Latest Sensors Technical Articles

Converting different numbering systems is quite common in PLCs and structured text codes. Why? Because people read…

Converting different numbering systems is quite common in PLCs and structured text codes. Why? Because people read decimals. Computers read binary. Processors read sets of bits. Not so simple.

A complete diagram for wiring nearly any kind of discrete I/O module, including digital, AC, or relay, including both…

A complete diagram for wiring nearly any kind of discrete I/O module, including digital, AC, or relay, including both sourcing and sinking varieties.

We begin to wrap up our data flow project with an introduction to visual-based (GUI) tools and dashboards to present the…

We begin to wrap up our data flow project with an introduction to visual-based (GUI) tools and dashboards to present the data ingested from the Google Sheets fault data source.

In this article, we will explore real-world considerations for strain gauge performance and typical applications. We’ll…

In this article, we will explore real-world considerations for strain gauge performance and typical applications. We’ll be talking about foil and wire strain gauges, but ignoring semiconductors.

Some terminology, like 'normally open' and 'normally closed' switch contacts, is common throughout industry but can still…

Some terminology, like 'normally open' and 'normally closed' switch contacts, is common throughout industry but can still be confusing, misleading, or even hazardous if not properly understood.

For being no more than a thin piece of metal, the strain gauge is a versatile measurement tool, from small switches to…

For being no more than a thin piece of metal, the strain gauge is a versatile measurement tool, from small switches to multi-ton machines. In this article, learn the operating principles and properties.

When inputs or outputs stop working, the equipment fails to respond and money starts slipping away. Dive into the concept…

When inputs or outputs stop working, the equipment fails to respond and money starts slipping away. Dive into the concept of troubleshooting I/O without ever opening the PLC software.

All of modern industry relies on data. In the first installment of a series showcasing the importance of industrial data…

All of modern industry relies on data. In the first installment of a series showcasing the importance of industrial data movement, we explain the challenge of data flow and build a fault list.

Power systems rely on meaningful data, as do most other processes. Within SCADA environments, individual data points are…

Power systems rely on meaningful data, as do most other processes. Within SCADA environments, individual data points are tracked, compared to limits, and evaluated to obtain current readings.

This article will explore the setup of Node-RED, the glue that will serve to connect all of the individual components of…

This article will explore the setup of Node-RED, the glue that will serve to connect all of the individual components of the solution that we have created up to this point.

Now that our IIoT project has verified the transmission of an MQTT data payload packet, this next article will explore…

Now that our IIoT project has verified the transmission of an MQTT data payload packet, this next article will explore the setup of an InfluxDB database to store the incoming sensor data.

When troubleshooting AC outputs driven by TRIACs, some confusing meter readings can result from the solid state…

When troubleshooting AC outputs driven by TRIACs, some confusing meter readings can result from the solid state properties of a series circuit. In this article, learn proper troubleshooting techniques.

Learn to develop an actual IoT solution end to end. Create a Mosquitto MQTT broker for the Raspberry Pi client in order…

Learn to develop an actual IoT solution end to end. Create a Mosquitto MQTT broker for the Raspberry Pi client in order to connect and publish Sense HAT sensor data.

Learn to develop an actual IoT solution end to end. This second article explains configuration files, testing the edge…

Learn to develop an actual IoT solution end to end. This second article explains configuration files, testing the edge device publisher script, and viewing the payload using a sandbox subscriber script.

Every so often, a new data format comes along, and we first consider that it might simply be a mistake in typing. Pulse…

Every so often, a new data format comes along, and we first consider that it might simply be a mistake in typing. Pulse Frequency Modulation (PFM) is not brand new, but still unknown to many engineers.

Most engineers are familiar with the basic control system terms of sinking and sourcing, or the NPN and PNP terms from…

Most engineers are familiar with the basic control system terms of sinking and sourcing, or the NPN and PNP terms from which they are derived. But how exactly do those transistors play a role in inputs or outputs?

Data has become the currency that enables operational excellence. Sensors are the key links, acting as the eyes and ears…

Data has become the currency that enables operational excellence. Sensors are the key links, acting as the eyes and ears of modern manufacturing units by providing real-time data on machine performance.

The Raspberry Pi 4 Sense HAT add-on can be used to control output events based on feedback from sensors, and the built-in…

The Raspberry Pi 4 Sense HAT add-on can be used to control output events based on feedback from sensors, and the built-in joystick can be used to trigger those events.

Photoelectric sensors and fiber optic sensors are very similar in a lot of ways, but which one is superior in function…

Photoelectric sensors and fiber optic sensors are very similar in a lot of ways, but which one is superior in function and durability, and under what conditions might one be preferred?