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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 an Uninterruptible Power Supply, or UPS? 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)
What is the 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...
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
What is a vibration sensor? 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 detection device based on parameters. For optimum performance of the machines, it is...
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...
What is an Electrical Control Panel?
Have you ever wondered how an automobile assembly line is controlled? In this video and article, we are going to talk about what controls large or small mechanical processes like an assembly line. That device is called an electrical control panel.Think of an...
What is a Gas Turbine?
In this article and the video below, you are going to learn what a Gas Turbine is and how it works in a very easy-to-follow format. Two of the most common applications of Gas Turbines in modern industries are Turbo Generators and Turbo Compressors. I try to approach...
What is a Temperature Sensor? (RTD, Thermocouple, Thermistor)
In your daily life and different branches of industries, there are many cases in which it’s required to know the temperature of the environment, inside a reactor, winding of an electrical machine and so on. This aim will be achieved by using a Temperature...
How to Control a VFD with a PLC – Part 1 (ControlLogix 5000 and HMS Anybus gateway)
As you may have learned in previous videos and articles, automation often requires communication between heterogeneous systems from different manufacturers. Each manufacturer offers a proprietary or an open form of a communication protocol. It is the responsibility...
How to Convert a Basic Wiring Diagram to a PLC Program
Today you will learn how to convert a basic wiring diagram to a ladder logic PLC program. This can be a very handy skill to learn, especially if you are converting a machine to PLC control.Upgrading a machine to PLC control may seem like a daunting task. However, if...
What is EtherCAT?
EtherCAT is Ethernet for Control Automation Technology. It is a technology based on Ethernet and was developed specifically with industrial automation in mind.EtherCAT use standard frames as well as the physical layer as characterized in IEEE 802.3 Ethernet Standard...
What is an Encoder?
An encoder is a device that is used in many industries to provide feedback. In the most basic terms, an encoder, regardless of the type, which we will cover later, senses "position", "direction", "speed", or "counts".Encoders will use motion, under a variety of...
What is Ethernet/IP?
First, let’s separate the terms between Ethernet and IP. When most people think of Ethernet, we think in terms of a physical connection.You may have an Ethernet port on your computer in which you plug in a cable that then connects to a router or switch. This...
How to Program a Basic PID Loop in ControlLogix
In automation programming, we are often required to program a control loop for a given process to control temperature, pressure, flow rate, etc. This requires a target set-point with a controlled feedback process variable.1. Introduction to PID Control LoopA PID...
What is OSI Model?
OSI stands for Open Systems Interconnection and is a conceptual framework for how applications communicate over a network. There are seven layers within the model and the layers depiction is used to help users identify what is happening within a networking...
What is ControlNet?
Need a solution to talk on your industrial network? Let’s look at ControlNet. ControlNet is an open industrial network protocol and is managed by “Open DeviceNet Vendors Association” or ODVA. ControlNet is based on a "token-passing" bus control network and we will...
What is the Difference between Ladder Logic and Function Block Diagrams?
Today you will learn the difference between ladder logic and function block diagrams. Specifically what they are and when do we use them when programming PLCs.If you have found this blog post, chances are you have heard of either ladder logic, function block diagrams,...
What is Sensor Calibration and Why is it Important?
When engineers design modern process plants, they specify sensors to measure important process variables, such as flow, level, pressure, and temperature. These measurements are used to help the process control system adjust the valves, pumps and other actuators in the...
What is Ethernet?
Have you heard of IEEE 802.3? It has a long history and has to do with our topic today, Ethernet. 1. Introduction to Ethernet Ethernet is a communication standard that was developed in the early ’80s to network computers and other devices in a local environment such...
What is Fieldbus?
Fieldbus isn’t really one thing but more of a collection of things. Fieldbus is a group of protocols that are used in the industrial arena. The Fieldbus protocols have been standardized as IEC61158.Basically, Fieldbus works on a network that permits various topologies...
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