Function block diagram (FBD) programming is a common language for PLCs following the IEC 61131 standard. What is FBD, and how does it differ from the familiar…
Function block diagram (FBD) programming is a common language for PLCs following the IEC 61131 standard. What is FBD, and how does it differ from the familiar ladder logic programs?
Analog voltage and current are the dominating standards for industrial technology. Is one format better than the other?…
Analog voltage and current are the dominating standards for industrial technology. Is one format better than the other? And if so, why do both signal types still exist in modern systems?
A walkthrough and discussion of a simple web-based HMI solution that could modernize your current HMI technology stack.…
A walkthrough and discussion of a simple web-based HMI solution that could modernize your current HMI technology stack. The first step in the process involves sending data from a device to a server.
Understanding the building blocks of s-domain analysis and magnitude response theory can go a long way in helping…
Understanding the building blocks of s-domain analysis and magnitude response theory can go a long way in helping engineers predict how and why some system design choices are made over others.
Refining and integrating a front-end HMI application to an API middle layer with real-time data display and historian…
Refining and integrating a front-end HMI application to an API middle layer with real-time data display and historian capabilities for short-term data visualization.
Learn the first steps in focusing on the integration of a front-end HMI application to an API middle layer.
Learn the first steps in focusing on the integration of a front-end HMI application to an API middle layer.
The middle layer, or API layer of a custom-built HMI project involves a server that can submit or receive data to and…
The middle layer, or API layer of a custom-built HMI project involves a server that can submit or receive data to and from a device, either to provide the user interface or interact with the machine.
Some workplaces are more dangerous than others, not because of the practices, but rather the products. Where do…
Some workplaces are more dangerous than others, not because of the practices, but rather the products. Where do explosions occur, and what practices exist to reduce such risk for equipment and workforce?
Driving motors is one of the most fundamental automation tasks, but understanding and selecting the proper motor soft…
Driving motors is one of the most fundamental automation tasks, but understanding and selecting the proper motor soft starter for your application may require more investigation than you thought.
Many articles address the wiring and implementation of analog control signals, but where are they used, and what might…
Many articles address the wiring and implementation of analog control signals, but where are they used, and what might make them a better (or perhaps worse) decision than digital input/output devices?
Using the right motor for the right task is critical - but what happens if the motor is connected to the wrong supply? It…
Using the right motor for the right task is critical - but what happens if the motor is connected to the wrong supply? It is never recommended, but important to quickly understand symptoms of incorrect wiring.
Structured Text (ST) is one of the common IEC programming languages that can be used in programming PLCs. Learn how to…
Structured Text (ST) is one of the common IEC programming languages that can be used in programming PLCs. Learn how to use structured text to write executable programs for MELSEC’s FX series PLC.
GX Simulator2 is one of MELSOFT’s essential tools for the simulation of programs in a virtual PLC and works with GX…
GX Simulator2 is one of MELSOFT’s essential tools for the simulation of programs in a virtual PLC and works with GX Works2. Learn how to virtually simulate and test your ladder programs.
Temperature profiling is an effective tool to monitor thermal properties in process equipment. This article defines…
Temperature profiling is an effective tool to monitor thermal properties in process equipment. This article defines temperature profiling, discusses the process components, and describes the various benefits it offers.
We see smoke detectors on a daily basis in every house and building we visit, but the same sensor elements, and others,…
We see smoke detectors on a daily basis in every house and building we visit, but the same sensor elements, and others, can be used to detect the presence of harmful gasses and heat in all industries.
AutomationDirect’s Productivity line of PLCs is known for cost-effectiveness and ease of use. Learn how to build and…
AutomationDirect’s Productivity line of PLCs is known for cost-effectiveness and ease of use. Learn how to build and download a simple program using discrete input and output ladder commands.
Fluid flow control is often crucial to control systems and can be achieved by incorporating control valves. In this…
Fluid flow control is often crucial to control systems and can be achieved by incorporating control valves. In this article, we will look at the sequence valve and its use in systems to automate fluid flow.
Flow sensors measure the flow rate of liquids or gasses in pipes, ducts, and other fluid systems to help monitor and…
Flow sensors measure the flow rate of liquids or gasses in pipes, ducts, and other fluid systems to help monitor and control processes, prevent system failures, and optimize performance.
Level sensors are used to measure the level of a substance, usually a liquid or granular material, in a container.…
Level sensors are used to measure the level of a substance, usually a liquid or granular material, in a container. Different types of level sensors include capacitive, ultrasonic, acoustic, and radar.
Pressure sensors are essential tools in industrial applications, required wherever there is a hydraulic or pneumatic…
Pressure sensors are essential tools in industrial applications, required wherever there is a hydraulic or pneumatic system to keep pressure quantities under control.