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Introduction to Ignition SCADA
In this article, we’re going to talk about a SCADA software called Ignition by Inductive Automation. We’ll learn what Ignition is and what makes it unique from other SCADA software applications. Then, we’ll dive into how the Ignition SCADA platform works by going over...
Pressure Sensor vs Transducer vs Transmitter | Application of Each
Over the years, the terms sensor, transducer, and transmitter have become confusing because they are often used interchangeably and indiscriminately by different vendors. The terms sensor and transducer have been around for a very long time, but in the world of...
What is an Interlock?
In this article, we will explain what interlocks are. We will describe the different types of interlocks and give a few examples. After reading this article, you should understand what an interlock is and how to use it while programming and also designing systems.What...
Inductive Couplers Explained | Working Principles and Applications
In this article, we will be talking about inductive couplers. We will explain what an inductive coupler is, how it works, and give some examples of how they are used with automation.What is an inductive coupler?An inductive coupler is a device that is used to transmit...
How to Build an ISA100 Wireless Product
Have you ever wondered what it takes to develop and test wireless instruments and devices for the most demanding industrial applications? The ISA100 Wireless Compliance Institute helps instrument and device manufacturers significantly reduce the time, cost, and effort...
What is a Contactor? | Working Principles
In this article, we will be talking about contactors. We will explain what a contactor is and how they work. We will also explain how to wire a contactor and the difference between a contactor and a relay.What is a contactor?A contactor is a device that is for making...
Capacitive Sensor Explained | Different Types and Applications
In this article, we will be talking about capacitive proximity sensors. We will explain what a capacitive proximity sensor is and how they work. We will also talk about some of the different types of materials these sensors can detect, explain the main parts of these...
Photoelectric Sensor Wiring, Setup, and Troubleshooting
In this article, we will be talking about the photoelectric sensor wiring and setup. We will be talking about the 24-volt DC Through-Beam, Retroreflective, and Diffused photoelectric sensors. These are the three basic types of photoelectric sensors and they come in...
Inductive Sensor Explained | Different Types and Applications
In this article, we will talk about inductive sensors. We will explain what an inductive sensor is, how an inductive sensor works, some of the different types of inductive sensors, and we will also talk about some of the ways these sensors are used in automation. What...
Photoelectric Sensor Explained (with Practical Examples)
In this article, we will be talking about the three main types of Photoelectric Sensors: Through-Beam, Retroreflective, and Diffused. A Photoelectric Sensor is a device that uses light to detect the presence or absence of an object.Photoelectric sensor...
PLC Counter Programming for Beginners
In this article, I will be talking about PLC counter. I will explain what PLC counters are, how they work, the different types of counters, and give some examples of how they are used.PLC counters are internal PLC instructions that can be used to count input or output...
Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) Explained
In the world of industrial automation, a Factory Acceptance Test or FAT is simply a test for a newly manufactured control system that takes place at your factory or your workshop before you ship the control panel to the customer. With a Factory Acceptance Test, you...
Pressure Switch Explained | Types of Pressure Switches
In this article, we're going to talk about different types of pressure switches and how they operate. Ok… Let’s go… Pressure sensor familyDepending on who you talk to, pressure switches fall under the Pressure Sensor category. Some people will tell you that a Pressure...
PLC Timer Programming for Beginners
In this article, we will be talking about the PLC timer. We will explain what PLC timers are, how they work, the different types of timers, and give some examples of how they are used.PLC timers are internal PLC instructions that can be used to delay input and output...
Detailed Design Principles of High-Performance HMI Display
Welcome back to our series of What is High-Performance HMI? In the previous installments, we covered the current state of HMI’s and justification of change to High-Performance HMI as well as the fundamentals of High-Performance HMI and High-Performance HMI standards....
Electrical Grounding Explained | Basic Concepts
What is electrical grounding? In this article, we're going to discuss the commonly used, but often misunderstood term, Ground. Proper electrical grounding is a critical safety measure in all electrical systems and installations.Different names for GroundThere are lots...
ISA100 Wireless Applications | Single, Plant-Wide Wireless Network
ISA100 Wireless is an end-user-driven, standards-based, and robust wireless protocol. It adds value by extending existing ISA100 Wireless applications, enabling new ISA100 Wireless applications, eliminating protocol barriers, and enabling the Industrial Internet of...
HMI Philosophy | Development of High-Performance HMI
Welcome back to our series of High-Performance HMI. In the previous installments, we covered the current state of HMI’s and justification of change to High-Performance HMI as well as the Fundamentals of High-Performance HMI and High-Performance HMI standards. In this...
PLCnext Ladder Logic | How to Easily Create Ladder Logic Programs
This is the fourth of a series of articles about the Phoenix PLCnext Starterkit. If you are interested in a powerful but inexpensive PLC, you might want to consider the PLCnext Starterkit. In this article, we're going to show you how to create a simple PLCnext ladder...
Phoenix Contact PLCnext | How to Configure the I/O Modules
This is the third of a series of articles about the Phoenix Contact PLCnext Starterkit. You can order a Starterkit from the RealPars Marketplace. In this article, we’re going to accomplish two things: First, we're going to take you through the steps to ensure that...
Boolean Logic to PLC Function Blocks | Fundamentals
Have you ever wondered how skilled PLC Programmers create, install and test programs when presented with complex system requirements? Today’s successful PLC programmers possess knowledge and skills in electrical, mechanical, and software engineering. In addition to...
PLCnext Engineer | Create a New Project and Configure Ethernet Port
This is the second of a series of articles about the Phoenix Contact PLCnext Starterkit, and we're going to take you through the steps of creating a New PLCnext Engineer Project. If you are interested in a powerful but inexpensive PLC, you might want to consider the...
Sinking and Sourcing PLC Inputs | What is the Difference?
In this article, we're going to talk about Sinking and Sourcing PLC digital input modules and how they are connected to field devices. We will be using a Siemens digital input module 6ES7321-1BP00-0AA0. If you want to order this module online, head on over to the...
Turbine Flow Meter Explained | Operation and Calibration
In this article, we’re going to discuss a very common flow measuring device called a Turbine Flow Meter.Depending on who you talk to, a Turbine Meter has one or two major parts. Some will tell you that the Turbine Meter has only one part: the Mechanical component....
Sinking and Sourcing PLC Outputs Explained
In this article, we're going to talk about Sinking and Sourcing PLC digital output modules and how they connect to field devices.As we’ve discussed in our other articles, the two types of PLC output modules are Digital and Analog. Drilling down even further, Digital...
What is an Instrument Calibrator?
In this article, we're going to discuss instrument calibrators and show you how they can be used in the process control industry for calibration and troubleshooting. Ok… so, what is Calibration, and what is an Instrument Calibrator?When calibrate instruments?If the...
PLCnext Starterkit | What’s in the Box?
This is the first of a series of articles about the Phoenix Contact PLCnext Starterkit. If you are interested in a powerful but inexpensive PLC, you might want to consider the PLCnext Starterkit.Here are a few reasons to help you decide to get one. The programming...
Motor Starter Explained | Motor Starter Types
As automation engineers, we write logic programs for PLC and DCS systems that monitor process variables, open and close valves, set control loop modes, and start and stop motors for pumps, compressors, and conveyor systems. Most digital outputs on control systems...
Introduction to Omron PLC
There are dozens of manufacturers of Programmable Logic Controllers that are used in the automation industry. One of the leading makers of compact PLCs for machine automation is Omron PLC. Omron offers a flexible line of scalable industrial PLC controllers for use in...
PLC Output Types | Solid State vs Relay
In this article, we're going to explore the differences between Solid State and Relay outputs on PLC Digital Output Modules. We’re also going to talk about the pros and cons of each.The purpose of a PLC Output module is to operate or control a physical device based on...
PID Tuning | How to Tune a PID Controller
In our previous article, What are PID Tuning Parameters?, we supplied a couple of simple examples of controlled processes and began to explain the specific terms of a PID controller.As stated previously, you can enable each parameter, those being the proportional,...
What is ISA100 Wireless?
Have you ever stopped to think about how data from a temperature transmitter on a vessel in a tank farm at the edge of the plant is brought into the control system?You probably would answer: Over a pair of wires connected between the transmitter and an analog input...
WiFi vs Industrial Wireless – What is the difference?
After reading this article you will be able to easily explain the difference between a typical wireless network that we use at home or the office, like WiFi and an Industrial Wireless network.So when it comes to wireless networks, we can think of two main types of...
What is a Transistor? | Working Principles
In this article, we're going to introduce you to an electronic component called the Transistor. Believe it or not, your phone has hundreds of thousands of transistors in it. Your computer has millions! It’s not an exaggeration to say that life would be much different...
High-Performance HMI Design Basics
Welcome back, in our previous article, What is High-Performance HMI?, we discussed the state of most current HMIs, their drawbacks, and design flaws. We then covered why a High-Performance HMI is becoming the standard for processes around the world, and some basic...
What is High-Performance HMI?
High-Performance HMI is the industry answer for a standardized, easy to use, and more productive HMI graphics system to implement and in some cases, replace a poorly designed HMI. As we know, operator control of processes is done using a graphical representation of...
Two Way Switching Explained | How to Wire 2 Way Light Switch
In this article, we're going to show you how a circuit is wired allowing you to turn a light on or off from two different locations. We are going to refer to this light control circuit as a two way switching circuit.SPDT switchesBefore we get started, we need to...
Manometer Explained | Working Principle
What is a manometer? In this article, we're going to introduce you to the manometer which is one of the oldest pressure measurement devices still in use today. A manometer is one of the most accurate devices for measuring pressure in the lower ranges. Since manometers...
What is the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)?
Automation and Internet Cloud Computing are evolving and merging into a space allowing for Artificial Intelligence (AI) programming to facilitate improvements in productivity and efficiency with many economic benefits.Industry 4.0Along with Internet Cloud computing...
Terminal Blocks Explained
In this article, we're going to introduce you to the Terminal Block which is an important component in any industrial setting. Terminal blocks are components with an insulated frame that has the sole purpose of securing two or more wires together.Why use terminal...
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