Latest Solid-State Components Technical Articles

Categories

Understanding NPN vs PNP for Sensors and Devices

Understanding NPN vs PNP for Sensors and Devices

You are bound to encounter two terms associated with sensors and some loads: ‘NPN’ and ‘PNP’. You must understand the relationship between the field device and the control module in order to choose and install components properly when needed.


Sine/Cosine Approximations Simplify Controller Operation

Sine/Cosine Approximations Simplify Controller Operation

Programming languages often include sine and cosine functions. They simplify programming, but consume valuable memory space and computation time. This can be overcome using simple approximations.


Why is 4-20 mA Current Used for Industrial Analog Sensors?

Why is 4-20 mA Current Used for Industrial Analog Sensors?

Industrial analog sensor devices primarily use 0-10 volt or 4-20 milliamp. For those mA signals, learn the reasons for why the lower and upper limit standards were determined as 4 mA and 20 mA.


I/O Module Debate: Transistor vs. Relay Output?

I/O Module Debate: Transistor vs. Relay Output?

When selecting the right module for the right load, be sure to understand how the load resistance will affect the voltage and current of the output module terminals.


Introduction to Safety Relays

Introduction to Safety Relays

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?


Introduction to Photoelectric Sensors

Introduction to Photoelectric Sensors

Sensing objects is a tricky business because of the many variables in light, surface texture, distance, color, and other factors. Learn how a photo sensor works!


Types of Motor Starters and Application Considerations

Types of Motor Starters and Application Considerations

Motors drive all sorts of processes in a facility. Depending on the application, which motor starter is best suited for your needs?


How to Control Robotic Transfer Systems with Laser Distance Sensors

How to Control Robotic Transfer Systems with Laser Distance Sensors

Let’s take a closer look at retrofitting T-cart control with newer technology, such as using laser distance sensors versus limit switches.


Hall-effect Sensors in Electric Motors and Linear Applications

Hall-effect Sensors in Electric Motors and Linear Applications

Learn about how Hall-effect sensors are used in linear and electric motor applications, including brushed and brushless DC motors. 


 An Overview of Hall Effect Sensors

An Overview of Hall Effect Sensors

Learn about Hall Effect sensors and how they are used in a variety of ways from robotics to proximity applications.


The Difference Between Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) and Soft Starters

The Difference Between Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) and Soft Starters

The following will examine how to reduce the wear on motors during startup and compare soft starters and variable frequency drives (VFDs). 


Using Sensors with Open Collector Outputs

Using Sensors with Open Collector Outputs

This article discusses how to use sensors with open collector outputs and learning some of the module connections involved.


The Purpose of NPN Sensors in Control Systems

The Purpose of NPN Sensors in Control Systems

A typical control system uses PNP sensors and tends to be easier to visualize. For opposite polarity systems, the NPN sensor is the only compatible sensor type. Learn more about NPN sensors, including characteristics and uses.


How to Reduce Electrical Noise on Sensors and Control Systems

How to Reduce Electrical Noise on Sensors and Control Systems

Electrical noise is a common problem inside industrial facilities. The following will explain a few simple strategies for reducing this noise.


How to Measure Resistance with a Multimeter

How to Measure Resistance with a Multimeter

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.


How to Use a Multimeter to Measure Current

How to Use a Multimeter to Measure Current

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


How to Measure AC Voltage With a Multimeter

How to Measure AC Voltage With a Multimeter

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.


How To Measure DC Voltage With a Multimeter

How To Measure DC Voltage With a Multimeter

The simplest and most common measurement to obtain using a multimeter is voltage, in fact, they are often called ‘voltmeters’ for this reason.


Understanding the Different Types of Multimeters

Understanding the Different Types of Multimeters

Recognizing the value of a multimeter is a great first step. It’s important to know why a meter may help to save time during design and troubleshooting, and therefore save money.


The Importance of Multimeters

The Importance of Multimeters

The voltmeter, or more often the multimeter, is an incredible tool, capable of troubleshooting nearly every electrical system and fault in existence.