Learn how to use an AutomationDirect BRX PLC with the Do-more Designer software. This tutorial will cover discrete I/O commands along with basic timing and counting ladder functions. These days, it’s not always accurate to assume that a bigger computer means that’s always better. The same is true for PLCs. As electronics technology has improved, … Read more
Logic is critical for industrial control, and it usually looks like ladders, function blocks, or structured text. I/O controllers are designed to automate simple logic tasks and data functions. Modern PLCs are capable of many thousands of tasks, including communication across many protocols, setting algorithms for motion and vision systems, and performing incredibly complex arrangements … Read more
Software distribution models have historically been on premises, however, as industry has become more digital, cloud-based solutions have become increasingly popular, including SaaS and its variants, IaaS and PaaS. See our previous article covering cloud computing and the IIoT: Cloud Computing and the Industrial Internet of Things Our previous article covered basic concepts about cloud … Read more
Over the last decade, cloud service providers have improved technology, particularly data security and integrity. These remain the top concern of many manufacturing businesses, but as improvements are rolled out, more and more companies are adopting cloud solutions. What is Cloud Computing? The cloud is a collection of servers that enable access to software and … Read more
Learn how to get started with Phoenix Contact’s PLCnext and Engineer software, a platform that ultimately provides a PLC environment for plant control as well as an OS for more advanced IIoT projects. As we examine the scope of modern control systems around the world, there are three distinct categories of controllers. At the most … Read more
What is the future of manufacturing dependent on? Who plays a role in seeing where/how manufacturing will grow? Tracking raw materials is generally location-based, but the costs can change as environmental and political actions affect supply chains and pricing more and more. Tracking costs and the ability to get materials from point A to B … Read more
This section will dive into the world of data structures used within the Python programming environment, starting with one of the more commonly used structures called ‘lists.’ Previously, we discussed various data types that contain information from text to numerical values, critical for every computer system, including PLCs, IPCs, and more advanced OS platforms. What … Read more
Advanced automation and IoT devices can detect vibration, but even complex systems can miss a variable and cause chaos. Working with these systems requires years of experience in order to understand the importance of errors. Things don’t always add up and occasionally there seems to be some problem or variable happening behind the scenes 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
This article includes a list of some common definitions for industrial networking concepts, described in simplified terms to provide a baseline understanding of the concepts. Networking for industrial devices involves many concepts and terms that are uncommon for industrial electrical professionals. Although communication does involve electrical signals, that’s about the end of the list of … Read more