As commercial and industrial software migrates to ‘cloud-based’ and ‘subscription’ models, what does it mean? How does it affect the usability and security of critical parts of control infrastructure? When this author first built a computer in the mid-1990s, software was simple. It was purchased at the store and included a set of floppy disks or … Read more
Sensor networks with built-in logic functions can save cost and program execution speed, but what are those various logic functions, and when might they be preferred over normal PLC ladder logic? The logic functions that exist within some sensors are fundamental operations that process input signals to determine an output. These functions help the sensor … Read more
Both lists and dictionaries can retain structured data in Python. The dictionary is unique in that it stores individual entries with human-readable logical names rather than index numbers. Following the previous discussion about data storage in the list format, the next most common type of data structure in Python is the dictionary. These new data types … 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
This article will focus on the basic building blocks of the Python programming language that are core to interacting with programs, including strings, integers, floats, and booleans. After we have defined the basic steps for creating the python development environment, the logical next step for many new students in learning the Python programming language is … Read more
High-level IT/OT integration in a manufacturing environment involves skills in networking communication and field equipment. This example involves automating remote connections between computers. A modern SCADA/DCS system environment comprises IT and OT infrastructure, including servers, workstations, network switches/routers, PLCs, RTUs, and IEDs that can be configured and tuned with a central software platform. Ansible is … Read more
Learn how to use GT Designer 3 to create an interactive control system on Mitsubishi HMIs. With practical examples of simple on/off bits, gain some understanding of HMI designing and programming. Interacting with human-machine interfaces (HMIs) in industrial control systems is one of the most engaging aspects of the system. HMIs come in different sizes … Read more
This article will provide links and resources for those looking to integrate robotics into their process without having to go back to school or spend hours researching programming languages. This article will present visual block-based programming. An interface that requires no coding experience, block-based programming lets users select blocks with commands more or less in … Read more