Content

PLC - PLC Communication with PUT/GET (S7 Communication)

Advantages, Disadvantages, and an Application Example

How to Design and Create Standard Software Modules

Part 3 of Software Standardization for OEMs

Debugging a C# .NET Application in Visual Studio Code

In this post, we learn how to debug a C# .NET Console application using the Console messages and Visual Studio Code's debugger. We also learn how to use conditional statements to avoid exceptional situations.

PLC-PLC Communication with Modbus/TCP

Advantages, Disadvantages, and an Application Example of Modbus/TCP Communication in TIA Portal.

How to Automate Your Engineering Processes with TIA Portal and Openness

Using TIA Portal and the Openness API to reduce engineering cost and time while increasing quality

What is the Difference Between a Continuous and a Batch Process?

In this post we learn the difference between a continuous process and a batch process and discuss the reasons why a manufacturing facility would choose to design a process as a continuous process or a batch process.

What is RSLinx Classic?

In this post, we learn what RSLinx Classic is, what is used for, and what types of drivers can be configured using RSLinx Classic to set up communication between a programming device and a Logix 5000 system.

Fundamentals of Electric Power

In this post, we learn the fundamentals of electric power including how electromagnetism is used to generate both single-phase and three-phase electricity.

CODESYS

Timers in PLC Programming: A Complete Guide with Examples

A complete guide to timers in PLC programming including what timers are used for, what types of timers are available, how timers behave, how to program and test timers in CODESYS, and how to troubleshoot timers.

Introduction to C# From Scratch

An introduction to the C# From Scratch series.

Career

Can I Learn PLC Programming online?

In this post, I explain why I think learning PLC programming online is even better than doing in-person training and provide some guidelines for selecting the right PLC programming course for you.

Factory IO

How to Install Factory IO

A step-by-step guide to installing Factory IO by Real Games on your computer. Factory IO is a cutting-edge 3D simulation environment for simulating industrial automation applications and testing PLC programs from all manufacturers.

Running a C# .NET Project

In this part of the series, we learn how to run a C# .NET Console application from the Command Prompt and what happens behind the scenes when you execute the dotnet run command.

How to Plan a PackML Compliant Machine

A Step by Step Guide for OEMs

Career

What Does a PLC Programmer Do?

An explanation of what PLC programmers do in their day-to-day work during each stage of a project, based on my 5+ years of working as a PLC programmer.

Factory IO

Factory IO Mixing Tank (Timers) Full Tutorial with Control IO

A complete step by step tutorial for solving Factory IO's "Mixing Tank (Timers)" scene using Control I/O and a few challenges to test your programming knowledge

What Are The Rockwell Automation PLC Families?

In this post, we compare the various families of PLCs available from Rockwell Automation including the Micro800, CompactLogix, and ControlLogix family of PLCs to understand when each family of PLC can be used in automation applications.

PLC-PLC Communication with OPC-UA

In this post, we learn how to use OPC UA to communicate between two PLCs by setting up an S7-1500 as an OPC UA Server with a dedicated server interface and user authentication.

How to Import EPlan to Data to TIA Portal

Make your engineering processes more efficient by exchanging, instead of recreating, data used by different engineering systems like the TIA Selection Tool, EPlan Electric P8, and TIA Portal.

Security by Default Features in TIA Portal v17

A first look at the security by default features of TIA Portal version 17

Win with Standardization

The value of standardization for industrial OEMs and SIs

CODESYS

How to Program Retentive Timer in CODESYS

Learn how to program a retentive timer in CODESYS to have the same functionality as the Logix Designer RTO instruction in your CODESYS projects.

What is a Distributed Control System (DCS)?

In this post, we learn what a DCS is, what components make up a DCS, and why a DCS is supplied as a single unit to end-users

Project Protection in TIA Portal

An in-depth guide to keeping TIA Portal Projects safe from accidental and malicious changes because your machines are only as secure as their source code.

A Complete Guide to AC Motors in Industrial Automation

A complete guide to AC motors in industrial automation including how an AC motor is built and how it works, what is meant by poles, torque, and power in the context of AC motors, and what information can be found on a motor nameplate.

Introducing Add-Ins in TIA Portal

The powerful new way to extend TIA Portal's user interface with context-sensitive features and functions using the Openness API.

An Introduction to Software Standardization for OEMs

Part 1 of Software Standardization for OEMs

How to Manage Automation Software

How industrial OEMs and SIs can get a handle on increasingly complex automation software

How Industrial OEMs and SIs can Overcome the Skills Gap

By 2025, there will be a shortage of skilled, train people available in the automation sector. Here's what you can do to prepare.

Working with the .NET CLI

C# From Scratch Part 1.2. In this part of the series, we learn how to interact with .NET using the .NET Command Line Interface, or .NET CLI.

What's the ROI on Engineering Efficiency?

How Reducing Engineering and Commissioning Costs Can Dramatically Impact Your Profitability

How is Your Team Structured?

Thoughts on the value of a well-structured engineering team for engineering managers

How to Improve OEM Engineering Processes with Systematization

How engineering managers can empower their teams to create more value and reduce costs with systems, standards, and automations

Fundamentals of Electricity

This post explains the concepts of and relationship between current, voltage, and resistance in a way that is easy to understand for people who don't have an electrical background or specialization.

How to Work with C# in Visual Studio Code

C# From Scratch Part 2.0. In this part of the series, we learn how to set up Visual Studio Code, edit our C# code, run our application through VS Code.

A First Look at Cross-Device Traces in TIA Portal

A hands-on guide to working with the new Project Trace function available in TIA Portal version 16.

How to Install .NET

C# From Scratch Part 1.1. In this part, we learn how to install .NET on your machine.

The Value of Secure Remote Access for Industrial Control Systems

A Detailed Explanation of the Value of Secure Remote Access for OEMs and End Users, Including Examples of Common Use Cases

Working with the S7–1500's New Web API

A first look at how to use the S7–1500 Web API to interact with a CPU using JSON RPC2.0 and HTTP Requests

Introducing View of Things in TIA Portal

A first look at the new View of Things (VoT) mechanism for creating web applications for S7-1500 PLCs in TIA Portal v17 and greater.

How to Use Fast Commissioning Mode in TIA Portal

A step-by-step guide to working with Fast Commissioning, the new tool for efficiently modifying safety programs in S7-1200F and S7-1500F CPUs available from TIA Portal version 17.

How Does a Secure Remote Access System for Industrial Control Systems Work?

A Deep Dive into how Secure Remote Access Systems like FactoryTalk Remote Actually Work.

Working with Cause and Effect Matrix Programming in TIA Portal

A detailed look at how to work with the new CEM programming language available in TIA Portal and the advantages of this new high-level programming language.

What’s New in Studio 5000 v35?

An overview of the new features and functions available in Rockwell Automation's Studio 5000 version 35

Variable Frequency Drives for Dummies

This post provides a complete introduction to variable frequency drives in industrial automation including what VFDs control, how VFDs work, and common applications of VFDs in industrial automation.

PLC-PLC Communication with TCP/IP (Open User Communication)

An introduction to Open User Communication for TIA Portal and S7 PLCs and a step-by-step tutorial for sending data between PLCs using the TSEND_C and TRCV_C blocks.

PackML Essentials

An Introduction to PackML for Industrial OEMs

How to Analyze Machines to Identify Standard Modules

Part 2 of Software Standardization for OEMs

Creating an Interactive C# .NET Project in Visual Studio Code

In this part of the series, we learn how to add interactivity to our application. Along the way, we will learn about methods, arrays, and string manipulation in C#.

SCADA and HMI Concepts

In this post, I explain visualization in industrial automation including the difference between HMI and SCADA systems and the common features found in visualization applications.

What is Industrial Automation?

An Easy-to-Understand Introduction to Industrial Automation

Hello .NET

C# From Scratch Part 1.0. In this post, we get an introduction to .NET and the major components that make up .NET.

A Complete Guide to SINAMICS Drive Integration in TIA Portal

In this tutorial, I provide you with a complete, step by step guide for integrating SINAMICS drives in TIA Portal projects including how to commission the standard and safety features of SINAMICS drives in Startdrive, how to integrate and control SINAMICS drives in your TIA Portal projects using standard telegrams and blocks, and how to control and visualize the status of SINAMICS drives in a WinCC HMI application.

Creating a New C# .NET Project

In this part of the series, we learn how to create a new C# .NET Console Application using the .NET CLI.

How to Create a Project in Studio 5000 Logix Designer

This post explains how to create and configure a project in Rockwell Automation's Studio 5000 Logix Designer software.

PLC-PLC Communication with I-Device

An introduction to I-Device communication and a step-by-step tutorial for setting up I-Device communication in TIA Portal with two S7 PLCs.

What Are the Rockwell Automation I/O Families?

In this post, we compare the various I/O systems available from Rockwell Automation including 1756 ControlLogix I/O, 5069 Compact 5000 I/O, 1769 Compact I/O, 1734 POINT I/O, 1794 FLEX I/O, 1732 ArmorBlock I/O, 1719 Ex I/O, and 1715 Redundant I/O and talk about the questions you should ask when selecting an I/O system for an application.