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Introduction to Smart Sensors

Introduction to Smart Sensors

Smart sensors differ from traditional sensors in that they offer benefits such as self-diagnostics, simplified wiring and communication, and more efficient remote monitoring.


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 Instrumentation Used in Wastewater Treatment Facilities

Types of Instrumentation Used in Wastewater Treatment Facilities

What types of instrumentation are used in wastewater treatment plants? Let’s review the instrumentation and how treatment plants stand out from other industrial facilities.


Power Requirements for Building Automation Systems

Power Requirements for Building Automation Systems

Building automation systems run commercial offices and factories. These systems have subsystems, broken into even smaller parts. All of these parts need power. This article will review the parts of a building automation system and its power needs.


How Remote Access is Advancing in the Process Industries

How Remote Access is Advancing in the Process Industries

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.


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?


Designing and Planning Existing Control System Upgrades

Designing and Planning Existing Control System Upgrades

After understanding how to select the right control system, learn how to design and plan control system retrofits.


Introduction to Conveyor Belt Systems

Introduction to Conveyor Belt Systems

Who created the first conveyor system, what are some common types of conveyor systems used in industrial automation, and what are the types of controls involved?


Assessing Buzzwords: X “as a Service” (XaaS)

Assessing Buzzwords: X “as a Service” (XaaS)

XaaS, or the service model, has grown in the last several years. Pop-up terms like “SaaS,” “IaaS,” and “RaaS” are seen throughout the industry. But what do they mean, and do they provide dependable ROI?


Future-Proofing Your Industrial Ethernet With the Right RJ45 Connector

Future-Proofing Your Industrial Ethernet With the Right RJ45 Connector

What is future-proofing your industrial Ethernet and why is it important to have the right connector?


M2M Communication: Is Ethernet or Wireless Better?

M2M Communication: Is Ethernet or Wireless Better?

Efficient communication between machines is key in industrial automation. As both Ethernet and wireless network technologies improve, which one is poised to take the lead in the future?


Optical Fiber: The Future of Industrial Communications?

Optical Fiber: The Future of Industrial Communications?

Fiber optics is a promising technology for the future of industrial automation. In this article, learn the history, fundamentals, and application of fiber optics.


Finding and Calibrating Linear Regression in LabVIEW

Finding and Calibrating Linear Regression in LabVIEW

Analog signals like temperature create linear data. Let’s take a look at how to find the best-fit line, use the R^2 value, and calibrate the data in LabVIEW.


Wired vs. Wireless Industrial Networks

Wired vs. Wireless Industrial Networks

Are wired networks really more secure than wireless? Let’s dive into some differences between these two industrial network types.


HMI Troubleshooting and Maintenance

HMI Troubleshooting and Maintenance

In this article, we cover some of the most common HMI failures and troubleshooting methods.


Different Types of Signal Conditioners

Different Types of Signal Conditioners

Signal conditioners are important components of industrial digital acquisition (DAQ) systems. Learn about different types, and their benefits and drawbacks.


The Difference Between HMI and SCADA and How They Work Together

The Difference Between HMI and SCADA and How They Work Together

Learn the differences and similarities between human-machine interface (HMI) and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and how they work together.


Integrating an HMI Into Existing Control Systems

Integrating an HMI Into Existing Control Systems

What are some considerations and challenges when integrating an HMI into an existing control system? Let’s dive into the benefits and challenges.


The Difference Between Office Networks and Industrial Networks

The Difference Between Office Networks and Industrial Networks

Although there are many similarities, there are also vast differences between office networks and industrial networks. Find out what those differences are in this article.


CSA vs. UL Certifications

CSA vs. UL Certifications

Now that we’ve learned the basics of common certifications like CSA and UL, let’s figure out their similarities and differences.