Some controllers and network devices have one port, while others have two. Why is there a difference, and what advantages does having two network ports actually provide? When designing an automation system, either as a new package or as an upgrade from an existing system, automation engineers must balance additional capability with cost and added … Read more
Control.com’s Director of Engineering got to explore IO-Link sensors and what he found might surprise you! Although still considered an “emerging” technology, it’s clear IO-Link technology boasts several bonafide benefits over traditional sensors. Sensors. Very few automation systems can reliably function without some sort of feedback or information from the operating environment. Industrial sensors provide … Read more
Wireless technology is typically slower to adoption for industrial automation, but what wireless advancements are shaping the current and future landscape of the automated factory floor? There was a time when wireless technology was virtually entirely impractical within industrial environments. Cybersecurity issues, often stemming from a fundamental lack of experience from many production floor technicians, … Read more
I could run down to the local box store or internet marketplace and buy a 5-port switch for less than 20 dollars, or invest in an industrial switch for hundreds. Why would I choose the industrial switch? In every aspect of industrial engineering, there is a selection process that begins with examining all possible options, … Read more
Errors in communications often manifest as a result of electrical noise interrupting the data during the transmission process, leading to various methods for determining whether received data has been damaged. Why Check For Errors in Serial Communications? Data transmission over multiple network channels can create a source of errors in information sent through the networks. … Read more
Industrial network switches connect automation equipment, controllers, and other such devices. Learn about unmanaged, managed, and PoE enabled switches, as well as the differences between switches, routers, and hubs. Take a look at our previous articles to learn what control engineers need to know about networking gear: Introduction to Servers for Industrial Applications Introduction to … Read more
Network routers are designed to route and pass information between a system of connected computers and devices. Learn about the role of routers in industrial applications and how to properly maintain them. Take a look at our previous article on servers: Introduction to Servers for Industrial Applications Network routers are in charge of the flow of … Read more
As many as 40 new magnetics products from Taoglas improve the EMI performance, reliability, and repeatability of networks switches, routers, and other smart IoT devices. Atmos RJ45 integrated connectors with magnetics and Exos discrete magnetic LAN transformers have industry-standard footprints to ease integration into WLAN, VoIP, and high-speed Ethernet designs up to 10 GbE. Taoglas … Read more
Kyocera’s prototype On-Board Optics Module achieves what the company calls a record bandwidth of 512 Gbps for high-speed network applications. By converting electrical signals into optical signals, the module requires less power than conventional alternatives and helps decrease power consumption and promote sustainability. The miniaturized prototype module, which is 43.5×30×8.1 mm, is intended for installation … Read more
Servers are vital to the flow of information in and around organizations, acting as a hub for information transfer and storage. Learn about the role of servers in industry and the potential challenges that come with maintaining them. If you are the consumer of information, you may not pay much attention to servers, networks, and … Read more