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Simple, Cost-Effective I/O: Control Techniques Releases Drive Expansion

Simple, Cost-Effective I/O: Control Techniques Releases Drive Expansion

Expanding motor drives with I/O is a cost-effective way of increasing local control without burdening the control system. Control Technique’s new SI-I/O 24 Plus expands I/O right on the drive unit.


Siemens Debuts Updated PLC: The S7-1200 G2

Siemens Debuts Updated PLC: The S7-1200 G2

The S7-1200 is Siemens’ flagship small form factor PLC, upgradable with signal boards and modules. The new update, the S7-1200 G2, demonstrated at Hannover Messe, contains an array of new features.


News Apr 16, 2024 by David Peterson
Rockwell Makes Automation Look Easy With Updates to ArmorBlock 5000

Rockwell Makes Automation Look Easy With Updates to ArmorBlock 5000

Integrators and machine builders can automate and maintain systems with greater ease thanks to Rockwell Automation’s enhanced firmware and features for the ArmorBlock 5000 IO-Link device series.


News Apr 15, 2024 by Joshua Tidwell
Using a PLC to Track Data Within Automated Equipment

Using a PLC to Track Data Within Automated Equipment

There are a few options when it comes to tracking part data throughout a process or assembly of a machine. Follow along as we explain just a few of the more common methods.


Techniques for I/O Mapping in PLC Programs

Techniques for I/O Mapping in PLC Programs

I/O mapping is the process of converting raw input and output data into specific tags, but how can we find a method for mapping I/O that is both efficient and scalable?


New Products Expand Belden Solution Lineup for Connectivity and I/O

New Products Expand Belden Solution Lineup for Connectivity and I/O

Belden has introduced a set of new solutions for improved connectivity, faster speeds, and increased security in critical environments with new software and hardware products.


News Apr 04, 2024 by Austin Futrell
DCS vs. SCADA: What’s the Difference?

DCS vs. SCADA: What’s the Difference?

Controlling and optimizing plant processes is the goal of most control systems. It can be a challenge to distinguish between different types of control: a DCS or a high-level SCADA system?


Tutorial: Analog I/O Programming for AutomationDirect Productivity PLCs

Tutorial: Analog I/O Programming for AutomationDirect Productivity PLCs

Learn how to use analog I/O devices with AutomationDirect’s Productivity series of PLCs and Productivity Suite software. Wiring, configuring I/O, and programming will be a part of this tutorial.


Temp Sensing With RTDs: Wiring Connection and Transmitter Setup

Temp Sensing With RTDs: Wiring Connection and Transmitter Setup

Learn how to measure temperature using an RTD and a temperature transmitter to convert resistance into common analog voltage or current values for process control.


Rockwell’s Newest On-Machine Devices Speed Engineering Development

Rockwell’s Newest On-Machine Devices Speed Engineering Development

Creating a decentralized control system means selecting devices that can withstand harsh environments. New offerings in the Armor product line from Rockwell Automation are doing just that.


News Mar 25, 2024 by Shawn Dietrich
Designing a Custom Machine Alarm System: From PLC to HMI

Designing a Custom Machine Alarm System: From PLC to HMI

Creating custom alarm systems can be complicated and overwhelming, but they can also be very beneficial for equipment builders and integrators. Follow along as we build a custom alarm handling system.


AutomationDirect Combines Power and Flexibility in New CODESYS PLCs

AutomationDirect Combines Power and Flexibility in New CODESYS PLCs

AutomationDirect has recently released a new PLC that uses CODESYS, a software platform for industrial programming that has been widely adopted across numerous existing PLC systems.


News Feb 26, 2024 by Joshua Tidwell
Weidmüller Upgrades U-remote for Improved Performance and Integration

Weidmüller Upgrades U-remote for Improved Performance and Integration

The u-remote system will now be equipped with modern technology developed by Weidmüller to enhance internal back panel bus communication to celebrate the u-remote’s tenth birthday.


News Feb 22, 2024 by Austin Futrell
Turn a Raspberry Pi Into a PLC Using OpenPLC

Turn a Raspberry Pi Into a PLC Using OpenPLC

Using a Raspberry Pi and the OpenPLC software platform, create a simple PLC that can be programmed in ladder diagrams with remote access and I/O monitoring dashboards.


Red Lion Expands FlexEdge With New Strain Gauge and Com Modules

Red Lion Expands FlexEdge With New Strain Gauge and Com Modules

Red Lion has added a new series of strain gauge modules to their FlexEdge intelligent edge automation platform, along with two ‘sleds’ allowing connection to CAN and J1939 automotive networks.


News Feb 21, 2024 by Seth Price
ATX West 2024: Robots, Vision, and Machine Building Innovation

ATX West 2024: Robots, Vision, and Machine Building Innovation

IME West, featuring packaging, medical, and plastic manufacturing as well as the ATX West automation show, was a huge success, showcasing many exciting tech displays from hundreds of companies.


News Feb 12, 2024 by David Peterson
Relays, Relays, and More Relays: 7 Kinds of Industrial Relays

Relays, Relays, and More Relays: 7 Kinds of Industrial Relays

Have you ever heard of a relay? Of course you have. There are many different kinds, plus hundreds of different trade lingo names. What are some of the most common, and how do we use them?


Data Model and Functionality of Utility Data Warehouse | UDW Part 1

Data Model and Functionality of Utility Data Warehouse | UDW Part 1

Storing data long-term for recording and reporting purposes is the job of the utility data warehouse, quite different from data-collection processes that optimize systems and predict failures.


Autonics Unveils ADIO Series Remote I/O Boxes for Seamless Connectivity

Autonics Unveils ADIO Series Remote I/O Boxes for Seamless Connectivity

Autonics has announced the latest addition to its product lineup, the ADIO series remote I/O boxes. The ADIO series is designed for enhanced industrial communication with seamless connectivity.


News Jan 13, 2024 by Bob Odhiambo
PLC and I/O Module Wiring Diagram Infographic

PLC and I/O Module Wiring Diagram Infographic

A complete diagram for wiring nearly any kind of discrete I/O module, including digital, AC, or relay, including both sourcing and sinking varieties.