The HART protocol enables instruments to send analog and digital signals over the same physical wire. This provides multiple advantages for remote configuration,…
The HART protocol enables instruments to send analog and digital signals over the same physical wire. This provides multiple advantages for remote configuration, increased accuracy, and more.
What if you could control the end position and the speed of a hydraulic actuator accurately with just a simple signal?…
What if you could control the end position and the speed of a hydraulic actuator accurately with just a simple signal? Some systems use simple open/close valves, but others require far more precision.
Allen Bradley’s Data Highway Plus (DH+) networking ability is still found commonly in interfaces with legacy equipment.…
Allen Bradley’s Data Highway Plus (DH+) networking ability is still found commonly in interfaces with legacy equipment. Understanding this network structure can bridge the gap between old and new systems.
What’s the difference between a Cat 6 and a Cat 6a cable, anyhow? Ethernet cables must meet certain performance…
What’s the difference between a Cat 6 and a Cat 6a cable, anyhow? Ethernet cables must meet certain performance standards, and these standards can be quite confusing at first glance.
Our Control Automation engineering staff got the chance to visit a commercial farm in North Dakota and learn the hardware…
Our Control Automation engineering staff got the chance to visit a commercial farm in North Dakota and learn the hardware and software making these huge automated tractors ready for high-tech ‘field’ work.
Blockchain recording can reduce risks associated with data transactions such as data theft and erroneous information. But…
Blockchain recording can reduce risks associated with data transactions such as data theft and erroneous information. But what implications, if any, does blockchain hold for industrial control system engineers?
Advanced features such as programmable limits, diagnostics, and remote configuration are available with IO-Link devices.…
Advanced features such as programmable limits, diagnostics, and remote configuration are available with IO-Link devices. Learn how to connect an example IO-Link block into an actual PLC project.
With the increasing appearance of “web-based” HMIs, we investigate these devices, learn how they differ from the…
With the increasing appearance of “web-based” HMIs, we investigate these devices, learn how they differ from the graphical HMIs, and see implications for our modern control system architecture.
Modbus is a communication protocol stemming from the early days of Modicon PLCs, but is still common today. These two…
Modbus is a communication protocol stemming from the early days of Modicon PLCs, but is still common today. These two example implementations of Modbus transactions will get you started.
We've read about the capabilities of collaborative robots, but often, one question still remains - how do you program a…
We've read about the capabilities of collaborative robots, but often, one question still remains - how do you program a cobot? Last week, I got a chance to get my hands on a cobot for the first time.
The fourth pillar of effective statistical process control (SPC) is the use of designed experiments used to learn as much…
The fourth pillar of effective statistical process control (SPC) is the use of designed experiments used to learn as much as possible from a limited number of experiments, yet remain statistically relevant enough to be useful.
Statistical process control (SPC) allows for continual improvement process (CIP), a method of optimizing a process driven…
Statistical process control (SPC) allows for continual improvement process (CIP), a method of optimizing a process driven by data and statistical methods.
Industrial automation is only possible when the various system components can communicate with each other using physical…
Industrial automation is only possible when the various system components can communicate with each other using physical cable connections. In this article, learn about some of the most popular communication cables and connectors used in the industry.
Robots as a service (RaaS) can open the door to automation for small to mid-sized companies that are looking to automate…
Robots as a service (RaaS) can open the door to automation for small to mid-sized companies that are looking to automate a process without a large upfront capital investment.
This article covers the definition of warehouse management systems (WMS), describing the basic functions and benefits.
This article covers the definition of warehouse management systems (WMS), describing the basic functions and benefits.
This article reviews and compares some of the most prominent industrial Ethernet protocols.
This article reviews and compares some of the most prominent industrial Ethernet protocols.
We’re all familiar with information technology, or IT. The computer systems, hardware, internet, and various software…
We’re all familiar with information technology, or IT. The computer systems, hardware, internet, and various software we use in our own homes and offices are mostly IT. But when it comes to industrial workplaces, the rules are different.
In this article, learn the basics of Allen-Bradley Data Highway, the various network structures, and the relationship…
In this article, learn the basics of Allen-Bradley Data Highway, the various network structures, and the relationship between DH and Ethernet networks.
This article teaches the basics of gateways in industrial networks and PLC-to-PLC communication.
This article teaches the basics of gateways in industrial networks and PLC-to-PLC communication.
Learn the basics of connecting multiple PLCs to an HMI using various data types.
Learn the basics of connecting multiple PLCs to an HMI using various data types.
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