Introduction
One of the best ways to improve PLC programming skills is to stop thinking only in terms of individual instructions and start thinking in terms of process behavior, equipment states, …
Read MoreIn the previous article, we built a complete digital I/O architecture.
Digital signals are relatively simple:
0 = OFF
1 = ON
Analog signals are different.
An analog input may represent:
Tank level
Pressure
Temperature
Flow
Speed
Weight
pH
Conductivity
Valve position
Motor current
Instead of …
Read MoreIn the previous article, we followed an analog signal from a field transmitter into the PLC:
Field Instrument
↓
Analog Input Module
…
In PLC systems, not all signals are the same.
Some signals are simple ON/OFF signals. Other signals represent a changing value such as pressure, temperature, tank level, speed, or weight.
That is …
Read MoreIs It the Sensor, Wiring, PLC Card, Scaling, or HMI?
Analog input troubleshooting is one of the most valuable skills for an automation technician.
When an HMI value looks wrong, unstable, frozen, …
Read MoreFrom Raw Counts to Engineering Units
In industrial automation, a PLC does not automatically understand pressure, level, flow, temperature, or weight.
The PLC receives an electrical signal from the field instrument. That …
Read MoreUnderstanding Live Zero and Signal Faults in 4–20 mA Loops
In industrial instrumentation, one of the most important concepts for automation technicians to understand is this:
In a 4–20 mA signal, 4 …
Read MoreA Practical Guide for Automation Technicians
One of the most important signals in industrial instrumentation is the 4–20 mA current loop.
If you work with pressure transmitters, level transmitters, flowmeters, temperature transmitters, …
Read MoreDiscrete, Analog, and Digital Signals for Automation Technicians
Industrial instruments measure real-world process conditions such as pressure, level, flow, temperature, weight, pH, or gas concentration. But the PLC cannot directly read …
Read MoreA Practical Guide for Automation Technicians
Industrial instrumentation is one of the most important areas in automation because it connects the real physical process to the control system.
A PLC, HMI, or …
Read More