What are control systems?

Know when to migrate a process control system

There’s a big difference between a phased process control system migration and just putting delaying the problem of control system obsolescence. Those who don’t plan for distributed control system (DCS) obsolescence will see options narrow.

Ladder logic’s future role in automation

Nine considerations when selecting a programming language. Ladder logic is favored by manufacturers in discrete industries, but as technology and automation evolve, its usefulness compared to other IEC 61131-3 programming languages and PC programming depends on application complexity and other factors.

What is an embedded system?

The meaning of an embedded system varies depending on the application; system integrators, end users, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) may have different views.

Process control sensor types and applications

Taking accurate, reliable measurements of process parameters that matter is the first step to optimizing any control loop. You cannot improve what you do not measure. Process sensors help, including temperature sensors, pressure sensors, level sensors and flow sensors (flow meters).

The PID learning process

While there are many excellent loop tuning methods available, many practitioners prefer tweaking proportional-integral-derivative (PID) tuning constants or using rules-of-thumb rather than doing the required step test and data analysis. But having knowledge about how the individual PID components interact can go a long way to learning proper tuning theory and methods.

How to select a motor for an industrial application

Cover Story: Understanding the main types of loads, motors, and applications can help simplify industrial motor and accessory selection.