Newsletter

“How to Control a Stepper Motor“…Stepper motors use specialized control methods to achieve better precision than standard variable speed motors, while avoiding the expense and complexity of servo systems. This article describes how users can implement and control stepper motor systems in their motion control applications.Read more Quick and Clean Automation ImplementationIn the midst of…

“Modern PLCs Break Out of Industrial Automation Limitations“… Old-fashioned automation architectures suffer from complexity and slow communications while today?s PLC advances boost simplicity and performance. See how today?s PLC advances boost simplicity and performance. This article looks at how modern PLCs can streamline classically rigid architectures to securely and directly access cloud computing resources like…

“Electronic Circuit Breakers Provide Smarter Protection“…Sensors and controllers used for automating machinery require reliable low voltage and low current power. Designers must incorporate overcurrent protection devices (OCPDs) to guard conductors from damaging overcurrent and short circuit conditions, in accordance with the National Electrical Code (NEC). However, there is a smarter way than using traditional fuses…

“Supplier Profile: Code Corporation“…Beep Beep Beep that’s the distinctive sound made when someone scans a barcode on items going through a grocery store checkout line. Barcode technology began revolutionizing the efficiency of the grocery checkout process decades ago and is now fostering huge advances in healthcare, law enforcement, and manufacturing. Read more about Code Corp. Industrializing…

“Networking Decision: Managed or Unmanaged Switches?“…Unmanaged switches may be able to do the job in some applications, but managed switches deliver improved performance and cybersecurity.People everywhere are spoiled by fast and reliable consumer-grade Ethernet connectivity, in both wired and Wi-Fi versions. But can basic networking devices be used directly for industrial applications? This article examines…

“What is Safe Torque Off (STO)?“…Let’s say you have a system with some Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) and you want to integrate those VFDs into your emergency stop circuit to ensure the VFDs will place the motors into a safe state upon an emergency stop condition. How do you do this? There were many ways…

“PLCs Integrate Industrial Data to the Cloud“…Not too long ago, the roles of industrial automation devices were relatively clear-cut. Simple sensors were wired to controllers, like PLCs, which in turn might be visualized by local HMIs. Today however there are many more options due to the availability of smart sensors, specialized controllers, and PLCs and…

“Measure More Using Cloud Connectivity“…Tapping into data marooned on remotely-installed automation systems is made practical with new cloud-capable wireless devices.Industrial sites commonly operate a significant number of systems and equipment as isolated ‘islands of automation’. Remote locations, legacy hardware, and incompatible automation platforms have often made it expensive or unfeasible to tap into the valuable…

“ProductivityOpen – Reliability Starts With Design“…FACTS Engineering, our development partner for the Productivity line of products, has many in-house testing stations that they use to verify the survivability of their products. Shaker tables, temperature chambers, noise induction stations all help FACTS guarantee a quality product before it ever leaves their facility. In this video, FACTS…