Latest Technical Articles

The sensors in absolute encoders output Gray code sequences which require some complicated conversion methods to be…

The sensors in absolute encoders output Gray code sequences which require some complicated conversion methods to be properly used. This article shows how to take the Gray code used by absolute encoders and convert it to binary.

This article introduces Gray code, a specialized binary arrangement necessary for absolute encoders to communicate with…

This article introduces Gray code, a specialized binary arrangement necessary for absolute encoders to communicate with controllers.

Learn all about the collaborative robots (cobots) that work alongside humans and the many advanced strategies put in…

Learn all about the collaborative robots (cobots) that work alongside humans and the many advanced strategies put in place so they can function efficiently and safely in industrial settings.

When the power is removed to a circuit, the common measurements of voltage and current prove meaningless. The only…

When the power is removed to a circuit, the common measurements of voltage and current prove meaningless. The only remaining option is to use resistance testing to determine which components and conductors are working.

Additive manufacturing, or the more popularized term 3D printing, has become a staple for small-batch manufacturing of…

Additive manufacturing, or the more popularized term 3D printing, has become a staple for small-batch manufacturing of some products. It’s even a common sight within companies whose main product is not even a manufactured item! What makes these devices such a great choice for small manufacturing companies?

Ethernet is everywhere. It’s simple and easy to use, so why are DeviceNet and ControlNet still here?

Ethernet is everywhere. It’s simple and easy to use, so why are DeviceNet and ControlNet still here?

For many manufacturing processes, it is extremely important to measure the exact rate at which fluid is moving or…

For many manufacturing processes, it is extremely important to measure the exact rate at which fluid is moving or flowing. We turn to flow gauges to provide these measurements, and there is a great diversity in operating principle as well as proper application to the fluid that is being measured.

This article discusses how to measure AC current and voltage using a clamp meter and some of the benefits and limitations…

This article discusses how to measure AC current and voltage using a clamp meter and some of the benefits and limitations of this method.

Explore the technology of autonomous robotic arms in this article on Industrial Automated Bin-Picking and how they can be…

Explore the technology of autonomous robotic arms in this article on Industrial Automated Bin-Picking and how they can be used for a wide array applications.

Learn all about visual servoing and motion planning to create an autonomous robot!

Learn all about visual servoing and motion planning to create an autonomous robot!

Learn how one engineer's real-world experience showed him the importance and power of SCADA systems for control automation.

Learn how one engineer's real-world experience showed him the importance and power of SCADA systems for control automation.

Learn about the supervisory control and data acquisition system used to program PLCs and PIDs. See where, how, and why…

Learn about the supervisory control and data acquisition system used to program PLCs and PIDs. See where, how, and why SCADA systems are so popular.

Vacuum pressures are not uncommon, but they can be more complicated than standard air systems. This article explores…

Vacuum pressures are not uncommon, but they can be more complicated than standard air systems. This article explores pneumatic vacuums, exploring applications, uses, and types.

This article will examine and discuss how to measure current with a multimeter, using the standard in-line current…

This article will examine and discuss how to measure current with a multimeter, using the standard in-line current measuring method.

Within an industrial setting, noise from EMI can create huge problems. For large load devices using many amps of current,…

Within an industrial setting, noise from EMI can create huge problems. For large load devices using many amps of current, small electrical noise may not be too critical. But when it comes to low-voltage and low-current communication wires, just a small amount of voltage finding its way onto a wire can corrupt data transmissions. Shielded cables can help to protect against that problem.

A common difference of terms arises when referring to air or pneumatic pressure, and those are gauge (BarG) pressure and…

A common difference of terms arises when referring to air or pneumatic pressure, and those are gauge (BarG) pressure and absolute (BarA) pressure. Both can accurately describe a system, but when performing calculations and tests, it’s important to distinguish the difference.

This article discusses the evolution and history of machine vision throughout the years and where this technology is…

This article discusses the evolution and history of machine vision throughout the years and where this technology is headed in the future.

Learn all about user requirement specifications (URS), including what should and should not be included and their…

Learn all about user requirement specifications (URS), including what should and should not be included and their importance for organizations planning to purchase new equipment.

Simple voltage measurements from a multimeter are the most frequently used function in these tools. Some of them are more…

Simple voltage measurements from a multimeter are the most frequently used function in these tools. Some of them are more difficult to understand than others, and this is definitely the case when comparing AC to DC voltage.