Learn about the many ways cyber-attacks threaten SCADA systems, and what can be done to keep manufacturing and utility plants protected. In the initial days of SCADA, OEMs used proprietary communication protocols for the communication network. Over time, however, systems required parts from multiple OEMs and the communication protocol converged. This shift was instrumental for … Read more
Designing a system with motor motion always includes a consideration of safety. Incorporating safety contactors might be the correct prevention to protect equipment and users but may add additional challenges. Why Is Switching Power So Important? Most control panels on equipment with some level of automation will have contactors inside. A contactor is a device … Read more
Functional safety is the safety of a system and is critical for industries such as medical devices, automotive, railways, and machinery. This article will focus on functional safety for machinery and the standards that help its implementation. Functional safety is one of the methods to ensure safety in various industries. It does not deal specifically … Read more
Learn about Modbus security in industrial automation, including vulnerabilities, fixes, and alternative solutions. There are many pros and cons associated with the integration of security on existing Modbus systems. The primary driver for security introduction is the addition of TCP/IP networking to utilize cloud networking, and this brings with it many potential vulnerabilities. Concern for … Read more
During national safety month, let’s dive into a safety feature required by OSHA: machine guards. OSHA Machine Guarding Standards Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the regulatory body in the United States for ensuring labor safety and devises protective methods from a severe or life-threatening injury. Machine parts, especially moving ones, can harm the … Read more
Cobots are poised to provide major breakthroughs in robot integration alongside the workforce. The questions around safety are certainly warranted, as this single factor is the biggest consideration when integrating them into any project. Collaborative robots, or cobots, are quickly gaining traction in the workforce. The strength of these machines lies in projects where ultra-precise … Read more
Industrial control system cybersecurity can be a matter of vital corporate and national interest. What are the operational risks, and how are they assessed? The problem domain of cyber resilience is so complex and dynamic that it is difficult to imagine where to begin. What practical steps ensure fiduciary responsibilities to both stakeholders and the broader … Read more
In this article, we will look at plenum cables, what they are made of, and when it can be appropriate to use them. When installing cables, it is essential to choose the right type for your specific application. Plenum cables are used specifically in the plenum space of a building. The plenum space is an area that … Read more
What is TLS and what is its role in the Modbus-TCP version of the Modbus protocol? Security comes with added protocol complexity. Many industrial control systems rely upon encapsulating Modbus Application Protocol (MBAP) Protocol Data Unit (PDU) messages carried on a TCP/IP network within a “TLS” layer to secure communications. The combined solution is called ‘Modbus/TCP … Read more