Mitsubishi Electric Automation Inc. expands its line of MELSEC iQ-F series compact controllers to now offer a basic model providing OEMs with an all-in-one controller for small machines up to 60 I/O with integrated Ethernet connectivity. The FX5S PLC is a solution for simple automation applications at a more affordable price than the original FX5U…

For decades, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technologies have been migrating into industrial automation applications, providing expanded functionality. Control room workstations and local human-machine interfaces once ran on proprietary operating systems, but most are now Linux- or Windows-based, with dramatically lower costs and increased capabilities. In the same timeframe, industrial communications have advanced from dedicated and limited…

Emerson, a global software, technology, and engineering leader, today announced the release of its PACSystems™ RSTi-EP CPE 200 programmable automation controllers (PAC). This new family of compact PACs helps original equipment manufacturers (OEM) successfully meet customer requirements by minimizing the need for specialized software engineering talent. CPE 200 controllers will deliver large programmable logic controller…

Softing Inc. announces tManager for PostgreSQL delivering streamlined connectivity between Rockwell PLCs and PostgreSQL databases. tManager is one of many connectivity solutions offered by Softing including OEM engineering development toolkits, PLC in-chassis connectivity modules, DIN rail gateways, server-based connectivity solutions, and a vast array of industry-leading OPC UA solutions. tManager is a ControlLogix or CompactLogix…

As we ring in the new year, the Design World staff would like to present our most-read articles of 2022. 1. Best free analog circuit simulators Blogs and online forums catering to engineers often mention all kinds of free packages and services aimed at circuit designers. Trouble is, a lot of these free resources are…

Softing just extended tManagerTM connectivity for Rockwell PLCs by adding a connector to PostgreSQL databases for easy, secure, and robust production monitoring, recipe downloading, high-speed sorting, and industrial analytics at scale. tManager inserts into the ControlLogix PLC chassis. tManager can move Logix tags from the in-chassis PLC, collect tags from other PLCs and move tags…

AutomationDirect has added RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) Read/Write modules from Contrinex. RFID technology uses radio frequencies to read and write data to/from electronic labels called tags. As opposed to standard barcode readers, RFID technology doesn’t require a line of sight between the tag and the Read/Write module to operate, and tags store a large amount…

WAGO’s new Compact Controller 100 is a small-scale PLC with a wide variety of remote I/O for use in smaller applications. Engineered for OEMs, IIOT digitization projects, and building automation applications, this easy-to-use device is cost-effective for small, but demanding applications. This PLC can interface with industrial devices using protocols such as MODBUS TCP/UDP, EtherNet/IP,…

Perform local control and monitoring of applications wirelessly with WAGO’s new industrial-grade PFC200 controller with integrated cellular modem. This all-in-one PLC controller and cell modem eliminates extra hardware and, by using the controller’s web-based management configuration software to initiate the cell modem, reduces setup time. This new controller has the ability to deliver information directly…

The new Industrial Gateway Communications Device by Weidmuller is the solution for interference-free data transmission over long distances. It is a single solution for connecting multiple devices, across multiple protocols. In systems where the installed base includes Industrial Ethernet and/or serial protocols, establishing communication across devices is critical and upgrading the equipment isn’t always feasible.…

NORD’s condition monitoring solution focuses on status-based maintenance to increase the service life of components and machines, predict undesirable operating conditions, and reduce unplanned downtimes, service costs, and material costs. NORD’s Condition Monitoring for Predictive Maintenance solution uses sensors and drive parameters to provide status-based maintenance Condition monitoring for predictive maintenance is a drive solution…

OEMs and systems integrators are finding that they can speed development and reduce risk for edge computing, visualization, analytics, and IIoT project solutions by selecting fit-for-purpose hardware and software combinations. By Silvia Gonzalez and Nishita Palkar, Emerson Designers of automated machinery and systems must truly be multi-discipline masters to combine mechanical, electrical, and automation elements…

CLICK PLUS PLCs combine the simplicity of the original CLICK PLC with advanced features, including Wi-Fi capability, MQTT communication, data logging, and mobile access. The new CLICK PLUS 2-slot CPU offers an additional built-in option module slot for even more PLC I/O customization. Over 400 option slot I/O module combinations are now possible for a…

By Michael Hoffman, of Dragos and the SANS Technology Institute Those already working in the industrial automation space are aware of the advances over recent years with controllers, communications, and other technologies used for projects of all sizes. Whether the automation task is a single machine or a factory, there are many options for creating…

From its early beginnings, the Krispy Kreme company has designed and built the proprietary machines that have given “rise” to their equally safeguarded doughnut recipe. The company’s headquarters in Winston Salem, NC., is where a 105,000 square foot manufacturing facility houses research, design, testing, engineering, and production. The machines and processing equipment being built there…

Industrial automation typically uses 24 Vdc, but many mobile and remote applications are easier to integrate with 12 Vdc PLCs. By Don Pham, IDEC Corporation Typical industrial automation projects today rely heavily on 24 Vdc for device power and signaling. This voltage level is touch-safe for users and the minimal voltage drop in conductors due…

WAGO has added a new Ethernet-based PLC controller and two new I/O couplers for use in extreme environments. These new modules, part of the 750 XTR Series, have two switched Ethernet ports for feedthrough cabling and support any of the XTR digital, analog, and specialty I/O modules. The new PLC controller (750-890/040-000) can be programmed…

Emerson has released the new portfolio of RXi industrial display and panel PC products for monitoring, visualizing, and enhancing everyday production processes in life sciences, metals and mining, power and water, and manufacturing and machinery. A modular design is foundational to the industrial display platform, enabling users to select the right configuration based on application…

The HI-TBS programmable logic controller (PLC) combines ultra-bright LED technology with 0.1% accuracy to deliver a customizable digital panel meter for applicational use across a wide variety of industries. In addition to serving as a PLC, the TBS is also serviceable as a remote display/controller in applications requiring a computing controller, a DCS for process…

IDEC Corporation announces an expansion to the already capable MicroSmart FC6A All-in-One PLC family, with three new 12V DC CPUs. End users, designers, and OEMs now have more options for automating battery-backed equipment, traffic controls, and heavy equipment vehicles. The right balance Many applications require 12V DC power. Smaller smart relays may support too few…

Top design objectives for control installations include capability, reliability, and cost effectiveness. Many new and retrofitted control panels employ components such as PLCs and even industrial PCs (IPCs) and programmable automation controllers (PACs) for advanced connectivity and control. It’s often appropriate to use these more complicated (and capable) options and remove or forgo electromechanical relays […]

Download this article (and the rest in our connectivity series) at the Design Guide library. Terminal blocks are one variety of connector component for joining sections of electronic circuits in industrial applications. They include electrically conductive assemblies having wire-securing receptacles — all encased in monolithic plastic housing. Some terminal blocks have contact pads or legs…

Emerson has released the new portfolio of RXi industrial display and panel PC products for monitoring, visualizing, and enhancing everyday production processes in life sciences, metals and mining, power and water, and manufacturing and machinery. A modular design is foundational to the industrial display platform, enabling users to select the right configuration based on application…

by Lyon Lee, IDEC Product Marketing Manager IDEC switches, relays and PLCs: Safe, Simple, Smart push-in connections Coronavirus has caused an unprecedented disruption to all businesses and negatively affected the global workforce. OEM manufacturers are struggling to maintain production under severe shortages of skilled workers and forced to look for new ways to minimize the…

CNC machining job shops are multi-stage process operations where there is potential for improvement at each stage. Most low to mid-volume run production machine shops struggle in achieving their share of the 5-10% maximum profit margins typically realized on most jobs. If a machine is down for any significant amount of time, you’ve cut into…