Understanding Analog Versus Digital Signals in Control Systems

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

Tutorial: Analog Signals with Phoenix Contact’s PLCnext Platform

Learn how to connect analog inputs, either voltage or current, to the Phoenix Contact’s IIoT PLC platform and design simple data processing programs with the PLCnext Engineer IDE. Before you get started, be sure to check out our recent introduction to discrete I/O with the PLCnext platform. Analog signals from sensors allow engineers to monitor … Read more

How Pulse Width Modulation is Used in Variable Frequency Drives

In this article, learn how variable frequency drives make use of the principle of pulse width modulation to create analog-type signals from a digital source, such as with motor drives. Pulse Width Modulation, or PWM, is a commonly used strategy for creating analog types of signals from a digital source. This is a common method … Read more