Where PLC Programmers Go to Grow
Stay up to date with our most recent informative videos and blogs on PLC programming and automation
5 Actionable Tips for Getting a PLC Programming Job with NO Experience
5 ACTIONABLE TIPS FOR GETTING A PLC PROGRAMMING JOB WITH NO EXPERIENCE The mindset that helped me find my ideal job as a PLC programmer with NO experience. Working as a PLC Programmer is one of the most attractive and highest paying jobs in the engineering industry....
What is Profibus-PA and How Does it Differ from Profibus-DP?
After reading this article, you’ll not only be able to explain the Profibus-PA like a pro, you’ll understand exactly how different it is from the Profibus-DP. So, let’s get started.This is a factory. Typically, in a factory, you have two key areas: - There’s the...
What are SQL Where and Like Statements Basics?
If you are just now joining along with this series of articles, please note that you are going to learn about SQL programming basics. If you would like to follow along with us, please review the RealPars article, How to install MySQL and import a sample database, on...
Differential Pressure Transmitter Explained
In this article, we are going to discuss differential pressure transmitters. Simply put, a differential pressure transmitter is a device that measures two opposing pressures in a pipe or vessel.To understand how a differential pressure transmitter works, we need to...
What are SQL Programming Basics?
If you would like to follow along with us, please review the RealPars SQL lesson, How to install MySQL and import a sample database, on how to download and setup MySQL database on your computer. The world of data is constantly changing and evolving every second. This...
What is AS-Interface?
The AS-Interface is usually shortened to AS-i, and its full title is Actuator-Sensor Interface. It is a simple networking system for devices found out in the field.AS-Interface is an intelligent cabling system that is designed to replace the discrete wires linking...
How to Install MySQL and Import a Sample Database
For the subsequent SQL lesson series that we are going to cover, you may want to install MySQL to follow along with the instructor. MySQL is open-source software; this means the software is free to most end-users. MySQL does offer a commercial license for more...
How to Follow an Electrical Panel Wiring Diagram
This article is unlike any of the articles we’ve done before. We’re going to delve into the world of panel drawings! This is an exceptionally useful weapon to have in your armory, as it not only helps you to build panels and understand the inner workings of them, but...
What is the Purpose of the Main Switch?
We’ve already covered some of the important aspects of a control panel, but some might say that what we’re going to cover today is the most important of all. The Main Switch is the one part of a control panel which has a large impact on progressing a project.When we...
What Does an Orange Wire Do in A Control Panel?
In a previous article, we covered the basics of an Electrical Control Panel. Now we’re going to take a closer look at some of the other important components that go towards making up the panel. Now, this article is a little different, as we’re going to look at...
Electrical Control Panel Cooling System (for Beginners)
In this article, we are going to be looking at the electrical panel cooling system. We’re going to cover the type of cooling used, how it functions, and why we use cooling in the first place. In a previous article, we covered the basics of an Electrical Control Panel....
Basics of an Electrical Control Panel (Practical Example)
We get many questions about the basics of electrical control panels, such as what devices and equipment we typically use, how the devices are wired, how to keep the control panel and the cabinet within a normal temperature range and so on. To answer some of these...
NEMA Ratings – The complete Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
In this article, we are going to learn about NEMA Ratings, and how they are related to IP Ratings. NEMA is an American standard and IP is a European standard. You might have come across one of our earlier articles about IP ratings. If you haven’t, it would be good to...
What is IO-Link and How does it Work?
In this article, we’re going to learn about IO-Link. It is a communications protocol that works point-to-point.IO-Link BasicsIO-Link is a point-to-point communication protocol. A point-to-point connection is a communications connection between two separate endpoints...
PLCnext – Connecting Industrial Automation to the IT World
In this article, we’re going to get an insight into some new PLC technology courtesy of Phoenix Contact. Martin Boers had provided his expertise on this emerging product; the PLCnext.What is PLCnext?As you would expect, this PLC is capable of what you might typically...
How to Read a Spool Valve Schematic Drawing
In a previous RealPars article, we learned about what a spool valve is and how it works mechanically. In this article, we will continue this theme and learn about how a spool valve is represented in engineering and manufacturers drawings, how to understand what the...
What are the Differences between DCS and SCADA?
In previous articles, we have presented detailed information about both SCADA and DCS. In this article, we will contrast and compare both systems.Fundamentals of DCS and SCADA SystemsAs you have previously learned, a SCADA system is a collection of both software and...
What is SIMATIC TDC (Technology and Drives Control)?
In this article, we are going to take a good look at the purpose of Siemens SIMATIC Technology and Drives Control, or SIMATIC TDC for short, what makes it special, and how it stands out from a standard system. We’re going to throw in a couple of examples of where...
How to Control a VFD with a PLC – Part 5 (Configuring Communication Data in the Siemens Starter Software)
Welcome to Part 5 and the final lesson of How to control a VFD with a PLC. As a prerequisite, please take a look at lessons 1 through 4. We have created this series of lessons discussing the steps to configure and program communication between a Rockwell ControlLogix...
What is a Power Plant and How does it Work?
In this article, we’re going to look at what a Power Plant is, different types, and why automation is important in the Power Plant business.Different Types of Power Plants Based on the Energy SourcesIn its simplest form, a Power Plant, known also as a Power Station,...
How to Control a VFD with a PLC – Part 4 (Configuring Motor Data in the Siemens Starter Software)
Welcome to lesson 4 of How to control a VFD with a PLC. We have created this series of lessons discussing the steps to configure and program communication between a Rockwell ControlLogix PLC and a Siemens VFD. We will use the Siemens Starter software to setup the...
What is an Emergency Shutdown System?
Welcome to another article made by RealPars! Today we are going to learn about what an Emergency Shutdown or ESD system is. Emergency Shutdown vs. Emergency Stop Let us consider a small control system assembling a toy car. We have several parts that need to go in a...
What is a Load Cell? | Types of Load Cells
A lot of people have the morning routine of stepping on a scale to check their weight. What most people don’t know is that they are using a very simple “load cell” to find out their weight. Old scales used to use weights to try and level out the two sides of the...
What is a Boiler and How does it Work?
In this article, we are going to discover what an industrial boiler is, and how it works. But first, let us consider the term heat. Heat is vital in everyone’s day to day lives. Whether it be heat to warm up our surroundings, or heat to be able to cook food, we all...
How to Control a VFD with a PLC – Part 3 (Siemens VFD Configuration)
Welcome to lesson 3 of How to control a VFD with a PLC. We have created this series of lessons discussing the steps to configure and program communication between a Rockwell ControlLogix PLC and a Siemens VFD. As a prerequisite, please take a look at Part 1 and Part...
What is a Spool Valve and How does it Work?
A Spool valve can be found in almost every industry you can imagine performing a wide range of tasks. Spool valves can be used in both hydraulics (where the oil is the energy source) or Pneumatics (where the air is the energy source) and their job is to control the...
What is a UPS? (Uninterruptible Power Supply)
So, what is a UPS, or Uninterruptible Power Supply? An Uninterruptible Power Supply is a device that is used to keep computers and equipment safe when there is a loss, or a significant reduction, in the primary power source. To achieve this, the UPS houses several...
What is a Fire Alarm System? (Fire Detection System)
Fire Alarm System is designed to alert us to an emergency so that we can take action to protect ourselves, staff and the general public. Fire alarms are found in Offices, Factories, and public buildings, they are a part of our everyday routine but are often overlooked...
What is IP Rating? (Ingress Protection Rating)
In this article, we are going to discuss the international rating system that classifies devices for different environmental conditions. That rating system is called the Ingress Protection or IP rating as it is commonly referred to. Electrical devices are found all...
What are PID Tuning Parameters?
In this article, you will learn about PID Tuning Parameters through a few practical examples. PID is an acronym for Proportional, Integral, and Derivative. A PID controller is a device that is used to control a process. The controller can be a physical, stand-alone...
Introduction to ET 200SP Base Unit (Overview & Usage)
This article will answer two important questions for you; 1. What is an ET 200SP Base Unit? 2. How can you install and use this device in your system? Like you’ve come to expect from all RealPars articles, this article is packed with relevant information that you can...
What is a Vibration Sensor? | Types of Vibration Sensors
In this article, we are going to talk about the different types of vibration, the different types of vibration sensors, and how to choose a vibration sensor based on parameters. For optimum performance of the machines, it is necessary to continuously monitor the...
What is a Level Sensor? | Types of Level Sensors
When you get in your car to go on a drive you often look at your gas gauge, which is a type of a level sensor. Industries use several different types of level sensors to detect their products. In this article, we are going to talk about the different types of level...
What is the Difference between Absolute and Incremental Encoders?
In a previous lesson, we discussed what an Encoder is and how it can be implemented in your application. In this article, we are going to discuss the difference between Absolute and Incremental encoders and which one may be used for which function.Encoder Types and...
What is SCADA? (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition)
The SCADA acronym stands for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition. When considering this term, you can conjure varying images and you should.A SCADA system is a collection of both software and hardware components that allow supervision and control of plants, both...
How to Control a VFD with a PLC – Part 2 (HMS Anybus and Siemens Robicon)
Welcome to Part 2 of Rockwell ControlLogix PLC and Siemens VFD Communication where you are going to learn how to how to configure the communication between HMS Anybus gateway and Siemens Robicon VFD. As you have learned in the previous lesson, automation often...
What is the Difference between VFD and Soft Starter?
In previous articles, we have talked about variable frequency drives (VFD) and soft starters. If you need a refresher on the detailed working of either a VFD or Soft Starter be sure to look back at those articles by clicking the links below. What is a VFD? What is a...
What is DCS? (Distributed Control System)
In this video and article, we are going to do a deep dive into the DCS and discuss some of the why’s and how’s associated with the DCS. Let’s first clarify for the purpose of this lesson, what we mean by DCS. Over the years, the term DCS has evolved from the original...
What is a Soft Starter?
There are quite different methods for starting an electric motor such as “Direct On Line (DOL)”, “Star-Delta”, “Auto Transformer”, “Primary Resistor”, or using solid-state power electronic devices such as “VFD” or “Soft Starter”. Every single method has its own...
What are the differences between SIMATIC S7-300 and S7-1500 PLCs?
In this video and article, you will be learning about the differences between the Siemens SIMATIC S7-300 and SIMATIC S7-1500 Advanced series PLCs. For both systems, a wide range of modules can be used according to the task at hand and a cost-effective stock of spare...
What is a Pressure Sensor?
If you are reading this article, then you are probably wondering what exactly is a pressure sensor. Today, we will hopefully cover all of the questions you may have about pressure sensors.What is Pressure?To understand pressure sensors, first, you need to understand...
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