Latest PLCs & PACs Technical Articles

Sensor networks with built-in logic functions can save cost and program execution speed, but what are those various logic…

Sensor networks with built-in logic functions can save cost and program execution speed, but what are those various logic functions, and when might they be preferred over normal PLC ladder logic?

Every automated cell requires a ‘brain’ in order to achieve the required tasks. How do you determine the necessary…

Every automated cell requires a ‘brain’ in order to achieve the required tasks. How do you determine the necessary I/O, communication protocols, and processor necessary for controlling your system?

Learn how to write a ladder logic program to assign a string value to a data register and share that register with any…

Learn how to write a ladder logic program to assign a string value to a data register and share that register with any HMI compatible with Mitsubishi’s MELSEC PLC series.

This section will dive into the world of data structures used within the Python programming environment, starting with…

This section will dive into the world of data structures used within the Python programming environment, starting with one of the more commonly used structures called ‘lists.’

Sensors with timer functions advance modern automation systems, enhancing the precision and flexibility of in-process…

Sensors with timer functions advance modern automation systems, enhancing the precision and flexibility of in-process controls to ease the strict requirement for an external, clock-based logic CPU.

This article will focus on the basic building blocks of the Python programming language that are core to interacting with…

This article will focus on the basic building blocks of the Python programming language that are core to interacting with programs, including strings, integers, floats, and booleans.

High-level IT/OT integration in a manufacturing environment involves skills in networking communication and field…

High-level IT/OT integration in a manufacturing environment involves skills in networking communication and field equipment. This example involves automating remote connections between computers.

Learn how to use GT Designer 3 to create an interactive control system on Mitsubishi HMIs. With practical examples of…

Learn how to use GT Designer 3 to create an interactive control system on Mitsubishi HMIs. With practical examples of simple on/off bits, gain some understanding of HMI designing and programming.

An introduction to the popular Python language and how to take the first step in learning programming. In this article,…

An introduction to the popular Python language and how to take the first step in learning programming. In this article, learn how to obtain the proper IDE and executable for your OS.

Learn how to set up Ethernet/IP communications, including steps for both the FANUC controller and the Studio 5000…

Learn how to set up Ethernet/IP communications, including steps for both the FANUC controller and the Studio 5000 environment for a Rockwell PLC.

Learn how to use DirectSOFT6 to program discrete I/O functions in a Koyo DirectLOGIC PLC. Although these PLCs are older,…

Learn how to use DirectSOFT6 to program discrete I/O functions in a Koyo DirectLOGIC PLC. Although these PLCs are older, they are found in many existing automation installations.

Having separately covered Arduino’s microcontroller platforms and AutomationDirect Productivity PLCs, it’s time to…

Having separately covered Arduino’s microcontroller platforms and AutomationDirect Productivity PLCs, it’s time to take the wheel of the ProOpen, a PLC that combines modularity with C++ programming.

Expanding motor drives with I/O is a cost-effective way of increasing local control without burdening the control system.…

Expanding motor drives with I/O is a cost-effective way of increasing local control without burdening the control system. Control Technique’s new SI-I/O 24 Plus expands I/O right on the drive unit.

Controlling an industrial robot can be done through the use of well-crafted signal handshakes. Follow along as we dive…

Controlling an industrial robot can be done through the use of well-crafted signal handshakes. Follow along as we dive into several robot-to-PLC communication strategies.

There are a few options when it comes to tracking part data throughout a process or assembly of a machine. Follow along…

There are a few options when it comes to tracking part data throughout a process or assembly of a machine. Follow along as we explain just a few of the more common methods.

I/O mapping is the process of converting raw input and output data into specific tags, but how can we find a method for…

I/O mapping is the process of converting raw input and output data into specific tags, but how can we find a method for mapping I/O that is both efficient and scalable?

Controlling and optimizing plant processes is the goal of most control systems. It can be a challenge to distinguish…

Controlling and optimizing plant processes is the goal of most control systems. It can be a challenge to distinguish between different types of control: a DCS or a high-level SCADA system?

Learn how to use analog I/O devices with AutomationDirect’s Productivity series of PLCs and Productivity Suite…

Learn how to use analog I/O devices with AutomationDirect’s Productivity series of PLCs and Productivity Suite software. Wiring, configuring I/O, and programming will be a part of this tutorial.

Learn how to measure temperature using an RTD and a temperature transmitter to convert resistance into common analog…

Learn how to measure temperature using an RTD and a temperature transmitter to convert resistance into common analog voltage or current values for process control.