2023 by Damond Goodwin
How to Design and Deploy a Web-Based HMI Project - Part 1

How to Design and Deploy a Web-Based HMI Project - Part 1

A walkthrough and discussion of a simple web-based HMI solution that could modernize your current HMI technology stack. The first step in the process involves sending data from a device to a server.


Three Things About IO-Link Sensors That May Shock You

Three Things About IO-Link Sensors That May Shock You

Control.com’s Director of Engineering got to explore IO-Link sensors and what he found might surprise you! Although still considered an “emerging” technology, it’s clear IO-Link technology boasts several bonafide benefits over traditional sensors.


PATLITE Debuts New USB-Controlled Signal Beacon

PATLITE Debuts New USB-Controlled Signal Beacon

Signal beacons are an important part of most automated manufacturing processes. Recently PATLITE developed a new line of sensors with several mounting options and USB programming capabilities.


News Aug 15, 2023 by Damond Goodwin
Leuze Releases New Cost-Effective Optical Presence Sensor

Leuze Releases New Cost-Effective Optical Presence Sensor

Leuze has released the 5B, a new cost-effective photoelectric sensor series that are easy to align and suited for most commercial manufacturing and production environments.


News Aug 15, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Enabling Advanced Automation With Omron’s New NX5 Series PLC

Enabling Advanced Automation With Omron’s New NX5 Series PLC

Omron’s NX5 series PLC is designed with IIoT in mind, including standard OPC UA and direct connection to relational databases such as SQL, all without the need for additional hardware or licensing.


News Aug 13, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
How to Design and Deploy a Web-Based HMI Project - Part 4

How to Design and Deploy a Web-Based HMI Project - Part 4

Refining and integrating a front-end HMI application to an API middle layer with real-time data display and historian capabilities for short-term data visualization.


How to Design and Deploy a Web-Based HMI Project - Part 3

How to Design and Deploy a Web-Based HMI Project - Part 3

Learn the first steps in focusing on the integration of a front-end HMI application to an API middle layer.


How to Design and Deploy a Web-Based HMI Project - Part 2

How to Design and Deploy a Web-Based HMI Project - Part 2

The middle layer, or API layer of a custom-built HMI project involves a server that can submit or receive data to and from a device, either to provide the user interface or interact with the machine.


Explaining User-Defined Data Types for PLC Programming

Explaining User-Defined Data Types for PLC Programming

User-defined data types (UDTs) are a powerful and useful tool when applied to their full advantage. However, misused, they can become problematic and introduce roadblocks to troubleshooting and upgrading PLC programs.


Creating a Low-Cost OpenPLC Pulse Timer Function Block HMI with an M5Stack Core

Creating a Low-Cost OpenPLC Pulse Timer Function Block HMI with an M5Stack Core

Triggering a machine by an external event often requires a pulse timer for OpenPLC Pulse Timer control. Here’s a brief tutorial on how an M5Stack Core can offer a simple, effective low-cost Arduino OpenPLC HMI solution.


ContaClip Releases New Push-In, High-Capacity Terminal Blocks

ContaClip Releases New Push-In, High-Capacity Terminal Blocks

ContaClip adds to an existing product line of terminal blocks with versions that support 10mm^2 conductors up to 4 amps, with a double-level version for added wiring capacity.


News Aug 07, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Baumer Releases Super Slim Inductive Sensor with 12 mm Object Detection

Baumer Releases Super Slim Inductive Sensor with 12 mm Object Detection

Baumer sets out to eliminate boundaries incurred by lack of installation space and improve application flexibility with its new, extremely thin inductive sensor.


News Aug 04, 2023 by Stephanie Leonida
Beginner’s Guide to Programmable Encoders

Beginner’s Guide to Programmable Encoders

Programmable encoders provide engineers real flexibility to adjust process parameters. From operating theory to programming methods, here’s everything you need to know to begin leveraging these handy devices.


Understanding the Automation Lingo: PLC, PAC, RTU, DCS, and SCADA

Understanding the Automation Lingo: PLC, PAC, RTU, DCS, and SCADA

What are these terms, PLC, PAC, RTU, DCS, SCADA? Why are they so important to industrial robotics and automation? Explore how each different piece functions to build a comprehensive automated system.