Allen Bradley’s Data Highway Plus (DH+) networking ability is still found commonly in interfaces with legacy equipment. Understanding this network structure…
Allen Bradley’s Data Highway Plus (DH+) networking ability is still found commonly in interfaces with legacy equipment. Understanding this network structure can bridge the gap between old and new systems.
Seven Bel’s “sound camera” visualizes sources of physical sound to detect and isolate problems within industrial…
Seven Bel’s “sound camera” visualizes sources of physical sound to detect and isolate problems within industrial equipment, pinpointing and identifying trouble spots for predictive maintenance solutions.
Although the are similarities in operating theory, relays and contactors are used in industrial circuits for different…
Although the are similarities in operating theory, relays and contactors are used in industrial circuits for different specific applications, and should not be used interchangeably.
Our own Control Automation engineering staff had the opportunity to visit VersaBuilt, a CNC robotic integration shop…
Our own Control Automation engineering staff had the opportunity to visit VersaBuilt, a CNC robotic integration shop offering an application system from the Universal Robots UR+ series.
What’s the difference between a Cat 6 and a Cat 6a cable, anyhow? Ethernet cables must meet certain performance…
What’s the difference between a Cat 6 and a Cat 6a cable, anyhow? Ethernet cables must meet certain performance standards, and these standards can be quite confusing at first glance.
Hysteresis is a term introduced in basic control system courses and listed on sensor datasheets, but the terms is not…
Hysteresis is a term introduced in basic control system courses and listed on sensor datasheets, but the terms is not often understood, with error deriving from both the system itself as well as the sensor.
The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft research organization announces the development of a sensor system that can help robots…
The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft research organization announces the development of a sensor system that can help robots detect transparent objects in three dimensions.
Rockwell recently announced the newest addition to the PowerFlex family of VFD units - the Armor PowerFlex series,…
Rockwell recently announced the newest addition to the PowerFlex family of VFD units - the Armor PowerFlex series, designed for on-machine control with heightened IP ratings over previous models.
In this first of an upcoming series, we investigate Siemens as a major PLC manufacturer, learning about the hardware,…
In this first of an upcoming series, we investigate Siemens as a major PLC manufacturer, learning about the hardware, software, and key applications of each product lineup.
The Keyence Corporation recently announced the NQ series network communication module, with the ability to automatically…
The Keyence Corporation recently announced the NQ series network communication module, with the ability to automatically detect any Keyence branded IO-Link devices for rapid installation and monitoring.
‘Reduce-reuse-recycle’ is a common slogan for promoting reduction of waste associated with end use of materials. But…
‘Reduce-reuse-recycle’ is a common slogan for promoting reduction of waste associated with end use of materials. But a circular economy model includes manufacturing processes and raw materials as well.
Hydraulic component leader Parker Hannifin recently announced a new PAC motion controller and module series with…
Hydraulic component leader Parker Hannifin recently announced a new PAC motion controller and module series with web-based visualization for instant remote monitoring of up to 40 motion axes.
The United States Department of Commerce has appointed 27 new members to the National AI Advisory Committee (NAIAC).
The United States Department of Commerce has appointed 27 new members to the National AI Advisory Committee (NAIAC).
Two common methods exist for driving induction motors with VFDs - linear scalar control, which is often labeled as V/f,…
Two common methods exist for driving induction motors with VFDs - linear scalar control, which is often labeled as V/f, and vector, or field-oriented control, which can be a bit more complex to understand.
The Snap Signal System by Banner Engineering brings industrial IoT to all devices, including sensors and actuators -…
The Snap Signal System by Banner Engineering brings industrial IoT to all devices, including sensors and actuators - regardless of age or origin.
Using an ADC can be very useful when dealing with analog devices in microprocessors, and a necessity when adding analog…
Using an ADC can be very useful when dealing with analog devices in microprocessors, and a necessity when adding analog devices to an industrial controller. But once you connect the hardware - what next?
Beckhoff Automation is advancing the concept of reducing cabinet space and lowering construction time with their recently…
Beckhoff Automation is advancing the concept of reducing cabinet space and lowering construction time with their recently announced MX-System.
Redundancy and safety are often seen together in industrial safety systems. Safety relays monitor emergency devices to…
Redundancy and safety are often seen together in industrial safety systems. Safety relays monitor emergency devices to switch contacts based on status - but what makes them different from normal relays?
Linear sensors use electrical means to determine their position. Common linear position sensors are resistive, inductive,…
Linear sensors use electrical means to determine their position. Common linear position sensors are resistive, inductive, capacitive, and many rely on a property called magnetostriction.
Advanced features such as programmable limits, diagnostics, and remote configuration are available with IO-Link devices.…
Advanced features such as programmable limits, diagnostics, and remote configuration are available with IO-Link devices. Learn how to connect an example IO-Link block into an actual PLC project.