PLC and Automation Guides, Page 6

Control Panel Grounding: The Right Way to Do It

Bad grounding is the number-one silent killer of PLC panels. Learn the correct techniques for PE, signal ground, and shield termination in industrial control panels.

Jun 30, 2026 · 9 min read

Sinking vs Sourcing PLC I/O: Wiring It Right

Sinking vs sourcing PLC I/O confuses almost every technician at least once. Here is the current-flow logic that makes it click, plus real wiring rules.

Jun 30, 2026 · 8 min read

4-20 mA Scaling Formula: The PLC Engineer's Guide

Master the 4-20 mA scaling formula for PLCs. Covers the math, raw count ranges, live worked examples, and structured text code you can use today.

Jun 30, 2026 · 6 min read

PLC Analog Input Wiring: 4-20 mA Step by Step

Wire a 4-20 mA transmitter to a PLC analog input without ground loops or signal noise. Covers 2-wire, 3-wire, 4-wire devices, shielding and raw count scaling.

Jun 29, 2026 · 6 min read

VFD Fault Codes: What They Mean and How to Fix Them

Drive fault codes stop production fast. This guide decodes the most common VFD faults, explains the real causes, and gives you a clear fix for each one.

Jun 29, 2026 · 9 min read

Stepper vs Servo Motor: How to Choose the Right One

Stepper vs servo motor is one of the most argued topics in motion control. Here is a concrete, no-fluff breakdown of torque curves, cost, accuracy and when each one wins.

Jun 29, 2026 · 7 min read

What Is a SCADA System and How Does It Work?

SCADA stands for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition. Learn what a SCADA system actually does, how its components connect, and where it fits with PLCs and HMIs.

Jun 28, 2026 · 7 min read

HMI Programming in TIA Portal: A Practical Guide

Learn HMI programming in TIA Portal: how to build screens, connect PLC tags, configure alarms and wire up navigation buttons that actually work in production.

Jun 28, 2026 · 9 min read

SCADA vs HMI: What Actually Differs and Why It Matters

SCADA and HMI are not the same thing, even though vendors blur the line constantly. Learn the real architectural difference with concrete examples.

Jun 28, 2026 · 7 min read

Modbus RTU Protocol Explained: Frames, Timing and Wiring

Modbus RTU over RS-485 is still the most common industrial serial protocol. Learn exactly how frames are built, how timing works, and how to wire it right the first time.

Jun 27, 2026 · 8 min read

Pneumatic Cylinder Sizing: Force, Bore and Stroke

Learn how to size a pneumatic cylinder correctly: calculate bore diameter from required force, choose stroke length, and avoid the most common selection mistakes.

Jun 27, 2026 · 6 min read

IEC 62061 PFHd Calculation: A Step-by-Step Guide

PFHd is the number that decides whether your safety function hits SIL 2. Here is how to calculate it correctly under IEC 62061, with a real worked example.

Jun 27, 2026 · 8 min read

IEC 62061 SIL Levels: What They Actually Mean

IEC 62061 SIL levels define how reliable your safety function must be. Here's what SIL 1, 2 and 3 really mean, how PFH is calculated, and common mistakes to avoid.

Jun 27, 2026 · 8 min read

Fuse vs Breaker Selection for Control Panels

Choosing between fuses and breakers for a control panel isn't just about amps. Learn how to match devices to fault current, load type, and coordination requirements.

Jun 27, 2026 · 7 min read