Brad Smith

Articles

PLCs, PACs March 4, 2021

Three signs it might be time to upgrade a PLC

Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are designed to last a long time, but even they have a shelf life. Three tips for knowing when to upgrade are highlighted as well as a cautionary tale.

By Brad Smith
System Integration October 30, 2012

Inside machines: Motion control moves bacon faster

Case study: When a PLC cannot move bacon quickly enough, consider a dedicated motion controller.

By Brad Smith
System Integration October 30, 2012

Technology inside: Bacon slicer motion control

The Delta motion controller is programmed to do closed-loop position control using encoder feedback from the servo drive that moves the bacon slab into the cutting blade. The RMC sends a +/- 10 V analog output to the servo drive that moves the bacon slab.

By Brad Smith