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Seal-In Ladder Logic vs. Latching/Unlatching PLC Commands

Seal-In Ladder Logic vs. Latching/Unlatching PLC Commands

An age-old debate in PLC programming: investigating the uses and caveats of latching software commands versus seal-in ladder logic for industrial control applications.


DCS vs. SCADA: What’s the Difference?

DCS vs. SCADA: What’s the Difference?

Controlling and optimizing plant processes is the goal of most control systems. It can be a challenge to distinguish between different types of control: a DCS or a high-level SCADA system?


Temp Sensing With RTDs: Wiring Connection and Transmitter Setup

Temp Sensing With RTDs: Wiring Connection and Transmitter Setup

Learn how to measure temperature using an RTD and a temperature transmitter to convert resistance into common analog voltage or current values for process control.


Setting up Discrete Sensors: Polarity, Mode, Range, and Limits

Setting up Discrete Sensors: Polarity, Mode, Range, and Limits

Installing sensors into a manufacturing process is intended to collect data, useful in making logical true/false decisions. But what settings must be adjusted when you install these sensors?


Relays, Relays, and More Relays: 7 Kinds of Industrial Relays

Relays, Relays, and More Relays: 7 Kinds of Industrial Relays

Have you ever heard of a relay? Of course you have. There are many different kinds, plus hundreds of different trade lingo names. What are some of the most common, and how do we use them?


A Better Fit: Comparing Electrical Systems vs. Pneumatic Systems

A Better Fit: Comparing Electrical Systems vs. Pneumatic Systems

Knowing what kind of control system to use: that’s a question that must be answered before setting up the factory floor. Why would someone choose pneumatic over electrical controls?


How Do You ‘Megger’ a Motor? Understanding Motor Insulation Resistance

How Do You ‘Megger’ a Motor? Understanding Motor Insulation Resistance

Within motors, two very different types of resistance are evident. The resistance of the windings is measured with a normal multimeter. But what is insulation resistance, and how is it measured?


PLC Naming Conventions: How Should I Write My Tag Labels?

PLC Naming Conventions: How Should I Write My Tag Labels?

It’s important to consider your PLC tag naming convention when using different styles. Learn when and why you might even use more than one, depending on the circumstances and scope of your project.


Handling of Power System Data | Indications, Counters, and Data Flags

Handling of Power System Data | Indications, Counters, and Data Flags

For large process systems, learn how the location of data indication and flag processing can increase or decrease the burden on computers at the device, RTU, or main computer level.


Understanding the 17xx | Your Rockwell/Allen-Bradley Hardware Encyclopedia

Understanding the 17xx | Your Rockwell/Allen-Bradley Hardware Encyclopedia

Rockwell Automation’s Allen-Bradley control hardware catalog has long included many series that start with 17xx, but what are these lineups, and what function do they serve?


Strain Gauges: Real-World Considerations and Typical Applications

Strain Gauges: Real-World Considerations and Typical Applications

In this article, we will explore real-world considerations for strain gauge performance and typical applications. We’ll be talking about foil and wire strain gauges, but ignoring semiconductors.


Info Byte: What Do NC and NO Mean?

Info Byte: What Do NC and NO Mean?

Some terminology, like 'normally open' and 'normally closed' switch contacts, is common throughout industry but can still be confusing, misleading, or even hazardous if not properly understood.


Strain Gauges: Basic Operating Principles, Materials, and Properties

Strain Gauges: Basic Operating Principles, Materials, and Properties

For being no more than a thin piece of metal, the strain gauge is a versatile measurement tool, from small switches to multi-ton machines. In this article, learn the operating principles and properties.


Data Flow Tutorial With Mage.ai | Part 3: Connecting to Google Sheets

Data Flow Tutorial With Mage.ai | Part 3: Connecting to Google Sheets

In this article, we will explore the inbound integration to the mage.ai pipeline, connecting to the spreadsheet data source using the Google Sheets API through a JSON credentials file.


Identifying and Troubleshooting Pressure Changes in Fluid Systems

Identifying and Troubleshooting Pressure Changes in Fluid Systems

Pressures are always rising and falling in fluid systems. Sometimes the changes are extreme and lead to damage. What causes problematic pressure changes, and how can you trace them to their source?


Human Machine Interface (HMI): Controls and Data Types

Human Machine Interface (HMI): Controls and Data Types

An overview of HMI data types, input controls, output indicators, and message functions, the building blocks used to construct informative and appealing HMI applications.


5 Reasons Why Sensors Are Crucial For Modern Manufacturing

5 Reasons Why Sensors Are Crucial For Modern Manufacturing

Data has become the currency that enables operational excellence. Sensors are the key links, acting as the eyes and ears of modern manufacturing units by providing real-time data on machine performance.


Loop Powered Process Displays to Add Easy Measurements

Loop Powered Process Displays to Add Easy Measurements

Have you ever needed to know the temperature, pressure, flow, or other measurement on location, but the readout is way off in the control room? Here’s an easy way to add a readout in the field.


PLC CPU Modes Explained: Run, Stop, and Program

PLC CPU Modes Explained: Run, Stop, and Program

A PLC can be placed in Run or Stop, or occasionally Program mode, usually through physical or virtual methods. But what do these modes mean, and when should they be used?


PLC Programming: Best Practices for Function Block Diagrams

PLC Programming: Best Practices for Function Block Diagrams

Function block diagrams can be a useful tool, but they can also add a lot of complexity. Learn about the what, when, where, and why of function block diagram (FBD) programming.