Latest Electronics Technical Articles

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.

Digital signals hold a prominent position due to their compatibility with computers. But what are digital signals, and…

Digital signals hold a prominent position due to their compatibility with computers. But what are digital signals, and what are some examples of the various devices used with digital inputs and outputs?

Ground wires reduce the risk of injury and damage from faulty equipment. Shops designing according to the UL 508A…

Ground wires reduce the risk of injury and damage from faulty equipment. Shops designing according to the UL 508A standard must understand how, when, and why to properly ground and bond circuits.

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.

Compliance and compensator devices are used in processes where variation and uncertainty are prevalent. What sorts of…

Compliance and compensator devices are used in processes where variation and uncertainty are prevalent. What sorts of compliance devices are used, and what distinct advantages are held by each?

Measuring time delays between equipment events predates digital control systems. What are the types of timers, and how…

Measuring time delays between equipment events predates digital control systems. What are the types of timers, and how did they work before the advent of PLCs? And how do PLCs continue the tradition?

Mathematical operations are essential in PLC programming as they help in creating an argument output that is based on…

Mathematical operations are essential in PLC programming as they help in creating an argument output that is based on proportionality and numbers. Learn how to implement mathematical operations in FX and Q Series PLCs.

Rockwell Automation’s Micro800 series is the modern replacement for some older MicroLogix PLCs. Learn how to get…

Rockwell Automation’s Micro800 series is the modern replacement for some older MicroLogix PLCs. Learn how to get started with basic I/O, plus timers and counters, to build your own programs in a snap!

I could run down to the local box store or internet marketplace and buy a 5-port switch for less than 20 dollars, or…

I could run down to the local box store or internet marketplace and buy a 5-port switch for less than 20 dollars, or invest in an industrial switch for hundreds. Why would I choose the industrial switch?

Force compensators and force compliance end effectors can expand the capabilities of traditional robotics to reach into…

Force compensators and force compliance end effectors can expand the capabilities of traditional robotics to reach into difficult processes, ranging from grinding and alignment to precision measurement.

Implementing PID control in a PLC is far more complicated than textbooks would make it appear. There is more to the…

Implementing PID control in a PLC is far more complicated than textbooks would make it appear. There is more to the process than simply picking gain (k) values and calculating an output value.

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.

Industrial robots are becoming safer and more economical by utilizing safety signals over Ethernet networks via CIP…

Industrial robots are becoming safer and more economical by utilizing safety signals over Ethernet networks via CIP safety technology.

Direct current (DC) motors have existed since the late 19th century. What sets these motors apart from AC models, how do…

Direct current (DC) motors have existed since the late 19th century. What sets these motors apart from AC models, how do you control them, and how can you tell when it’s time to repair or replace them?

Selecting a suitable electrical connector is a process that is based on how you will terminate it to the system. This…

Selecting a suitable electrical connector is a process that is based on how you will terminate it to the system. This article provides advice on how to make the right contact selection for your industrial or robotic system.

Errors in communications often manifest as a result of electrical noise interrupting the data during the transmission…

Errors in communications often manifest as a result of electrical noise interrupting the data during the transmission process, leading to various methods for determining whether received data has been damaged.

Learn how to build a machine learning model to predict failure classification based on machine parameters using a…

Learn how to build a machine learning model to predict failure classification based on machine parameters using a synthetic dataset modeled after a milling machine, the same process used in real-world systems.

The Lean process uses a method of implementation focusing only on actions providing value to customers. The following…

The Lean process uses a method of implementation focusing only on actions providing value to customers. The following five steps break down the process into discrete modules when introducing efficiency to production.

Most grippers are powered by either air or electricity. Learn about the questions and factors an engineer should consider…

Most grippers are powered by either air or electricity. Learn about the questions and factors an engineer should consider to make the best decisions while selecting a gripper to use for unique applications.