For computer systems in general including PLCs, hot swapping refers to the process of adding or replacing components in a control system or a PLC without having to shut down power to the system. In a PLC, this typically refers to I/O modules that plug into the PLC chassis. For PLCs that don’t have hot […]
PLCs + PACs
PLC called Do-more! controller leverages AutomationDirect programming software (with embedded help)
With the launch of the newest Do-more! controller, the BRX PLC, AutomationDirect released an enhanced version of the Do-more! Designer programming software. Do-more! Designer 2.0 has many new features added to improve programming efficiency. A new dashboard allows easy navigation to important features and functions … … but one of the more popular additions is […]
SigmaLogic7 Compact puts full AOI functionality into less cabinet space
The Drives & Motion Division of Yaskawa America Inc. has introduced the SigmaLogic7 Compact. This new servo amplifier makes it possible to add the exceptional precision and superior performance of a Sigma-7 servo system in machines using Rockwell Automation programmable logic controllers. SigmaLogic7 Compact builds on the legacy of the SigmaLogic, the first Yaskawa SERVOPACK […]
SigmaLogic7 Compact — AOI functionality, more compact, and PLC compatible
The Drives and Motion Division of Yaskawa America, Inc. introduces the SigmaLogic7 Compact. This new servo amplifier makes it possible to add the exceptional precision and superior performance of a Sigma-7 servo system in machines using Rockwell Automation programmable logic controllers. SigmaLogic7 Compact builds on the legacy of the SigmaLogic, the first Yaskawa SERVOPACK to […]
What do PLC watchdog timers do?
Basically, the function of a watchdog timer is to make sure that some processing malfunction does not shut down the entire system. Examples of malfunctions can be hardware failures or a program error that may, for instance, send the program into an infinite loop. In PLCs, watchdog timers are typically involved with the program scan […]
What’s to know about analog and digital I/O for PLCs?
Common PLC input/output (I/O) can be analog and/or digital. An analog signal is one whose value continually varies over time. They are best represented as a continuous signal like a sine wave. Each point on the wave has a precisely defined value. For example, analog inputs for PLCs can include signals from pressure transducers and […]
Current state of programmable automation controllers (PACs) for motion
Programmable automation controllers (PACs) excel in commanding complex automation setups that involve PC-based and HMI functions as well as process control (largely because of the way they handle I/O). PACs are also increasingly common in motion applications for machining or handling discrete product thanks to the flexibility and interoperability they offer machine designs. Today’s PACs […]
What are Instruction Lists (ILs) for PLC programming?
Instruction lists (or ILs) are one of the five PLC programming languages defined by the IEC 61131-3 standard. (The others being ladder logic diagrams, function block diagrams, sequential function charts, and structured text.) ILs are not a graphical programming language. Instead, they most resemble assembly language programming. As the name implies, a program is a […]
Parker Hannifin now offers new PAC Terminal (PT) thin-client HMI
Parker’s Electromechanical and Drives Division – North America now offers the PAC Terminal (PT) thin-client HMI. The PT is a thin-client HMI developed to work seamlessly with the Parker Automation Controller (PAC). With the PAC handling the control and HMI logic, the PT is responsible for displaying the embedded HMI as well as sending touch […]
What do programmable automation controller (PAC) add-on modules do?
By Steve Meyer || Programmable automation controllers (PACs) are largely architected as traditional programmable logic controllers (PLCs) to reliably execute control programs. The major difference (from an electronics standpoint) is how PACs have a high-bandwidth backplane that: Allows integration of different architectures Allows additional processors to augment the functionality of the primary PAC. While there’s […]
