Latest Electronics Technical Articles

Some terminology, like 'normally open' and 'normally closed' switch contacts, is common throughout industry but can still…

Some terminology, like 'normally open' and 'normally closed' switch contacts, is common throughout industry but can still be confusing, misleading, or even hazardous if not properly understood.

For being no more than a thin piece of metal, the strain gauge is a versatile measurement tool, from small switches to…

For being no more than a thin piece of metal, the strain gauge is a versatile measurement tool, from small switches to multi-ton machines. In this article, learn the operating principles and properties.

When inputs or outputs stop working, the equipment fails to respond and money starts slipping away. Dive into the concept…

When inputs or outputs stop working, the equipment fails to respond and money starts slipping away. Dive into the concept of troubleshooting I/O without ever opening the PLC software.

When IT and OT converge on the shop floor, it’s important to understand how and when to let a computer control the…

When IT and OT converge on the shop floor, it’s important to understand how and when to let a computer control the assignment of network addresses, or when you would rather keep it under control.

Machine downtime can be very stressful for everybody involved. Next time you face a challenging system failure, try some…

Machine downtime can be very stressful for everybody involved. Next time you face a challenging system failure, try some of these LED troubleshooting techniques to reduce stress.

All of modern industry relies on data. In the first installment of a series showcasing the importance of industrial data…

All of modern industry relies on data. In the first installment of a series showcasing the importance of industrial data movement, we explain the challenge of data flow and build a fault list.

In this final installment of the IIoT tech stack project, learn how to design the customer-facing dashboard or…

In this final installment of the IIoT tech stack project, learn how to design the customer-facing dashboard or observability platform using the data acquired from the MQTT client device.

Traditionally, automation requires a sizable investment and integration risks. RaaS empowers manufacturers to let someone…

Traditionally, automation requires a sizable investment and integration risks. RaaS empowers manufacturers to let someone else adopt the risks in exchange for an hourly or monthly subscription rate.

As we approach the conclusion of this IIoT project, we’ll explore the integration of the Mosquitto MQTT broker,…

As we approach the conclusion of this IIoT project, we’ll explore the integration of the Mosquitto MQTT broker, Node-RED, and InfluxDB, leaving only the data dashboard setup for the final step.

Rebooting industrial controllers and computers incurs costs, not only from the downtime but also from cascading effects…

Rebooting industrial controllers and computers incurs costs, not only from the downtime but also from cascading effects of communication with up/downstream controllers. How can this downtime be managed?

This article will explore the setup of Node-RED, the glue that will serve to connect all of the individual components of…

This article will explore the setup of Node-RED, the glue that will serve to connect all of the individual components of the solution that we have created up to this point.

Now that our IIoT project has verified the transmission of an MQTT data payload packet, this next article will explore…

Now that our IIoT project has verified the transmission of an MQTT data payload packet, this next article will explore the setup of an InfluxDB database to store the incoming sensor data.

When troubleshooting AC outputs driven by TRIACs, some confusing meter readings can result from the solid state…

When troubleshooting AC outputs driven by TRIACs, some confusing meter readings can result from the solid state properties of a series circuit. In this article, learn proper troubleshooting techniques.

Continuing the real-world IIoT project, learn how to begin integrating the Raspberry Pi with the Mosquitto Broker and…

Continuing the real-world IIoT project, learn how to begin integrating the Raspberry Pi with the Mosquitto Broker and understand Docker networks and port binding.

Learn to develop an actual IoT solution end to end. Create a Mosquitto MQTT broker for the Raspberry Pi client in order…

Learn to develop an actual IoT solution end to end. Create a Mosquitto MQTT broker for the Raspberry Pi client in order to connect and publish Sense HAT sensor data.

There are two types of winding designs inside three-phase industrial motors: Wye and Delta. Although the motors and…

There are two types of winding designs inside three-phase industrial motors: Wye and Delta. Although the motors and connections look similar on the outside, this article discusses the internal construction for Delta wound motors.

Every so often, a new data format comes along, and we first consider that it might simply be a mistake in typing. Pulse…

Every so often, a new data format comes along, and we first consider that it might simply be a mistake in typing. Pulse Frequency Modulation (PFM) is not brand new, but still unknown to many engineers.

Learn to develop an actual IoT solution end to end, from the initial data collection to web-based visualization and…

Learn to develop an actual IoT solution end to end, from the initial data collection to web-based visualization and analytics. This first article in the series will explore the setup of the edge device.

Many signal sources and process transmitters do not include isolation, which can cause problems when the instruments are…

Many signal sources and process transmitters do not include isolation, which can cause problems when the instruments are at different locations. A loop powered isolator is often the solution.