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Understanding and Using Safe Torque Off (STO) for Motion Systems

Understanding and Using Safe Torque Off (STO) for Motion Systems

Safety is one of the most critical aspects of machine design. Today, with network connections between different machines and control centers, safety signals must be shared logically and reliably across networks.


Proportional Gain and Proportional Band Explained

Proportional Gain and Proportional Band Explained

Learn about proportional gain and proportional band, two key proportional control concepts, to better understand the most popular control system method in industrial automation.


Control Automation Online Textbook: The Best Just Got Better!

Control Automation Online Textbook: The Best Just Got Better!

Control Automation is proud to announce updates to several chapters of our popular online textbook. Check out the improvements in the PLC, Feedback Control, and Power Generation sections.


News Oct 23, 2022 by David Peterson
Rockwell Set to Acquire CUBIC for Strengthened Motor Control Offerings

Rockwell Set to Acquire CUBIC for Strengthened Motor Control Offerings

Rockwell Automation announced plans to acquire the electromechanical solutions provider, CUBIC, to promote intelligent motor control offerings worldwide.


News Oct 09, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida
B&R Automation Studio Programming Example - Driving Motion Axes

B&R Automation Studio Programming Example - Driving Motion Axes

Explore the design of a servo pick and place sample case using B&R Automation Studio, from the project creation to the configuration of the controller, drives, and motion axes. 


3-phase Motor Types: Synchronous and Induction Motors

3-phase Motor Types: Synchronous and Induction Motors

In this article, we will take a look at the differences between synchronous and induction motors, as well as the two types of induction motors: squirrel cage and wound rotor.


Controlling Hydraulic Devices with Open and Closed Loop Systems

Controlling Hydraulic Devices with Open and Closed Loop Systems

What if you could control the end position and the speed of a hydraulic actuator accurately with just a simple signal? Some systems use simple open/close valves, but others require far more precision.


Dynamic Braking Resistors for Motor Control Applications

Dynamic Braking Resistors for Motor Control Applications

Large DC and AC motor drives often provide terminals for installing a braking resistor. What are these resistors, and how do they slow down a machine? What hazards and cautions must be considered?


Linear Position Sensors - Control is Only as Precise as the Feedback

Linear Position Sensors - Control is Only as Precise as the Feedback

Linear position sensors are used in electrical and fluid-actuated motion devices. They allow extremely precise position, velocity, and acceleration control, and provide feedback to ensure product quality and tolerance compliance.


DC Motors - Why Are We Still Using Them?

DC Motors - Why Are We Still Using Them?

AC motors are common throughout industry - easily controlled by VFDs and without the maintenance that comes with DC brushes. So then, why are DC motors still used in certain applications?


My First Experience Programming a Collaborative Robot

My First Experience Programming a Collaborative Robot

We've read about the capabilities of collaborative robots, but often, one question still remains - how do you program a cobot? Last week, I got a chance to get my hands on a cobot for the first time.


Developing a Fuzzy Logic Controller for a Servo Motor Using Mathworks Simulink

Developing a Fuzzy Logic Controller for a Servo Motor Using Mathworks Simulink

Servo motors are widely utilized in industry for numerous applications. How do you use fuzzy logic to control a servo motor?


Types of Motor Starters and Application Considerations

Types of Motor Starters and Application Considerations

Motors drive all sorts of processes in a facility. Depending on the application, which motor starter is best suited for your needs?


Introducing the Split-Range Time-Proportioning Instruction

Introducing the Split-Range Time-Proportioning Instruction

A useful but often overlooked instruction included in Allen-Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix PLCs for heating and cooling.


Calculating the Speed of a Conveyor System

Calculating the Speed of a Conveyor System

Different conveyance systems have different ways to calculate speed. Let’s dive into these systems, their speed, and some determining factors.


Conveyor Belt Maintenance Strategies

Conveyor Belt Maintenance Strategies

When the conveyor belt goes down, what do you do? Follow a few of these preventive maintenance strategies to help get production back on track.


Introduction to Conveyor Belt Systems

Introduction to Conveyor Belt Systems

Who created the first conveyor system, what are some common types of conveyor systems used in industrial automation, and what are the types of controls involved?


Using LabVIEW for Motor and Motion Control

Using LabVIEW for Motor and Motion Control

Learn about the numerous libraries, toolkits, and interfaces to achieve motor and motion control using LabVIEW.


Hall-effect Sensors in Electric Motors and Linear Applications

Hall-effect Sensors in Electric Motors and Linear Applications

Learn about how Hall-effect sensors are used in linear and electric motor applications, including brushed and brushless DC motors. 


Introduction to Advanced Motor Control Circuits

Introduction to Advanced Motor Control Circuits

This article looks at a few of the more advanced motor control circuits for a three-phase motor.