This article investigates the basic qualities that make up a safety PLC, what distinguishes a safety PLC from a standard model, and the reasons for which a safety PLC may be critical. Programmable logic controllers, or PLCs, are a very common type of controller used in automation. They are the baseline of many different automated … Read more
Whether working with measurement tools or process controllers, it is important to recognize faulty display values and the best ways to fix them. Electrical and electronic instrumentation is a critical part of the automation system, and the performance of attached equipment significantly depends on its satisfactory operation. Like other machine parts, instrumentation also malfunctions and … Read more
Protection against faults is crucial for any electrical system. This article examines various protective devices, highlighting their roles and best use cases to ensure system integrity and longevity. Overcurrent conditions from short circuits, power surges, and other anomalies can cause damage to sensitive components, leading to costly repairs and downtime. The absence of proper protective … Read more
This article looks at thermal imaging equipment and discusses the advantages and applications of thermal imaging in a variety of control systems. Thermal imaging is a technique that enables us to visualize and see the thermal qualities of any object, whether living or non-living. Every object radiates heat energy, and this emission of heat energy … Read more
Machine safety design can be a daunting task with all the different safety devices on the market today. Choosing the correct device for your design can be made easier by understanding when to use the proper device. Machine Safety Automated equipment can be a simple pneumatic cylinder or an assembly of different automation components all … Read more
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