Understanding PLCs: The Backbone of Industrial Automation A PLC is a ruggedized computer used for automating mechanical processes, such as machinery on factory assembly lines, amusement rides, or lighting fixtures. Developed in the late 1960s, PLCs were designed to replace hard-wired relays, timers, and sequencers used in manufacturing processes. - Core Components of a PLC: A PLC typically consist...
Comparing PLCs to Other Control Systems Introduction to PLCs in Industrial Automation (1756-M03SE/1756-L63S/1756-L71K/1756-L71S/1756-L72SK/1756-L73K/1756-L7SPXT/1756-OA8/1756-M02AS/1756-OA8E/1764-24AWA/1734-OV2E) Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) are pivotal in industrial automation, offering flexible, reliable, and cost-effective solutions for a variety of tasks. Unlike custom-desi...
Learn about popular PLC communication protocols (Part 1) The Role of Communication in Industrial Automation Communication isn't limited to humans and animals; machines also rely on seamless communication to function effectively. In industrial automation, machines like robotic arms and PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) communicate with each other to perform precise actions, such as assembling p...
The Benefits of ControlEdge™ PLC for Modern Industrial Operations ControlEdge™ PLC is revolutionizing industrial control systems by offering a flexible, secure, and integrated solution that streamlines plant operations. When paired with Experion®, this controller minimizes integration costs, reduces downtime, and enhances overall system security. In this article, we’ll explore how ControlEdge™...
Understanding Popular PLC Communication Protocols (Part 2) What is Modbus? Modbus is a versatile communication protocol widely adopted in industrial automation systems for seamless data exchange. It uses a master-slave architecture, where a master device manages communication by querying or controlling slave devices. This architecture simplifies troubleshooting and ensures efficient communication ...
Fieldbus – What Is It? What Is Fieldbus and Why Is It Important? For many years, industrial networks relied on RS232 serial communications, which limited the number of devices that could be connected in a network. Each device required a dedicated connection, leading to scalability issues. However, the development of the Fieldbus International Standard in the late 20th century revolutionized indust...
The Kinetix 6200 drive is a high-performance, multi-axis, safety-speed servo drive designed to provide integrated motion solutions for machines with high power requirements and numerous axes. It utilizes the SERCOS (Serial Real-time Communication System) interface module to facilitate efficient control and feedback. Typically, the Kinetix 6200 system can support one to eight axis configurations on...