Discrete Sensors have existed in the automation & control landscape long before the advent of Programmable Logic Controllers, supplementing relay logic. The function of a discrete sensor is to send high/low, on/off or yes/no signals to the controller regarding the quantity of a physical parameter. The obvious benefit discrete sensors had over analog ones was the absence of deadband, detection speed, analog thresholds and other similar complexities.

A transformer is an electrical power appliance that steps up or steps down voltage levels, while maintaining the power level. Transformers are an essential part of the modern electrical system and are widely used in industrial plants as well. There are several types of transformers available, set for different purposes.

It is estimated that by the year 2020, the number of devices connected to the Internet of Things (IoT) will exceed 20 billion! These are whopping numbers, and undoubtedly display strength on the part of developing technologies. But at the same time, it is becoming clearer that wireless mobile internet networks would have to be improved to ensure seamless performance of connected devices.

When old-school engineers are preached about the upcoming wave of Industry 4.0 technologies and how they will revolutionize plant operations with remote connectivity, they often respond with little excitement, and with good reason. Embedded system is a well-established technology within the industry that has offered remote connectivity for decades now, be it HVAC systems, assembly lines or chemical tanks. So, if everything was available from the start, why the IoT buzz then?

The era of LED lighting has given designers several wide-ranging advantages over legacy systems, which they may incorporate within end-products for their clients. However, in order to ensure these benefits are reaped by the end-user, the design phase must be given due importance along with special considerations.   

Any photoelectric sensor, irrespective of its type or technology, uses two parts: transmitter and receiver. These can be either in separate housings or within one package. With retro-reflective photoelectric sensors, both these parts are a single housing, with the sensors “looking” at a reflector situation opposite to it.

Planning a safety system upgrade can be tricky and can be detrimental to your plant’s productivity. Therefore, it is vital that a clear and concise procedure be followed, right from initial conversion to final validation.

The 2019 Engineers' Choice Grand Award-winning Siemens SINAMICS G120 Smart Access Module is a must-have accessory for interfacing with SINAMICS G120 variable frequency drives.  Using any mobile device, users can securely connect to the G120 WiFi server then have the ability to commission a G120 drive, edit parameters, run in HAND mode, and more.  The web server functionality eliminates the need to download additional software.

Circuit breakers are necessary components of any electricity-driven network, protecting devices and machinery from damages due to overvoltage and/or overcurrent. There are several types of circuit breakers, however, with respect to the CB4200, we are concerned with the thermal-magnetic family.