Permissive vs Interlock in Ladder Logic
A Critical Difference Every PLC Technician Should Understand
In industrial automation, two words are often used together but do not mean exactly the same thing:
Permissive and Interlock
Both are used to control …
Read MoreServo Motors, Servo Drives, and Encoders Explained for Automation Technicians
A Basic Introduction for Automation Technicians
Introduction
In industrial motor control, we often work with contactors, overload relays, motor starters, VFDs, and three-phase AC motors. These systems are excellent for running motors …
Read More3. HMI Communications: FactoryTalk Linx, Data Servers, and OPC
Understanding How the HMI Talks to the PLC
In an industrial HMI system, the screen is only useful if it can communicate with the controller.
The HMI needs to read machine status …
Read More2. HMI Architecture: PLC, Driver, Tags, and Screens
Understanding How an Industrial HMI Connects the Operator to the Machine
In the previous post, we explained what an industrial HMI is and why it is important in automation. Now we …
Read More1. What Is an Industrial HMI?
A Beginner-Friendly Introduction for Industrial Automation Technicians
In industrial automation, an HMI stands for Human-Machine Interface. It is the screen, panel, or computer-based application that allows an operator, technician, or engineer …
Read More1. Industrial Motor Control Basics for Automation Technicians (1 of 22)
Introduction
Industrial motor control is one of the most important foundations for automation technicians, electricians, and maintenance personnel. Motors are everywhere in manufacturing: conveyors, pumps, fans, agitators, compressors, mixers, packaging equipment, …
Read More2. Power Circuit vs Control Circuit in Industrial Motor Control (2 of 22)
Introduction
In industrial motor control, one of the first concepts every automation technician must understand is the difference between the power circuit and the control circuit.
Both circuits work together, but they …
Read More3. Reading Motor Control Drawings: Ladder, Wiring, Single-Line, and Block Diagrams (3 of 22)
Wiring Diagrams, Ladder Diagrams, Single-Line Diagrams, and Block Diagrams
Introduction
Reading motor control drawings is one of the most important skills for an automation technician. A motor control panel may look complicated …
Read More4. Start/Stop Seal-In Circuit Explained for Industrial Motor Control (4 of 22)
The Foundation of Industrial Motor Control
Introduction
The Start/Stop seal-in circuit is one of the most important circuits in industrial motor control. If you understand this circuit, you are building a strong …
Read More5. Two-Wire vs Three-Wire Control in Industrial Motor Control (5 of 22)
Understanding Automatic Restart, Seal-In Logic, and Motor Control Behavior
Introduction
In industrial motor control, two of the most common control methods are two-wire control and three-wire control.
Both methods can start and stop …
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