Latest PLCs & PACs Articles

What is the current state of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and how can you become a control…

What is the current state of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and how can you become a control systems engineer?

Opto22 provides a solution for monitoring energy consumption using the popular Groov RIO system, enabling monitoring of…

Opto22 provides a solution for monitoring energy consumption using the popular Groov RIO system, enabling monitoring of machine health for the prevention of unplanned downtime.

In the late 1960s, a revolution in manufacturing became a reality when the first Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) was…

In the late 1960s, a revolution in manufacturing became a reality when the first Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) was developed. We’ll examine the early history of the PLC - not just the technology, but also the inspiration of the inventors as well.

Omron has opened a new research facility in CA geared towards advanced motion control systems.

Omron has opened a new research facility in CA geared towards advanced motion control systems.

We’re all familiar with information technology, or IT. The computer systems, hardware, internet, and various software…

We’re all familiar with information technology, or IT. The computer systems, hardware, internet, and various software we use in our own homes and offices are mostly IT. But when it comes to industrial workplaces, the rules are different.

Digital control systems are particular about the direction of current flow from sensors and input devices. The terms…

Digital control systems are particular about the direction of current flow from sensors and input devices. The terms sourcing and sinking (often abbreviated source and sink) are among the more confusing ratings found on I/O module datasheets. Part 1 of a 3-part series.

Any industrial electrician can instantly recognize a relay, but when it comes to wiring, why are the terminals numbered…

Any industrial electrician can instantly recognize a relay, but when it comes to wiring, why are the terminals numbered in such apparently random order?

Every day has historical significance - it will never happen again. But more importantly, today contains a lineup of a…

Every day has historical significance - it will never happen again. But more importantly, today contains a lineup of a LOT of 2’s. Is there a better day to talk about the language of computers and PLCs, base-2?

In this article, learn the basics of Allen-Bradley Data Highway, the various network structures, and the relationship…

In this article, learn the basics of Allen-Bradley Data Highway, the various network structures, and the relationship between DH and Ethernet networks.

One of the most visible elements of industrial safety is the use of lock-out-tag-out (LOTO) devices, familiar to those…

One of the most visible elements of industrial safety is the use of lock-out-tag-out (LOTO) devices, familiar to those with experience. But, if you are new to the workforce, a brief introduction may be helpful.

What is laser sensing, how does it work, and what types of laser sensors exist?

What is laser sensing, how does it work, and what types of laser sensors exist?

Honeybee Robotics will become a wholly-owned subsidy of Blue Origin, combining Honeybee’s robotic experience with Blue…

Honeybee Robotics will become a wholly-owned subsidy of Blue Origin, combining Honeybee’s robotic experience with Blue Origin’s space exploration missions.

This article teaches the basics of gateways in industrial networks and PLC-to-PLC communication.

This article teaches the basics of gateways in industrial networks and PLC-to-PLC communication.

Learn the basics of connecting multiple PLCs to an HMI using various data types.

Learn the basics of connecting multiple PLCs to an HMI using various data types.

FANUC introduced the M-1000iA, a floor-mounted 6-axis robot engineered to maneuver heavy payloads up to 1,000 kg (about…

FANUC introduced the M-1000iA, a floor-mounted 6-axis robot engineered to maneuver heavy payloads up to 1,000 kg (about 2,200 pounds) without sacrificing versatility and range of motion.

Stäubli robotics can now be implemented on the Siemens TIA platform through a PLC communication interface software…

Stäubli robotics can now be implemented on the Siemens TIA platform through a PLC communication interface software package from Stäubli.

Rockwell Automation introduced several new additions to their Flex 5000 line for improved fail-safe measures.

Rockwell Automation introduced several new additions to their Flex 5000 line for improved fail-safe measures.

Noise signal sources occur primarily from radiofrequency interference (RFI), often in the form of impulse functions or…

Noise signal sources occur primarily from radiofrequency interference (RFI), often in the form of impulse functions or arcing. How do you mitigate process noise from your control system?

Ladder diagrams, or ladder logic, is a popular programming language used for PLCs. Programmers can utilize boolean logic…

Ladder diagrams, or ladder logic, is a popular programming language used for PLCs. Programmers can utilize boolean logic as a base for their ladder diagrams. Learn the basics and structures for boolean logic.