As engineers, we often need to design a customized control system or interface to address a need which can”t be met with an off-the-shelf interface device. In the used-to-be days, we”d get a Bud box, ...

When electronics release the Magic Smoke, more often than not it’s a fairly sedate event. Something overheats, the packaging gets hot enough to emit that characteristic and unmistakable odor, and ...

A Programmable Logic Controller, commonly known as a PLC, is a robust industrial computer designed to control manufacturing processes and machinery. Initially developed to replace relay logic systems, ...

There are many vendors and sources of PLCs: Automation Direct, FactoryMation, B&B Electronics, and yes, even eBay, among others. I will use the Click PLC available from Automation Direct as an example ...

Providing design engineers with a robust switching device, Trombetta’s Programmable Relay Module can be customized to fit harsh environment applications. The cost-effective Programmable Relay Module ...

A programmable logic controller, or PLC, is a software-based equivalent of a relay panel. A PLC is a general-purpose device. One model can be programmed to control a variety of machines, and programs ...

Ladder logic uses switch or relay contacts to implement Boolean expressions. In years past, ladder logic was made possible with discrete relays and was sometimes termed “relay logic.” Today most ...

Microchip has changed the name of its UK subsidiary that is working on nano-relay-based logic and memory for an EU ultra-low-power computing and memory project. Caldicot-based Microsemi Semiconductor ...

Relays usually are driven using optocouplers, which offer isolation between analog and digital grounds to ensure that switching currents in the relay coils do not affect the noise margin of the ...

You can find these devices in discrete and process industries, on the plant floor in the manufacturing environment and even in commercial and consumer applications such as gate controls, vending ...