A common function of a control system is detecting the presence of an object. Whether you are detecting the presence of an object passing by on a conveyor, the closure of a gate or the position of a machine part as it goes through its motions, object detection is a staple of the automation industry. There are…
The annual Control Engineering Engineers’ Choice Awards program recognizes categories of control, instrumentation, and automation products, revealing the best of those products as selected by their readers. Established in 1954, Control Engineering is recognized as the global information leader for the automation engineers who design, implement, maintain and manage control/instrumentation systems, components and equipment. The…
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookAutomationDirect SpotlightEducation/DIYHMIIndustryIssue 31 - 2015Learning ResourcesMachine ControlNotebook IssueOperator InterfacePLCProductProgrammable ControlStudent SpotlightStudent SpotlightVariable Speed Drives
Technical College Students Understand Protective Relays
Protective relays are specialized devices designed to sense abnormal conditions in electric power systems, commanding circuit breakers to trip or close when needed. These relays are absolutely essential to the reliable operation of the electric power generating stations, substations, transmission lines, and distribution systems that comprise any large-scale electric power grid; they are increasingly finding…
+Tech TopicseBookeBook Landing PagesLearning ResourcesOnline OnlyPLC eBookProductProgrammable Control
How to Choose a Controller
Choosing the most effective controller for your application depends on a number of factors. The worksheet below serves as a checklist of things to consider when determining programmable controller requirements. It lists the most important areas to consider when choosing a system, as well as, provides space for recording determinations of your system needs. To…
When choosing the type of input or output module for your PLC system, it is very important to have a solid understanding of sinking and sourcing concepts. Use of these terms occurs frequently in discussion of input or output circuits. It is the goal of this post to make these concepts easy to understand, so you can make the right choice the first time…
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookAutomationDirect SpotlightDrivesEducation/DIYEnergy/UtilitiesHMIIndustryIssue 29 - 2014Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueOperator InterfacePLCProcess ControlProductProgrammable ControlStudent SpotlightStudent SpotlightVariable Speed Drives
People's Choice for a Cost-Effective and Energy-Efficient Solar-Powered Home
UrbanEden, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s entry to the Solar Decathlon 2013, is a concept home consisting of four connected indoor and outdoor spaces that create a unique
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookIndustryIssue 29 - 2014Learning ResourcesManufacturingNotebook IssueOperator InterfacePLCProcess ControlProductProgrammable ControlUser Solutions
Automation System Retrofit Transforms 175-ton Hydraulic Forming Press
In less than one month, a rebuild automated press operations to increase production rates and improve quality. Southern Manufacturing Group (SMG) located in Morrison, Tennessee, was founded in 1993. The company makes automotive components and industrial valves. In the fall of 2012, the automation system for its 175-ton hydraulic forming press received electrical damage resulting from a lightning strike…
AutomationDirect Adds Hardware Features with New Series of C-more Touch Screen Interface Panels AutomationDirect has released its new EA9 series operator touch panels for the C-more line. The color TFT touch screens are available in 6, 8, 10, 12 and 15-inch versions. Loaded with new features and higher performance but at a lower cost than…
It’s been over a year since the Do-more PLC joined the AutomationDirect family, and it has proven to be one of the best PLC values in the automation industry. We have gotten overwhelming positive feedback from our customers on this amazing product. Here is a list of 10 game changing advantages that customers are enjoying…
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookFYIIssue 28 - 2014Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueProductProgrammable Control
Do-more H2 or Do-more T1H: How to choose
Which is better? A DirectLOGIC style Do-more or the new Terminator I/O style Do-more? The incredible power of the Do-more processor is now available in the popular Terminator I/O form factor. Functionally, both units have identical Do-more engines, so how do you know which one is better for your application? The answer is … It…