Cybersecurity is all about processes and people. A lot of threats can be mitigated through technology, but only if people understand how cybersecurity affects…
Cybersecurity is all about processes and people. A lot of threats can be mitigated through technology, but only if people understand how cybersecurity affects control systems and related technology.
Optical sensors are one of the most popular sensor types in industrial automation. This article covers optical sensor…
Optical sensors are one of the most popular sensor types in industrial automation. This article covers optical sensor basics and commonly used types, including fiber optic, photoelectric, and optical encoders.
Industrial sensors can be found in nearly every modern industrial process, regardless of complexity. Learn the history,…
Industrial sensors can be found in nearly every modern industrial process, regardless of complexity. Learn the history, evolution, and variety of sensors that make manufacturing the modern marvel we see today.
Motors consume the highest current during startup—this is a well-known fact. But logically, the slowest speed should…
Motors consume the highest current during startup—this is a well-known fact. But logically, the slowest speed should relate to the lowest power consumption. Why, then, is inrush current so high for motors?
Programming simple coil and contact commands is an easy matter in most PLC IDEs. Connecting and configuring analog inputs…
Programming simple coil and contact commands is an easy matter in most PLC IDEs. Connecting and configuring analog inputs can be more challenging with various bit resolutions and conversion commands.
Insufficient controller memory can result in reduced HMI and SCADA response speed and longer scan times. Know the…
Insufficient controller memory can result in reduced HMI and SCADA response speed and longer scan times. Know the differences between RAM, ROM, and removable memory, and how to keep program sizes in check.
Computers understand values as long strings of binary bits, but we humans convert them to other systems for convenience.…
Computers understand values as long strings of binary bits, but we humans convert them to other systems for convenience. Decimal makes sense, but what about hexadecimal and the lesser-known octal systems?
Operating voltage, linearity, dimensions, polarity protection, range… When it comes to sensors, every situation calls…
Operating voltage, linearity, dimensions, polarity protection, range… When it comes to sensors, every situation calls for understanding these specs in detail during design, purchasing, and installation.
As data becomes available, maintenance can shift from being done on a rigid schedule to a more cost-effective plan of…
As data becomes available, maintenance can shift from being done on a rigid schedule to a more cost-effective plan of fixing as required, even turning attention to the root cause of maintenance woes.
EMC-compliant panels are an excellent first step in reducing electromagnetic interference from industrial control…
EMC-compliant panels are an excellent first step in reducing electromagnetic interference from industrial control systems. Learn about some features of electromagnetic compatibility in panels.
Air motors are common in process industries, mainly used in hazardous areas. This article introduces the features and…
Air motors are common in process industries, mainly used in hazardous areas. This article introduces the features and working principles of air motors and the differences between air and electrical motors.
Power quality is an increasing concern for manufacturers all over the world as electrical equipment becomes more advanced…
Power quality is an increasing concern for manufacturers all over the world as electrical equipment becomes more advanced and therefore sensitive to discrepancies in the supplied power.
Modbus is one of the oldest industrial communication protocols still in use today. Continue reading to find out how the…
Modbus is one of the oldest industrial communication protocols still in use today. Continue reading to find out how the protocol works and how to use it for monitoring and control.
Learn how to install and program analog modules into Rockwell’s hardware and software environments using a CompactLogix…
Learn how to install and program analog modules into Rockwell’s hardware and software environments using a CompactLogix PLC and Studio 5000.
IIoT is a daunting topic due to ambiguous interactions of hardware and software. This article outlines the basic steps to…
IIoT is a daunting topic due to ambiguous interactions of hardware and software. This article outlines the basic steps to use an MQTT broker to collect the number of cycles from a pneumatic cylinder for PM software.
To know if predictive maintenance is the right strategy, it might help to first recognize if it isn’t. Here are some…
To know if predictive maintenance is the right strategy, it might help to first recognize if it isn’t. Here are some indicators that your organization should improve before implementing predictive maintenance.
Rockwell Automation is known for being one of the most popular PLC brands, supported by many compatible devices. Learn…
Rockwell Automation is known for being one of the most popular PLC brands, supported by many compatible devices. Learn the basics of getting started with a CompactLogix project in the Studio 5000 environment.
Machine safety design can be a daunting task with all the different safety devices on the market today. Choosing the…
Machine safety design can be a daunting task with all the different safety devices on the market today. Choosing the correct device for your design can be made easier by understanding when to use the proper device.
Industrial network switches connect automation equipment, controllers, and other such devices. Learn about unmanaged,…
Industrial network switches connect automation equipment, controllers, and other such devices. Learn about unmanaged, managed, and PoE enabled switches, as well as the differences between switches, routers, and hubs.
Memory for data is among the most pressing challenges to Industry 4.0. Given the evolving nature of Industry 4.0 and…
Memory for data is among the most pressing challenges to Industry 4.0. Given the evolving nature of Industry 4.0 and associated memory solutions, however, some memory-based trends are becoming apparent.
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