Electromechanical Relays Versus Solid-State: Each Has Its Place
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookIssue 9 – 2007Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueProductRelays & TimersTechnical Review

Electromechanical Relays Versus Solid-State: Each Has Its Place

Since the introduction of solid-state relays some decades ago, the debate over which is better, solidstate relays (SSRs) or electromechanical relays (EMRs), has gone on. The general answer is neither, as each one has good and bad points. But in terms of specific application requirements, clear winners emerge. The Argument for Solid-State Relays When used…
Welcome PAC: Moving On To The Next Generation Controller
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookIssue 9 – 2007Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueProductProgrammable ControlTech Thread

Welcome PAC: Moving On To The Next Generation Controller

Log on to any industrial control discussion forum, and you will read passionate debates about the advantages and disadvantages of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) compared to PC-based control. Amongst the PLC/PC debates, there most likely were some threads discussing PACs, which begs the question, “What the heck is a PAC?” PAC, a new acronym, stands…
Anti-Terrorist Barriers Help Protect Facilities
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookFacilitiesFeature StoryIndustryIssue 9 – 2007Learning ResourcesMachine ControlNotebook IssuePLCProductProgrammable ControlSecurity

Anti-Terrorist Barriers Help Protect Facilities

Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the need for perimeter security of potentially threatened facilities has increased dramatically. To accomplish this, several facilities around the globe have been installing devices called anti-terrorist barriers, used as added protection against invasion of potentially dangerous vehicles. Domestically, these anti-terrorist devices can be found at Federal Reserve…
Semiconductor Breakthroughs Promise Smaller, Faster Chips
Automation NotebookIssue 9 – 2007Learning ResourcesMotor ControlsNotebook IssueProductTechnology Brief

Semiconductor Breakthroughs Promise Smaller, Faster Chips

Computer chips are always getting smaller and faster – right? Historically, this has been the trend. This trend was first observed by Intel co-founder Gordon Moore in 1965, and the term “Moore’s Law” was coined several years later. For over forty years this “law” has held, chips have gotten more complex, and transistors have shrunk…
First Robotics Team Finishes Exciting Second Season
Automation NotebookBusiness NotesCompany TopicsIssue 9 – 2007Learning ResourcesNewsNotebook Issue

First Robotics Team Finishes Exciting Second Season

The Forsyth Alliance, a team of high school students sponsored by AutomationDirect that participates in the FIRST (For the Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition, accumulated more experience and awards in their sophomore 2006-2007 season. Teams compete in alliances of three in a game that changes every year. Robots are built in…
Biofuels Becoming A Focal Point Of Alternative Fuels
Automation NotebookBusiness NotesEnergy/UtilitiesIndustryIssue 9 – 2007Learning ResourcesNotebook Issue

Biofuels Becoming A Focal Point Of Alternative Fuels

Biofuel can be defined as the process of converting organic-based matter into burnable fuel as a replacement for fossil fuel. It is a renewable energy source, unlike other natural resources such as petroleum, coal, and nuclear fuels. The production of biofuels has been in active development for years, most recently spurred on by President George…
Product Snapshots – Issue 9, 2007
Automation NotebookIssue 9 – 2007Learning ResourcesNotebook Issue

Product Snapshots – Issue 9, 2007

We have added several exciting products since our last edition of the Automation Notebook. Here are some highlights about some of those new products including: AboutPLCs.com, learn.automationdirect.com, C-more micro additions, and Fusible and Non-Fusible Disconnect Switches. AboutPLCs.com Is All About PLCs  AutomationDirect’s newest product-focused Web site features PLCs. AboutPLCs.com pulls together information on the specification, selection, configuration and…