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How to Design a Fuzzy Logic Controller

How to Design a Fuzzy Logic Controller

Let’s review how fuzzy logic and ladder logic work together, how to design a fuzzy logic controller, and some advantages and disadvantages of using fuzzy logic.


How to Calculate Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)

How to Calculate Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)

In production, "effectiveness" can refer to numerous factors. If these factors are all considered together, the overall effectiveness of the equipment and process may be rated.


Data Science for Control Systems

Data Science for Control Systems

Data science is a multidisciplinary field crucial to modern automation. In this article, learn about data science concepts and best practices.


Data Types Used in LabVIEW

Data Types Used in LabVIEW

LabVIEW uses different data types to store and convey information. Let’s review the most common types and how they are used in the program.


What is a Data Lake?

What is a Data Lake?

Learn the fundaments of data lakes and how they are important to digital transformation under Industry 4.0.


Simple File Output in LabVIEW

Simple File Output in LabVIEW

The scope of this article shows one method of writing data to a file using LabVIEW software, and when this type of data acquisition and recording is appropriate.


M2M Communication: Is Ethernet or Wireless Better?

M2M Communication: Is Ethernet or Wireless Better?

Efficient communication between machines is key in industrial automation. As both Ethernet and wireless network technologies improve, which one is poised to take the lead in the future?


The Difference Between Linear and Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

The Difference Between Linear and Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

Finite element analysis (FEA) helps foster our understanding of the physical phenomena within engineering designs. Dive into FEA’s foundation and how it handles linear and nonlinear applications.


Optical Fiber: The Future of Industrial Communications?

Optical Fiber: The Future of Industrial Communications?

Fiber optics is a promising technology for the future of industrial automation. In this article, learn the history, fundamentals, and application of fiber optics.


Decision-making Structures in LabVIEW

Decision-making Structures in LabVIEW

Choosing between a select? structure and a case structure to form your decision-making structure in LabVIEW? In this article, we’ll review how each of these structures suits different applications.


Addressing AS-Interface (ASi)

Addressing AS-Interface (ASi)

ASi is a pioneering standard in automation technology that helps simplify and lower field device integration costs.


What is the Difference Between IoT and Cloud Computing?

What is the Difference Between IoT and Cloud Computing?

IoT infrastructure consists of many factory parts, one being cloud computing. Rather than ask how they’re different, let’s look into how they work together to form industry 4.0.


LabVIEW Loops Explained

LabVIEW Loops Explained

In programming languages, loops control processes and instrumentation. Learn how to set up while loops, for loops, and other types of loops in LabVIEW.


An Introduction to Ball Valves in Control Systems

An Introduction to Ball Valves in Control Systems

In control systems using fluid or airflow, ball valves can restrict pressure leaks and connect instruments in a network.


Introduction to Flow Control Valves

Introduction to Flow Control Valves

Control valves manipulate fluid flow rate in industrial applications. How do they work, what kinds are there, and what are some specific applications?


Cybersecurity in Centralized Vs. Decentralized Computing

Cybersecurity in Centralized Vs. Decentralized Computing

Centralized and decentralized computing have different cybersecurity needs. Let’s review the differences and some best practices.


LabVIEW Environment Deep Dive

LabVIEW Environment Deep Dive

Graphical programming language LabVIEW uses front panels, block diagrams, a controls palette, and a functions palette to design control systems. Let’s take a deep dive into each of these and their functionalities.


An Overview of Neural Networks

An Overview of Neural Networks

What are neural networks, how do you establish basic parameters, and what tools can help?


Introduction to Fuel Cell HIL Simulation

Introduction to Fuel Cell HIL Simulation

Fuel cell use is picking up in manufacturing and industrial automation. But what is a fuel cell, how is it different from traditional power sources, and what are some common hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation options?


Huffman Coding for Data Compression

Huffman Coding for Data Compression

Learn the steps of Huffman coding, a simple and effective lossless data compression algorithm.