Latest Motor Control Circuits Technical Articles

In this article, we will take a look at the differences between synchronous and induction motors, as well as the two…

In this article, we will take a look at the differences between synchronous and induction motors, as well as the two types of induction motors: squirrel cage and wound rotor.

Although the are similarities in operating theory, relays and contactors are used in industrial circuits for different…

Although the are similarities in operating theory, relays and contactors are used in industrial circuits for different specific applications, and should not be used interchangeably.

Two common methods exist for driving induction motors with VFDs - linear scalar control, which is often labeled as V/f,…

Two common methods exist for driving induction motors with VFDs - linear scalar control, which is often labeled as V/f, and vector, or field-oriented control, which can be a bit more complex to understand.

Large DC and AC motor drives often provide terminals for installing a braking resistor. What are these resistors, and how…

Large DC and AC motor drives often provide terminals for installing a braking resistor. What are these resistors, and how do they slow down a machine? What hazards and cautions must be considered?

Redundancy and safety are often seen together in industrial safety systems. Safety relays monitor emergency devices to…

Redundancy and safety are often seen together in industrial safety systems. Safety relays monitor emergency devices to switch contacts based on status - but what makes them different from normal relays?

AC motors are common throughout industry - easily controlled by VFDs and without the maintenance that comes with DC…

AC motors are common throughout industry - easily controlled by VFDs and without the maintenance that comes with DC brushes. So then, why are DC motors still used in certain applications?

Before digital control systems, responses were fairly slow. Push a button, and a motor contactor engaged. These days, the…

Before digital control systems, responses were fairly slow. Push a button, and a motor contactor engaged. These days, the speed of computers introduces some new challenges but brings solutions as well.

One of the most visible elements of industrial safety is the use of lock-out-tag-out (LOTO) devices, familiar to those…

One of the most visible elements of industrial safety is the use of lock-out-tag-out (LOTO) devices, familiar to those with experience. But, if you are new to the workforce, a brief introduction may be helpful.

Safety is of utmost importance in the day-to-day operations of any system, especially a system where humans and machines…

Safety is of utmost importance in the day-to-day operations of any system, especially a system where humans and machines work together. Learn all about Safety Instrumented Systems and what it takes to keep workers safe, and the system running smoothly!

Motors drive all sorts of processes in a facility. Depending on the application, which motor starter is best suited for…

Motors drive all sorts of processes in a facility. Depending on the application, which motor starter is best suited for your needs?

Different conveyance systems have different ways to calculate speed. Let’s dive into these systems, their speed, and…

Different conveyance systems have different ways to calculate speed. Let’s dive into these systems, their speed, and some determining factors.

Let’s take a closer look at retrofitting T-cart control with newer technology, such as using laser distance sensors…

Let’s take a closer look at retrofitting T-cart control with newer technology, such as using laser distance sensors versus limit switches.

When the conveyor belt goes down, what do you do? Follow a few of these preventive maintenance strategies to help get…

When the conveyor belt goes down, what do you do? Follow a few of these preventive maintenance strategies to help get production back on track.

Who created the first conveyor system, what are some common types of conveyor systems used in industrial automation, and…

Who created the first conveyor system, what are some common types of conveyor systems used in industrial automation, and what are the types of controls involved?

Learn about the numerous libraries, toolkits, and interfaces to achieve motor and motion control using LabVIEW.

Learn about the numerous libraries, toolkits, and interfaces to achieve motor and motion control using LabVIEW.

Learn about specific components used in feedback devices and some of the jargon you may encounter when working with servo…

Learn about specific components used in feedback devices and some of the jargon you may encounter when working with servo motion systems.

Trip classes protect motors from overcurrent, but when will an overload relay trip, why, and what trip class should you use?

Trip classes protect motors from overcurrent, but when will an overload relay trip, why, and what trip class should you use?

Learn about the different types of electrical and mechanical soft-start methods as well as devices to use for each method.

Learn about the different types of electrical and mechanical soft-start methods as well as devices to use for each method.

Variable frequency drives (VFDs) can output simulated waveforms of nearly any frequency. However, in order to be truly…

Variable frequency drives (VFDs) can output simulated waveforms of nearly any frequency. However, in order to be truly useful, harmonics and resonance in the system must be avoided and frequency parameters should be put in place.