Start to understand the difference between analog and digital communications, and read a few examples of how analog, digital, and discrete signals can be used in a control system. Communication between devices is one of the most critical, yet confusing concepts within a modern control system. Much of the confusion is due to many years … Read more
Why do we need to use PNP sensors in certain applications, and which markings and diagrams allow us to identify these devices? Integrating sensors into control systems can be a tricky process. Not only is there a wide diversity of sensor types, but there are also competing electrical characteristics I love programmable control systems. They … Read more
This article investigates the basic principles of inverters, different types of DC-to-AC conversion, and common applications for generating AC voltage in manufacturing. With greater electronic prevalence, increasing renewable energy sources, and industrial automation processes, inverters have become ubiquitous electrical equipment for supplying AC power from a DC source. What is an Inverter? Most power supply … Read more
Learn to discern between textbook and real-life scenarios and use consistent troubleshooting methods to simplify and correct errors in parallel circuits common in industrial control systems. The simplest form of circuit configuration, the series resistance circuit, does not appear in the vast majority of industrial control circuits. This is surprising since it seems to be … Read more
Learn to discern between textbook and real-life scenarios and use consistent troubleshooting methods to simplify and correct errors in industrial series (or control) circuits. For most electrical engineers and students, the most basic form of circuit combination is the series circuit. However, when it comes to industrial control circuits, the definition of a series circuit … Read more
Power delivered to devices can be changed by raising or lowering the voltage and current. But this method does not always produce intended results. Pulse width modulation (or PWM) can be used to better control variable loads. What is Pulse Width Modulation? Load devices are designed to run efficiently and perform their respective tasks when … Read more