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What Is Instrument Calibration and Why Is it Needed?

What Is Instrument Calibration and Why Is it Needed?

Calibration can be a time-consuming process requiring expensive traceable tools, but high-accuracy signals result in higher-quality products, better customer satisfaction, and, ultimately, greater returns.


The Power of Invisibility: Infrared Sensors for Automation

The Power of Invisibility: Infrared Sensors for Automation

Operating just outside the visible light spectrum, infrared energy emits from anything with heat stored in it. Detecting this energy, infrared sensors find use in applications from proximity detection to temperature measurement.


Leveraging IIoT and Energy Measurement Tools for Machine Optimization

Leveraging IIoT and Energy Measurement Tools for Machine Optimization

Analytics from data algorithms can predict machine failures and provide diagnostics—but what should we measure? Then, once the information has been collected, what trends might point to problems?


Lasers and Their Uses in Sensing and Object Detecting

Lasers and Their Uses in Sensing and Object Detecting

A subset of light is the focused cohesive beams that make up lasers, which can be used in optical sensing. These devices provide benefits of greater range, precision, and even mapping for mobile robotics.


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.


The Basics of Optical Sensors and Common Types

The Basics of Optical Sensors and Common Types

Optical sensors are one of the most popular sensor types in industrial automation. This article covers optical sensor basics and commonly used types, including fiber optic, photoelectric, and optical encoders.


 Rugged and Intelligent Sensing: Inductive Proximity Sensors with IO-Link Capabilities

Rugged and Intelligent Sensing: Inductive Proximity Sensors with IO-Link Capabilities

Carlo Gavazzi has released a new family of full-metal inductive proximity sensors with an IP69K rating and standard IO-Link capabilities to suit any automation application.


News Mar 21, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Understanding Thermal and Pressure Safety Valves for Fluid Flow Systems

Understanding Thermal and Pressure Safety Valves for Fluid Flow Systems

Safety is a concern in any system containing potential energy, whether electrical, chemical, or fluid. Each has methods of protection, and for fluid systems, certain shutoff valves are used in situations when excess pressure can be a problem.


Field-oriented Control (Vector Control) for Brushless DC Motors

Field-oriented Control (Vector Control) for Brushless DC Motors

Field-oriented control (FOC), also called vector control, can control 3-phase alternating current motors and brushless DC motors. Read more to learn its advantages, how it works, and its best applications.


Introduction to Industrial Sensors

Introduction to Industrial Sensors

Industrial sensors can be found in nearly every modern industrial process, regardless of complexity. Learn the history, evolution, and variety of sensors that make manufacturing the modern marvel we see today.


Siemens TIA Portal and S7-1200 Tutorial 2: Analog Inputs

Siemens TIA Portal and S7-1200 Tutorial 2: Analog Inputs

Programming simple coil and contact commands is an easy matter in most PLC IDEs. Connecting and configuring analog inputs can be more challenging with various bit resolutions and conversion commands.


Single Sensor Tackles Filling Operations, Measures Fill Heights of Bins in 3D

Single Sensor Tackles Filling Operations, Measures Fill Heights of Bins in 3D

Banner Engineering's ZMX Series 3D Time of Flight sensor can accurately measure the fill level and volume of material in a bin, suitable for palletizing, shipping, and tracking levels in large powder, grain, or solids handling bins.


News Mar 02, 2023 by Seth Price
An Engineer Explains the Hexadecimal and Octal Number Systems

An Engineer Explains the Hexadecimal and Octal Number Systems

Computers understand values as long strings of binary bits, but we humans convert them to other systems for convenience. Decimal makes sense, but what about hexadecimal and the lesser-known octal systems?


SensoPart Connects Universal Robots’ Cobots and Vision Sensors Seamlessly

SensoPart Connects Universal Robots’ Cobots and Vision Sensors Seamlessly

SensoPart’s latest version of its VISOR Robotic URCap application demonstrates the flexibility and ease of use required by modern factories, where demands and product lines shift rapidly.


News Mar 01, 2023 by Seth Price
A Compact Inductive Sensor That Offers a Large Measuring Distance

A Compact Inductive Sensor That Offers a Large Measuring Distance

Baumer has added to their compact inductive sensing lineup with the addition of the IF200 sensor to measure distance within a range of 10 mm.


News Feb 28, 2023 by Damond Goodwin
Understanding Sensor Specifications

Understanding Sensor Specifications

Operating voltage, linearity, dimensions, polarity protection, range… When it comes to sensors, every situation calls for understanding these specs in detail during design, purchasing, and installation.


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.


 Creating 3D Maps in Real-time: Teledyne’s Improved Time of Flight (ToF) Sensor

Creating 3D Maps in Real-time: Teledyne’s Improved Time of Flight (ToF) Sensor

Teledyne e2v has released the Hydra 3D+, a 3D ToF CMOS image sensor capable of improved performance over previous 3D sensing devices.


News Jan 27, 2023 by Damond Goodwin
Inspecting Oil and Gas Pipelines with Fiber Optics, Drones, and Little Bots

Inspecting Oil and Gas Pipelines with Fiber Optics, Drones, and Little Bots

Pipelines are used to transport oil and gas safely and efficiently. In this article, we'll explore some technologies being used to protect and maintain the integrity of oil and gas pipeline infrastructures.


News Jan 20, 2023 by Stephanie Leonida
How To Know When Predictive Maintenance Isn’t An Ideal Solution

How To Know When Predictive Maintenance Isn’t An Ideal Solution

To know if predictive maintenance is the right strategy, it might help to first recognize if it isn’t. Here are some indicators that your organization should improve before implementing predictive maintenance.