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Understanding XML and Data Exchange Formats for Industrial Settings

Understanding XML and Data Exchange Formats for Industrial Settings

The basic component of data exchange between devices, machines, and embedded systems serves as a hallmark foundation in every organization’s Industry 4.0 implementation process.


How to Design and Deploy a Web-Based HMI Project - Part 1

How to Design and Deploy a Web-Based HMI Project - Part 1

A walkthrough and discussion of a simple web-based HMI solution that could modernize your current HMI technology stack. The first step in the process involves sending data from a device to a server.


Three Things About IO-Link Sensors That May Shock You

Three Things About IO-Link Sensors That May Shock You

Control.com’s Director of Engineering got to explore IO-Link sensors and what he found might surprise you! Although still considered an “emerging” technology, it’s clear IO-Link technology boasts several bonafide benefits over traditional sensors.


System Dynamic and Frequency Response Analysis

System Dynamic and Frequency Response Analysis

Understanding the building blocks of s-domain analysis and magnitude response theory can go a long way in helping engineers predict how and why some system design choices are made over others.


How to Design and Deploy a Web-Based HMI Project - Part 4

How to Design and Deploy a Web-Based HMI Project - Part 4

Refining and integrating a front-end HMI application to an API middle layer with real-time data display and historian capabilities for short-term data visualization.


How to Design and Deploy a Web-Based HMI Project - Part 3

How to Design and Deploy a Web-Based HMI Project - Part 3

Learn the first steps in focusing on the integration of a front-end HMI application to an API middle layer.


How to Design and Deploy a Web-Based HMI Project - Part 2

How to Design and Deploy a Web-Based HMI Project - Part 2

The middle layer, or API layer of a custom-built HMI project involves a server that can submit or receive data to and from a device, either to provide the user interface or interact with the machine.


Explaining User-Defined Data Types for PLC Programming

Explaining User-Defined Data Types for PLC Programming

User-defined data types (UDTs) are a powerful and useful tool when applied to their full advantage. However, misused, they can become problematic and introduce roadblocks to troubleshooting and upgrading PLC programs.


Beginner’s Guide to Programmable Encoders

Beginner’s Guide to Programmable Encoders

Programmable encoders provide engineers real flexibility to adjust process parameters. From operating theory to programming methods, here’s everything you need to know to begin leveraging these handy devices.


What You Need to Know: Soft Starters for Industrial Motors

What You Need to Know: Soft Starters for Industrial Motors

Driving motors is one of the most fundamental automation tasks, but understanding and selecting the proper motor soft starter for your application may require more investigation than you thought.


Understanding the Automation Lingo: PLC, PAC, RTU, DCS, and SCADA

Understanding the Automation Lingo: PLC, PAC, RTU, DCS, and SCADA

What are these terms, PLC, PAC, RTU, DCS, SCADA? Why are they so important to industrial robotics and automation? Explore how each different piece functions to build a comprehensive automated system.


Examples of Analog Signals in Control Systems

Examples of Analog Signals in Control Systems

Many articles address the wiring and implementation of analog control signals, but where are they used, and what might make them a better (or perhaps worse) decision than digital input/output devices?


Potential Problems Arising from Misuse of Motor Phase Wiring

Potential Problems Arising from Misuse of Motor Phase Wiring

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.


Fundamentals of Directional Control Valves in Fluid Control Systems

Fundamentals of Directional Control Valves in Fluid Control Systems

Directional control valves (DCVs) come in many shapes and sizes for pneumatic and hydraulic applications. Learn to distinguish the different configurations and the meaning of external markings.


Examples of Digital Signals in Control Systems

Examples of Digital Signals in Control Systems

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?


Troubleshooting and Testing Single Phase AC Motors

Troubleshooting and Testing Single Phase AC Motors

Single-phase motors are common in household and small industrial devices. They are a bit more complex than 3-phase models, so it’s important to recognize failure modes and common symptoms.


Industrial Wireless Technology: Communication and Programming

Industrial Wireless Technology: Communication and Programming

Wireless technology is typically slower to adoption for industrial automation, but what wireless advancements are shaping the current and future landscape of the automated factory floor?


Basic Structured Text Programming in Mitsubishi PLCs

Basic Structured Text Programming in Mitsubishi PLCs

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.


Math and Comparison Commands In Mitsubishi’s FX and Q Series PLCs

Math and Comparison Commands In Mitsubishi’s FX and Q Series PLCs

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.


CIP Safety and Its Applications to Robotic Installations

CIP Safety and Its Applications to Robotic Installations

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