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Info Byte: What’s the Reason Behind Relay Terminal Numbering?

Info Byte: What’s the Reason Behind Relay Terminal Numbering?

Any industrial electrician can instantly recognize a relay, but when it comes to wiring, why are the terminals numbered in such apparently random order?


Introduction to Allen-Bradley Data Highway (DH) Networks

Introduction to Allen-Bradley Data Highway (DH) Networks

In this article, learn the basics of Allen-Bradley Data Highway, the various network structures, and the relationship between DH and Ethernet networks.


Lock-out-tag-out (LOTO) Devices for Industrial Safety

Lock-out-tag-out (LOTO) Devices for Industrial Safety

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.


An Overview of Laser Sensing

An Overview of Laser Sensing

What is laser sensing, how does it work, and what types of laser sensors exist?


Introduction to Industrial Network Gateways

Introduction to Industrial Network Gateways

This article teaches the basics of gateways in industrial networks and PLC-to-PLC communication.


Connecting Multiple PLCs to an HMI

Connecting Multiple PLCs to an HMI

Learn the basics of connecting multiple PLCs to an HMI using various data types.


Process Noise Sources and How to Fix Them

Process Noise Sources and How to Fix Them

Noise signal sources occur primarily from radiofrequency interference (RFI), often in the form of impulse functions or arcing. How do you mitigate process noise from your control system?


Boolean Logic for Ladder Diagrams

Boolean Logic for Ladder Diagrams

Ladder diagrams, or ladder logic, is a popular programming language used for PLCs. Programmers can utilize boolean logic as a base for their ladder diagrams. Learn the basics and structures for boolean logic.


An Overview of AVEVA Solutions

An Overview of AVEVA Solutions

AVEVA Solutions, formerly Wonderware, is a popular service that offers HMI, SCADA, and MES. How is each solution used in industrial automation?


Alternative Devices for Measuring Fluid Volume

Alternative Devices for Measuring Fluid Volume

Flow totalizers, flow sensors, and flow meters are popular devices for measuring flow. However, this article discusses alternative methods, such as ultrasonic level detection and resistive tape.


Introduction to Smart Sensors

Introduction to Smart Sensors

Smart sensors differ from traditional sensors in that they offer benefits such as self-diagnostics, simplified wiring and communication, and more efficient remote monitoring.


How to Utilize Real-time Production Data and Achieve Better Manufacturing Results

How to Utilize Real-time Production Data and Achieve Better Manufacturing Results

Struggling to find the best ways to utilize real-time production data? This article reviews six steps to achieve better manufacturing results.


Developing Totalizer Function (Flow Totalizer) on a PLC

Developing Totalizer Function (Flow Totalizer) on a PLC

Converting from flow rate measurements into total flow over a period of time requires the use of a flow totalizer. Flow totalizing can be done with a standalone device or with a PLC mathematical algorithm.


Introduction to Photoelectric Sensors

Introduction to Photoelectric Sensors

Sensing objects is a tricky business because of the many variables in light, surface texture, distance, color, and other factors. Learn how a photo sensor works!


Deep Dive Into the Data Science Lifecycle

Deep Dive Into the Data Science Lifecycle

Learn the definition and basic steps of the data science life cycle, particularly the popular CRISP-DM model.


Data Lake vs. Big Data for Industrial Applications

Data Lake vs. Big Data for Industrial Applications

This article teaches the definitions of big data and data lake, how to use them together, and industrial applications.


A Software Approach to Calculating Mean Time to Repair (MTTR) and Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF)

A Software Approach to Calculating Mean Time to Repair (MTTR) and Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF)

MTTR and MTBF are metrics utilized to determine equipment downtime. How do you calculate these metrics, and how can a control engineer use them for machine reliability?


Combining Two Deep Learning Models

Combining Two Deep Learning Models

Combining two deep learning models, otherwise known as ensemble learning, has numerous techniques. Let’s review the current techniques and their advantages and disadvantages.


Deep Learning vs. Machine Learning

Deep Learning vs. Machine Learning

Deep learning is a subset of machine learning, which is a subset of artificial intelligence. So, what makes deep learning different from machine learning?


Types of Process Manufacturing Equipment

Types of Process Manufacturing Equipment

During process manufacturing, raw materials are mixed together to create a product. This process includes many stages, and thus, copious types of equipment.