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Highlights and Photos from Automate 2023

Highlights and Photos from Automate 2023

Join Control Automation for a review of the show highlights and a special feature of some exciting booths visited on the last and final day of the Automate trade show. Excited for the next year of innovation!


News May 28, 2023 by David Peterson
Field Input and Output Blocks From Allen-Bradley

Field Input and Output Blocks From Allen-Bradley

Rockwell Automation has released an IO-Link master with configurable ports designed for harsh, on-machine environments with the ability to connect both discrete and IO-Link field devices.


News May 26, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Developing Standardized Practices for PLC Programming

Developing Standardized Practices for PLC Programming

Any kind of computer programming can be challenging to determine what aspects are truly unique versus what aspects should be standardized across projects and platforms to streamline future development.


Automate 2023: First Glimpse From the Show

Automate 2023: First Glimpse From the Show

It’s the first two days of Automate 2023, and the Control Automation team hit the streets to learn about the latest and greatest technology rocking the world of robotics and industrial automation!


News May 24, 2023 by David Peterson
Back to the Basics: Understanding Industrial Buttons and Switches

Back to the Basics: Understanding Industrial Buttons and Switches

This article features an in-depth discussion of the various options for buttons and switches, including function, styles, shapes, and illumination options for all kinds of control panel inputs.


Disaster Recovery Plan and Strategy in Case of IT/OT Equipment Failure

Disaster Recovery Plan and Strategy in Case of IT/OT Equipment Failure

Failures are never the goal of any industrial operation. But when disaster strikes, it’s always better to have a mitigation plan in place well in advance of the event to ensure timely recovery.


Connectivity for Edge Solutions With Docker-based Software Updates

Connectivity for Edge Solutions With Docker-based Software Updates

Softing Industrial announced the release of its latest Docker-based software application updates and edge products with added functionalities, aiming to enhance efficiency and usability of its solutions.


News Apr 06, 2023 by Stephanie Leonida
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.


Active Harmonic Filter Solution Sees User-friendly Update With Addition of Advanced HMI

Active Harmonic Filter Solution Sees User-friendly Update With Addition of Advanced HMI

Schaffner has added the option of an advanced human-machine interface (HMI) to their existing Ecosine Active Sync harmonic filter solution to increase client control and ease of use.


News Mar 10, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
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.


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.


What is Proportional Gain?

What is Proportional Gain?

This article discusses the meaning and effects of proportional gain in a controlled system such as motion, temperature, and fluid flow.


Look Out For Factory Automation Solutions At ATX West 2023

Look Out For Factory Automation Solutions At ATX West 2023

Hosted by IMEngineering West in Anaheim, CA on Feb 7-9, the Automation Technology Expo (ATX) West is quickly approaching. Check out some of the innovative factory automation and robotic solutions to be demonstrated on the show floor.


News Feb 01, 2023 by Caitlin Nicholson
Alarm and Event Handling and Processing in Process Control Systems

Alarm and Event Handling and Processing in Process Control Systems

Events that cause alarms are not the most common events in a process system, but they must be handled with proper care, being both resolved and recorded in order to prevent hazards and downtime.


Controlling Processes with Analog Inputs: New Potentiometer Lineup

Controlling Processes with Analog Inputs: New Potentiometer Lineup

CUI Devices has expanded its product line of motion and control components, offering a new family of shaft and shaftless potentiometers that come in different varieties with varying resistance ratings.


News Jan 18, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Control System Process Data Archiving: Strategy and Methodology

Control System Process Data Archiving: Strategy and Methodology

Data stored in a historian server is useful for analysis and troubleshooting. Learn about data archiving techniques for control systems, as well as what type of data is stored and the tools to make it happen.


Teardown: What’s Inside a Human-machine Interface (HMI)?

Teardown: What’s Inside a Human-machine Interface (HMI)?

Human-machine interfaces, or HMIs, provide visual process data and allow access to process parameters and diagnostics information. What’s inside these touchscreen displays, and how do they actually work?


Network Manager SCADA System in Hydroelectric Power Plants

Network Manager SCADA System in Hydroelectric Power Plants

Network Manager SCADA is a real-time, modular system that is highly scalable and easy to deploy and maintain. The system can grow with future needs and support a virtualized environment to decrease hardware cost.


Control for Every Project: Spanning the Gap Between I/O and Cloud

Control for Every Project: Spanning the Gap Between I/O and Cloud

Technology developer OnLogic announces the release of a new machine controller powered by a low-cost development board equipped with digital and analog I/O control for local, edge, or cloud computing.


News Nov 23, 2022 by David Peterson
Modern Distributed Control System (DCS) Using the ABB Advant Controller

Modern Distributed Control System (DCS) Using the ABB Advant Controller

Many worldwide plants are still running the old Advant Controller 450 from ABB in their facility, with many plants using the latest System 800xA DCS interfaced with the existing AC450 controller.