Ask Control Engineering
Choosing analog communication protocols
Are all HART-enabled instruments 4-20 mA? Are there other options? » more
Is it practical to use Ethernet for all industrial networking?
As industries seek to consolidate and reduce the variety of networking approaches, how far can you go? » more
Are cloud communication protocols secure?
There’s security and there’s security. While a hacker might not break the encrypted communication directly, that doesn’t mean there aren’t other ways. » more
Automation System Integration
Machine Safety
Machine safety: Are most machines are intrinsically safe by design?
It is odd to think that anyone in the U.S. believes most machines are intrinsically safe by design. Yet, only three weeks ago I heard this comment spoken in a conference room. Honestly, this kind of... » more
Machine safety: Incorporating functional safety as part of your machine safety plan, Part 4
When considering “functional safety,” look at what differs compared to other safety initiatives, consider U.S. versus international standards, examine conformance responsibilities, and think about... » more
Machine safety: Incorporating functional safety as part of your machine safety plan, Part 3
When considering “functional safety,” look at what differs compared to other safety initiatives, consider U.S. versus international standards, examine conformance responsibilities, and think about... » more
Pillar to Post
BP and the divorce of safety
The gulf spill and Texas City explosion still haunt BP. Observations from the Chemical Safety Board and OSHA. » more
Electrical equipment suppliers compete for electric vehicle infrastructure
As deployments of public fast-charging stations grow, companies vie for reaching early adopters and establishing presence in critical regions. Video: Developments in the growing market. » more
Real World Engineering
The loop, the whole loop, and nothing but the loop
Sometimes we need to think about an individual control loop. Other times we need to consider the larger control system. You should be able to do either when appropriate. » more
Four myths and ideas about creating the next generation of automation engineers
Cutting through the hype and clutter, here are some things we can do here and now to ensure that we have the engineers we need tomorrow. » more
Research Analyst blogs
Smart home energy management: The time is now. Or tomorrow. Or maybe next year
In the past three years, almost 60 million smart meters have been deployed. » more
Machine-tool industry limiting growth in the motion control market
The machine-tool industry continues to be the largest sector for the global motion control market. » more
SiC, GaN electronics: Where, when, and how big?
Silicon’s vice-like grip of the power electronics market in coming under increasing pressure from a pair of wide bandgap semiconductors. » more
Choosing analog communication protocolsAre all HART-enabled instruments 4-20 mA? Are there other options? » more
Is it practical to use Ethernet for all industrial networking?As industries seek to consolidate and reduce the variety of networking approaches, how far can you go? » more
Are cloud communication protocols secure?There’s security and there’s security. While a hacker might not break the encrypted communication directly, that doesn’t mean there aren’t other ways. » more
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Machine safety: Are most machines are intrinsically safe by design?It is odd to think that anyone in the U.S. believes most machines are intrinsically safe by design. Yet, only three weeks ago I heard this comment spoken in a conference room. Honestly, this kind of... » more
Machine safety: Incorporating functional safety as part of your machine safety plan, Part 4When considering “functional safety,” look at what differs compared to other safety initiatives, consider U.S. versus international standards, examine conformance responsibilities, and think about... » more
Machine safety: Incorporating functional safety as part of your machine safety plan, Part 3When considering “functional safety,” look at what differs compared to other safety initiatives, consider U.S. versus international standards, examine conformance responsibilities, and think about... » more
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BP and the divorce of safetyThe gulf spill and Texas City explosion still haunt BP. Observations from the Chemical Safety Board and OSHA. » more
Electrical equipment suppliers compete for electric vehicle infrastructureAs deployments of public fast-charging stations grow, companies vie for reaching early adopters and establishing presence in critical regions. Video: Developments in the growing market. » more
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The loop, the whole loop, and nothing but the loopSometimes we need to think about an individual control loop. Other times we need to consider the larger control system. You should be able to do either when appropriate. » more
Fire fighting 101: The basics of service calls
Whether you’re going out in the field to visit one of your company’s customers, or dealing with your own people in your own plant, the same level of forethought and preparation should apply. You want... » more
Whether you’re going out in the field to visit one of your company’s customers, or dealing with your own people in your own plant, the same level of forethought and preparation should apply. You want... » more
Four myths and ideas about creating the next generation of automation engineersCutting through the hype and clutter, here are some things we can do here and now to ensure that we have the engineers we need tomorrow. » more
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Smart home energy management: The time is now. Or tomorrow. Or maybe next yearIn the past three years, almost 60 million smart meters have been deployed. » more
Machine-tool industry limiting growth in the motion control marketThe machine-tool industry continues to be the largest sector for the global motion control market. » more
SiC, GaN electronics: Where, when, and how big?Silicon’s vice-like grip of the power electronics market in coming under increasing pressure from a pair of wide bandgap semiconductors. » more
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