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Industrial Automation, PLC, VFD, and Troubleshooting

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0. Industrial Sensors Explained: The Foundation of PLC Feedback (0 of 15)


May 25, 2026 JoeGuardian 0

Introduction

In industrial automation, the PLC does not physically “see” the machine, conveyor, door, bottle, box, valve, or actuator. The PLC depends on sensors to know what is happening in the …

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1. What Is an Industrial Sensor? Contact vs Non-Contact (1 of 15)


May 25, 2026 JoeGuardian 0

Introduction

In industrial automation, sensors are one of the most important parts of a control system. A PLC can execute logic, energize outputs, control motors, start conveyors, open valves, and trigger …

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2. Discrete vs Analog Sensors Explained for PLC Technicians (2 of 15)


May 25, 2026 JoeGuardian 0

Introduction

In industrial automation, sensors provide the feedback that allows a PLC to understand what is happening in the real machine. However, not all sensors send the same type of signal.

Some …

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3. How to Select the Right Sensor for an Industrial Application (3 of 15)


May 25, 2026 JoeGuardian 0

Introduction

Selecting the right sensor is not just about choosing a device that can detect something.

In industrial automation, the correct sensor must detect the right condition, at the right time, in …

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10. Ultrasonic Sensors: Distance and Level Detection (10 of 15)


May 25, 2026 JoeGuardian 0

Introduction

Ultrasonic sensors are industrial sensors used to detect distance, presence, or level by using sound waves.

Unlike photoelectric sensors, ultrasonic sensors do not depend on light reflection. This makes them useful …

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12. Encoders: Incremental vs Absolute Position Feedback (12 of 15)


May 25, 2026 JoeGuardian 0

Introduction

In industrial automation, not every feedback signal is a simple ON/OFF input.

Sometimes the PLC or controller needs to know:

How fast is the shaft moving?How far did the conveyor travel?What position …

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15. Using Sensor Feedback in PLC Logic: Permissives, Interlocks, Faults, and Alarms (15 of 15)


May 25, 2026 JoeGuardian 0

Introduction

Industrial sensors are not installed only to turn a PLC input ON or OFF.

They are installed to give the PLC useful feedback from the real machine.

A sensor can tell the …

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Recent Post

  • 14. Sensor Wiring Best Practices for Industrial Automation
  • 13. Sensor Troubleshooting: When the PLC Does Not See the Input
  • 12. PNP, NPN, Sourcing, and Sinking Made Simple
  • 11. Industrial Sensors: The Eyes and Ears of the PLC
  • 10. Grounding and Bonding in Control Panels

Categories

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  • Industrial Sensors ( Series 0 to 15)
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  • Variable Frequency Drives