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The Relationship Between Predictive Maintenance and Digital Transformation

The Relationship Between Predictive Maintenance and Digital Transformation

This article discusses some trends in digital transformation, specifically matching real-world data with resources and gaining control in an ever-changing world.


What is a Remote Terminal Unit (RTU)?

What is a Remote Terminal Unit (RTU)?

Learn the basics of remote terminal units (RTUs) and how they fit into a SCADA system.


Introducing the Split-Range Time-Proportioning Instruction

Introducing the Split-Range Time-Proportioning Instruction

A useful but often overlooked instruction included in Allen-Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix PLCs for heating and cooling.


Solenoids vs. Linear Actuators for Industrial Automation

Solenoids vs. Linear Actuators for Industrial Automation

Solenoids and linear actuators provide similar movements in industrial applications. What are the main similarities and differences, and how are they each used?


Designing and Planning Existing Control System Upgrades

Designing and Planning Existing Control System Upgrades

After understanding how to select the right control system, learn how to design and plan control system retrofits.


Calculating the Speed of a Conveyor System

Calculating the Speed of a Conveyor System

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


Is It Time to Upgrade Your Control System?

Is It Time to Upgrade Your Control System?

This article discusses how to successfully research and replace control systems and its components.


Potential Applications and Challenges for Blockchain in Industrial Automation

Potential Applications and Challenges for Blockchain in Industrial Automation

Can industrial automation utilize blockchain's security integrated with IoT, ICS, and PAC?


Introduction to Conveyor Belt Systems

Introduction to Conveyor Belt Systems

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?


RTDs vs. Thermocouples in Control Systems

RTDs vs. Thermocouples in Control Systems

Control systems can utilize temperature sensors such as RTDs or thermocouples. Which device is best for your application?


Introduction to Micro PLCs

Introduction to Micro PLCs

Micro PLCs are quite similar to their larger PLC brethren. What are the major differences, advantages, and disadvantages of micro PLCs?


An Introduction to Track Conveyance Systems

An Introduction to Track Conveyance Systems

What are track conveyance systems, and how are they different from traditional belt conveyor systems?


Assessing Buzzwords: X “as a Service” (XaaS)

Assessing Buzzwords: X “as a Service” (XaaS)

XaaS, or the service model, has grown in the last several years. Pop-up terms like “SaaS,” “IaaS,” and “RaaS” are seen throughout the industry. But what do they mean, and do they provide dependable ROI?


Assessing Buzzwords: Digital Transformation

Assessing Buzzwords: Digital Transformation

What does “digital transformation” really mean, and what are the technologies involved in the process? Further, which of these technologies are facilities adopting?


An Introduction to Genetic Programming: A System That Programs Itself?

An Introduction to Genetic Programming: A System That Programs Itself?

Can a system author itself? Genetic programming may represent the next revolution for control systems, robot navigation, pattern recognition, and more.


Data Flow Programming in LabVIEW

Data Flow Programming in LabVIEW

One of the most confusing concepts for new LabVIEW programmers is the concept of data flow programming. Data flow programming determines the run order of nodes, making some data available before others.


How to Design a Fuzzy Logic Controller

How to Design a Fuzzy Logic Controller

Let’s review how fuzzy logic and ladder logic work together, how to design a fuzzy logic controller, and some advantages and disadvantages of using fuzzy logic.


Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Considerations for Robot Cells

Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Considerations for Robot Cells

Programming, price, and safety are usually top considerations when choosing a PLC for a small robot cell. But how do each of these key considerations reflect in the day-to-day life of a control engineer?


Data Science for Control Systems

Data Science for Control Systems

Data science is a multidisciplinary field crucial to modern automation. In this article, learn about data science concepts and best practices.


Data Types Used in LabVIEW

Data Types Used in LabVIEW

LabVIEW uses different data types to store and convey information. Let’s review the most common types and how they are used in the program.