Latest Food Grade Automation Technical Articles

Previously, we described how to use the new Arduino PLC IDE to control discrete devices. This tutorial will describe how…

Previously, we described how to use the new Arduino PLC IDE to control discrete devices. This tutorial will describe how to connect various peripheral equipment (VFD and robot) using analog inputs and outputs.

Linear and switch-mode power supplies provide direct current to power control components and electrical devices. Learn…

Linear and switch-mode power supplies provide direct current to power control components and electrical devices. Learn about the differences between the two power supplies and which one is best for your control system.

Many control product manufacturers offer these downloadable ‘EDS files’ for peripheral equipment, but what exactly is…

Many control product manufacturers offer these downloadable ‘EDS files’ for peripheral equipment, but what exactly is an EDS, and how can they aid in the development of a project?

PLCs and microprocessors have largely replaced timing functions in control circuits. But these timer relays still hold…

PLCs and microprocessors have largely replaced timing functions in control circuits. But these timer relays still hold many necessary tasks. What’s inside these devices might be more complex than you imagined!

Following the release of the official Arduino PLC IDE, this tutorial will introduce programming and understanding of the…

Following the release of the official Arduino PLC IDE, this tutorial will introduce programming and understanding of the function blocks common to all IEC 61131 languages, starting with bit commands, timers, and counters.

We know that servo motors are found inside machines that rely on precise motion with feedback to verify proper operation,…

We know that servo motors are found inside machines that rely on precise motion with feedback to verify proper operation, but how do they work, and what makes them different from any other kind of motor?

Coil, field winding, rotor, stator, eddy current… When it comes to motors, there are numerous terms that describe the…

Coil, field winding, rotor, stator, eddy current… When it comes to motors, there are numerous terms that describe the theory of operation, but what is inside a 3-phase motor? Take a look, and learn how they work.

When accurate positioning and speed control is needed, most engineers turn to servo motors or stepper motors, but what is…

When accurate positioning and speed control is needed, most engineers turn to servo motors or stepper motors, but what is the difference between the two, and which is the right choice?

Learn how to make complex calculations for validating data easily with the STD instruction, and learn how to display…

Learn how to make complex calculations for validating data easily with the STD instruction, and learn how to display array sizes programmatically with the SIZE instruction.

Industrial communication channels often contain terms such as ‘Modbus over RS485’ or ‘CIP Safety over Ethernet’.…

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?

Learn how to streamline your ladder logic by searching and sorting arrays with the FSC and SRT instructions in the…

Learn how to streamline your ladder logic by searching and sorting arrays with the FSC and SRT instructions in the Rockwell (Allen-Bradley) Studio 5000 programming software.

With precise control abilities to manage speed, torque, and direction, variable frequency drives remain one of the most…

With precise control abilities to manage speed, torque, and direction, variable frequency drives remain one of the most common methods of driving 3-phase industrial motors. Below, we introduce a few leading VFD manufacturers.

Arrays can streamline data storage and math operations, but they can be difficult to understand for a beginning…

Arrays can streamline data storage and math operations, but they can be difficult to understand for a beginning programmer. Learn the background of array instructions in the Rockwell Studio 5000 software.

Using advanced sensing technology, robotic skin allows grippers and manipulators to “feel” and handle objects without…

Using advanced sensing technology, robotic skin allows grippers and manipulators to “feel” and handle objects without damaging them. While emulating human touch is still in its infancy, it does show promise for future applications.

Functional safety is the safety of a system and is critical for industries such as medical devices, automotive, railways,…

Functional safety is the safety of a system and is critical for industries such as medical devices, automotive, railways, and machinery. This article will focus on functional safety for machinery and the standards that help its implementation.

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.

With the first fuzzy logic-based controllers on the market in 1983, learn how the Japanese-born automation company,…

With the first fuzzy logic-based controllers on the market in 1983, learn how the Japanese-born automation company, Omron, adopted fuzzy logic as a basis for the design of its current PLCs.

Protection systems are critical in today’s fast-paced industrial revolution for the safety of people and processes.…

Protection systems are critical in today’s fast-paced industrial revolution for the safety of people and processes. This article discusses electronic protective relay types and how they differ from standard relays.

Tracking the position of a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder is often accomplished at a basic precision level, detecting…

Tracking the position of a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder is often accomplished at a basic precision level, detecting only end stop limits with discrete digital values… But what methods accomplish this?