Technology Brief Archives | Page 2 of 2 | Library.Automationdirect.com

Arc Flash: What’s the big deal?

December 1, 2008

What is an Arc Flash? The subject of arc flash has become a major concern in electrical safety. What exactly is arc flash and how can it be prevented? Arc flash is high temperature conductive plasma formed when a short circuit fault occurs between at least two energized conductors. It occurs when a phase-to-phase fault…

Application Data Collection Energy/Utilities Industry Issue 11 – 2008 Notebook Issue Operator Interface Product Programmable Control Technology Brief

Sunlight Efficiency Detector (SLED) Chosen as Finalist in Freescale Semiconductor Contest

June 1, 2008

Announced in October 2007, Freescale’s first FTF Design Challenge encouraged embedded systems designers worldwide to “go green”. A team of engineers from FACTS Engineering, including Tom Moulton and Eric Wilhelmson, took up the challenge with their design for a SunLight Efficiency Detector or SLED. FACTS is a federation partner of AutomationDirect, and the supplier of…

Automation Notebook Issue 7 – 2006 Learning Resources Notebook Issue Online Blog Technology Brief

Active RFID

June 1, 2006

On The Path To Deliver Pervasive Enterprise Efficiency With RFID tagging becoming more common, this article explores how industry is just beginning to climb the ladder of exciting uses and benefits for RFID in the enterprise. RFID tagging in the enterprise has grown increasingly prevalent over the last two years with the endorsement by Wal-Mart…

+Tech Topics Automation Notebook Electrical Power Energy/Utilities Industry Issue 6 – 2006 Learning Resources Notebook Issue Product Technology Brief

Dealing with Low-voltage Power Issues

March 1, 2006

Voltage Dip and Power Failure Voltage dip and power failure – these are two events that can cause everything in a manufacturing and processing facility to go dim. When a machine or processing line goes down due to a power failure, it can cost a company thousands of dollars in as little as an hour….

+Tech Topics Application Automation Notebook Data System Monitoring Issue 3 – 2005 Learning Resources Notebook Issue Technology Brief

Safeguarding Your Computer

December 1, 2005

In this day and age it seems most of us spend more time cleaning the little spies and pests off our computers than truly using them for productive work or play. One thing you can count on in technology is that you won’t really miss it until it’s gone, and if you’re not careful your…

+Tech Topics Automation Notebook Control & Signaling Devices Issue 5 – 2005 Learning Resources Notebook Issue Product Technology Brief

EN418 Directive

September 1, 2005

With compliance to code and safety regulations continually taking on a more influential role across the industry, we will focus on European Machine Safety Directive EN418. Eaton/Cutler-Hammer supplied source information that has been compiled for the benefit of our readers. EN418 – What is it? EN418 is the European Standard for the Safety of Machinery…

Automation Notebook Company Topics Issue 4 – 2005 Learning Resources News Notebook Issue Technology Brief

Improving Business Tools for Greater Customer Service

March 1, 2005

In today’s competitive market, companies are always looking for ways to set themselves apart. The companies that truly succeed at this are those who continually deliver exceptional service and support while providing competitive prices. At AutomationDirect, we strive at being the best in all of these areas To continue providing world class service and support…

Application Automation Notebook Data System Monitoring Issue 2 – 2004 Learning Resources Notebook Issue Technology Brief

How Secure Is Your Control System?

September 1, 2004

-Maroochydore, Australia, April 2000- Fired by the contractor who installed the control system at the local water treatment plant, engineer Vitek Boden was then rejected for a job by city council. Laid off and ticked off, Boden sought his foul revenge. Using a stolen laptop and two-way radio, he connected wirelessly to the plant’s control…

Technology Brief

Additional Resources

PLC Handbook

Sinking and Sourcing Concepts

History of the PLC

What is a PLC?

Understanding Discrete & Analog I/O

Pneumatic Circuit Symbols Explained