Servers are vital to the flow of information in and around organizations, acting as a hub for information transfer and storage. Learn about the role of servers…
Servers are vital to the flow of information in and around organizations, acting as a hub for information transfer and storage. Learn about the role of servers in industry and the potential challenges that come with maintaining them.
With the first fuzzy logic-based controllers on the market in 1983, learn how the Japanese-born automation company,…
With the first fuzzy logic-based controllers on the market in 1983, learn how the Japanese-born automation company, Omron, adopted fuzzy logic as a basis for the design of its current PLCs.
Despite the many overlaps, PLCs and RTUs are two different devices, each with specific suitable applications.
Despite the many overlaps, PLCs and RTUs are two different devices, each with specific suitable applications.
You are bound to encounter two terms associated with sensors and some loads: ‘NPN’ and ‘PNP’. You must understand…
You are bound to encounter two terms associated with sensors and some loads: ‘NPN’ and ‘PNP’. You must understand the relationship between the field device and the control module in order to choose and install components properly when needed.
PLC and other automation project software can be easier and more efficient to update and maintain thanks to the…
PLC and other automation project software can be easier and more efficient to update and maintain thanks to the introduction of Git control, already a staple for typical programming of large-scale projects.
In honor of October 3rd, National Techies Day, Control Automation is excited to celebrate the works of Joseph von…
In honor of October 3rd, National Techies Day, Control Automation is excited to celebrate the works of Joseph von Fraunhofer. Well-known for his contributions in optics, Fraunhofer also made lasting contributions in manufacturing and production systems.
Industrial analog sensor devices primarily use 0-10 volt or 4-20 milliamp. For those mA signals, learn the reasons for…
Industrial analog sensor devices primarily use 0-10 volt or 4-20 milliamp. For those mA signals, learn the reasons for why the lower and upper limit standards were determined as 4 mA and 20 mA.
Ambient light, reflection, and transparent objects can all cause difficulties during machine vision applications. Learn…
Ambient light, reflection, and transparent objects can all cause difficulties during machine vision applications. Learn about these issues and some potential solutions to better ensure safety and quality.
The ability to utilize an array effectively is a fundamental skill in becoming a PLC programmer, but it can also be very…
The ability to utilize an array effectively is a fundamental skill in becoming a PLC programmer, but it can also be very complex and difficult to master. Let’s do a run-down of arrays and some of their complexities!
As the IIoT continues to grow in the industrial sector, businesses face a number of obstacles to integrating its…
As the IIoT continues to grow in the industrial sector, businesses face a number of obstacles to integrating its solutions. Learn about these challenges as well as some potential solutions.
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.
Remote locations are notoriously difficult to supply power, yet they are the exact locations where many data points must…
Remote locations are notoriously difficult to supply power, yet they are the exact locations where many data points must be collected. How can IoT devices be designed to conserve power to last for months or even years?
Learn about the four IIoT architecture layers: perception, network, processing, and application, and how these layers…
Learn about the four IIoT architecture layers: perception, network, processing, and application, and how these layers are necessary to implement IIoT in an industrial setting to benefit varying processes.
Robots are no longer unanimously just "robots"—there are specific tasks and functionality of each kind. Learn about the…
Robots are no longer unanimously just "robots"—there are specific tasks and functionality of each kind. Learn about the technology differences between fixed-location robots and mobile robots and why no one robot is like another.
B&R is a control system manufacturer less heard of than some of its bigger competitors, Rockwell and Siemens, however…
B&R is a control system manufacturer less heard of than some of its bigger competitors, Rockwell and Siemens, however their PLCs, lineup of motors, and product offerings with Automation Studio make B&R a leader in industrial innovation.
Software distribution models have historically been on premises, however, as industry has become more digital,…
Software distribution models have historically been on premises, however, as industry has become more digital, cloud-based solutions have become increasingly popular, including SaaS and its variants, IaaS and PaaS.
Any machine can become a source of elevated temperature, even under regular operation. We cannot assume that temperature…
Any machine can become a source of elevated temperature, even under regular operation. We cannot assume that temperature problems occur only based on climate conditions, and mitigation steps must be employed.
As summer heat continues to scorch the northern hemisphere, manufacturers face potential equipment damage and downtime.…
As summer heat continues to scorch the northern hemisphere, manufacturers face potential equipment damage and downtime. Learn about the ways extreme heat can damage automated equipment and systems.
Moving data is a critical function of PLCs. In this article, we’ll talk about Move, Masked Move, Copy File, and…
Moving data is a critical function of PLCs. In this article, we’ll talk about Move, Masked Move, Copy File, and Synchronous Copy File and show how they can be used to move individual pieces of data and entire arrays.
Learn about the differences between red, green, infrared, and more recently, blue photoelectric sensors and how the…
Learn about the differences between red, green, infrared, and more recently, blue photoelectric sensors and how the different light spectrums can aid in varying industrial automation processes.