Many sensors, like prox, optical, and ultrasonic, are familiar to control engineers. More and more modern devices are incorporating advanced motion profiles…
Many sensors, like prox, optical, and ultrasonic, are familiar to control engineers. More and more modern devices are incorporating advanced motion profiles requiring motion sensing in many axes.
This article investigates the basic components and wiring conventions for common three-phase motor starter…
This article investigates the basic components and wiring conventions for common three-phase motor starter configurations, including direct online, reversing, and star-delta.
Electrical and mechanical measurements are often labeled with "RMS" and "True RMS." Aside from the simple math…
Electrical and mechanical measurements are often labeled with "RMS" and "True RMS." Aside from the simple math definitions we learned in electronics class, why is this distinction actually important?
In order to trace control system problems to the core, the ability to read and interpret various resources, from…
In order to trace control system problems to the core, the ability to read and interpret various resources, from facility-level diagrams to machine-level wiring layouts, is critical.
In this article, we will explore real-world considerations for strain gauge performance and typical applications. We’ll…
In this article, we will explore real-world considerations for strain gauge performance and typical applications. We’ll be talking about foil and wire strain gauges, but ignoring semiconductors.
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.
PyGWalker is an open-source data visualization tool for developing dashboards and analytics. To get you started down the…
PyGWalker is an open-source data visualization tool for developing dashboards and analytics. To get you started down the right path here's a hands-on guide on how to use PyGWalker to visualize a pseudo-milling dataset.
Understanding the building blocks of s-domain analysis and magnitude response theory can go a long way in helping…
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.
Triggering a machine by an external event often requires a pulse timer for OpenPLC Pulse Timer control. Here’s a brief…
Triggering a machine by an external event often requires a pulse timer for OpenPLC Pulse Timer control. Here’s a brief tutorial on how an M5Stack Core can offer a simple, effective low-cost Arduino OpenPLC HMI solution.
Additive manufacturing includes, but is not limited to, printing parts in 3D. Creating these parts in metal presents…
Additive manufacturing includes, but is not limited to, printing parts in 3D. Creating these parts in metal presents unique challenges and requires some rather innovative additive technologies.
Many articles address the wiring and implementation of analog control signals, but where are they used, and what might…
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?
Wireless technology is typically slower to adoption for industrial automation, but what wireless advancements are shaping…
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?
Engineering processes like robotics, feedback control, and security systems rely on position and distance sensors to…
Engineering processes like robotics, feedback control, and security systems rely on position and distance sensors to provide real-time information that enables machines to operate accurately and safely.
MEMS sensors enable the creation of highly sensitive, compact, and low-power devices for measuring quantities like…
MEMS sensors enable the creation of highly sensitive, compact, and low-power devices for measuring quantities like acceleration, magnetic fields, pressure, and more, and are found in automotive safety systems, navigation, and environmental monitoring.
Converting thermal energy into electrical signals, temperature sensors such as RTDs and thermocouples are fundamental in…
Converting thermal energy into electrical signals, temperature sensors such as RTDs and thermocouples are fundamental in the maintenance and operation of industrial environments and equipment.
A subset of light is the focused cohesive beams that make up lasers, which can be used in optical sensing. These devices…
A subset of light is the focused cohesive beams that make up lasers, which can be used in optical sensing. These devices provide benefits of greater range, precision, and even mapping for mobile robotics.
Cybersecurity is all about processes and people. A lot of threats can be mitigated through technology, but only if people…
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.
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.
Industrial Ethernet is getting a facelift, but will the industry adopt this new change? Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) offers…
Industrial Ethernet is getting a facelift, but will the industry adopt this new change? Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) offers gigabit speeds with a reduced footprint. When is it used, and where?
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.