A typical control system uses PNP sensors and tends to be easier to visualize. For opposite polarity systems, the NPN sensor is the only compatible sensor type. Learn more about NPN sensors, including characteristics and uses. In a typical control system, the primary method of sending input signals to a PLC is by first powering … Read more
An overview of the requirements, standards, applications, and main differences between Profinet and Profibus communication protocol, connectors, and evolution from its original technology. Profibus and Profinet are two of the most popular communication protocols used in industrial automation. Both protocols share a similar origin story, as they were conceived out of the need for standardizing … Read more
In this first of an upcoming series, we investigate Siemens as a major PLC manufacturer, learning about the hardware, software, and key applications of each product lineup. Siemens AG is the largest energy and industrial manufacturing company in Europe, and with more than 170 years of history, it is also an innovator in many fields. … 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 software languages are used with programmable logic controllers? What software languages are used with programmable logic controllers? An important part of using programmable logic controllers (PLCs) IEC 61131-3 is part three of the international standard for programmable logic controllers. In this section of the standard, the software architecture and valid programming languages of a … Read more
This article will introduce Modbus, an industrial protocol that laid the foundation for fieldbus communication in industrial systems. In 1979, Modicon introduced an application layer protocol (layer 7 of the OSI model) for use with its Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC). This protocol was called Modbus and became the first widely used fieldbus in the history … Read more
Implementing PID control in a PLC is far more complicated than textbooks would make it appear. There is more to the process than simply picking gain (k) values and calculating an output value. Control algorithms have evolved since the early days of computation. It started with simple on/off limits (like a thermostat) then moved to … Read more
In the world of automation, PLCs and PACs are often at the center of the action. But where did these machines come from, what are the functional differences between the two, and what applications are they best suited for? In the 1960s, computers were ruggedized for industrial environments where they were implemented to automate simple … Read more
Mitsubishi’s FX series PLC is one of MELSOFT GX Developer’s most popular automation solutions for small and medium-scale applications. Learn how to use GX Developer software to program the FX series PLC. The FX series PLC is one of the introductory MELSEC product lines from Mitsubishi Electric. The company is widely recognized for the manufacturing … Read more
This article discusses the concept of state machines and state machine programming, particularly when utilized with ladder logic. Overview Ladder logic is a common visual programming language that can execute in a PLC. Ladder logic is used to control machinery and direct processes in industrial control applications. Frequently, there is a desire to utilize ladder … Read more