Industrial communication channels often contain terms such as ‘Modbus over RS485’ or ‘CIP Safety over Ethernet’. What does it mean to send one network…
Industrial communication channels often contain terms such as ‘Modbus over RS485’ or ‘CIP Safety over Ethernet’. What does it mean to send one network over another, and how does it work to your advantage?
Network routers are designed to route and pass information between a system of connected computers and devices. Learn…
Network routers are designed to route and pass information between a system of connected computers and devices. Learn about the role of routers in industrial applications and how to properly maintain them.
Servers are vital to the flow of information in and around organizations, acting as a hub for information transfer and…
Servers are vital to the flow of information in and around organizations, acting as a hub for information transfer and storage. Learn about the role of servers in industry and the potential challenges that come with maintaining them.
Despite the many overlaps, PLCs and RTUs are two different devices, each with specific suitable applications.
Despite the many overlaps, PLCs and RTUs are two different devices, each with specific suitable applications.
Network switches allow the interconnection of devices and controllers across a facility, with particular features that…
Network switches allow the interconnection of devices and controllers across a facility, with particular features that make them a good fit for industrial applications. We introduce a few of the leading manufacturers of these products.
The PCU400 can handle all known industrial protocols and forward them to the master station to get an effective…
The PCU400 can handle all known industrial protocols and forward them to the master station to get an effective connection between the SCADA system and the data from the manufacturing or system process.
By shaping new concepts and business models, the IIoT is bringing more efficiency and capacity to automated systems. Take…
By shaping new concepts and business models, the IIoT is bringing more efficiency and capacity to automated systems. Take a look at some of the ways the IIoT is revolutionizing the manufacturing and automation sectors.
Over the last decade, cloud service providers have improved technology, particularly data security and integrity. These…
Over the last decade, cloud service providers have improved technology, particularly data security and integrity. These remain the top concern of many manufacturing businesses, but as improvements are rolled out, more and more companies are adopting cloud solutions.
Learn about the common applications, programming procedures, and safety protocols of collaborative robot work cells,…
Learn about the common applications, programming procedures, and safety protocols of collaborative robot work cells, which are often simpler and less expensive than industrial robot work cells.
There are many distributed fieldbus capabilities for valve manifolds that can save on network overhead and wiring. In…
There are many distributed fieldbus capabilities for valve manifolds that can save on network overhead and wiring. In this article, we will look at PLC programming of fieldbus manifolds highlighting Festo's CPX layout.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How are robots used in discrete versus process automation? Can the process industries utilize more robotic automation?
How are robots used in discrete versus process automation? Can the process industries utilize more robotic automation?
Due to the robust nature of process industries, there is a vast amount of data to read. Remote access can help parse data…
Due to the robust nature of process industries, there is a vast amount of data to read. Remote access can help parse data and has many additional benefits in these industries.
Learn the basics of remote terminal units (RTUs) and how they fit into a SCADA system.
Learn the basics of remote terminal units (RTUs) and how they fit into a SCADA system.
As digital transformation continues to rise, technologies such as 3D printing also skyrocket. What is the relationship…
As digital transformation continues to rise, technologies such as 3D printing also skyrocket. What is the relationship between these terms, and how can 3D printing help manufacturers and shops on their journey toward digital transformation?