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Gaining Machine Vision Knowledge

Posted: 21 July 2008

Machine vision is not a discipline in itself, such as mechanical engineering. It is a skill involving specialized equipment. How you should go about gaining that skill depends on your goals. If yo....... More >

Should You Overdrive a Motor?

Posted: 17 June 2008

Someone runs a motor at between 75% and 100% of rated speed, but what happens if he overdrives by 150% by setting the variable frequency drive (VFD) at 90 Hz, rather than 60 Hz.? My knee-jerk react....... More >

What is a Medium Voltage Drive?

Posted: 26 May 2008

Don't feel bad about being confused by "medium voltage drives" terminology. It’s a confusing because it sounds like a technical term, but really it’s marketing driven. Actually, there are two terms th....... More >

When You Need to Simulate a Robot

Posted: 9 March 2008

Simulating a whole robot is a lot more complex than simple mechatronic systems. That’s a quantitative difference, however, rather than a qualitative one. The approach is the same. The first thing to r....... More >

Optimum Number of Pulses for a VFD

Posted: 3 March 2008

Variable frequency drives (VFDs) control the torque and speed of an ac motor in two ways. First, they control motor speed through the fact that synchronous ac motors try to lock onto the ac input wave....... More >

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Which Linux Should I Use?

Posted: 26 February 2008

Using different Linux “distributions” is analogous to driving different brands of automobiles. There are certain core similarities between automobiles, such as having four wheels, front wheel steering....... More >

Minimizing Electrical Noise

Posted: 11 February 2008

The reliability of a control system can be reduced when it is subjected to unusually high amounts of electrical noise, but proper power and grounding can minimize the effects. Various components of....... More >

Network Connector Selection

Posted: 28 January 2008

Network connectors have several tough jobs. They must make positive connections to transmit data; keep out unfriendly substances; withstand their environments for long periods, and often hold cables t....... More >

Preventing Explosions in Hazardous Areas

Posted: 23 January 2008

Unless process media are completely inert, the potential exists for fire, explosion, corrosion, and/or environmental damage in case of an alarm situation. Of these disasters, explosion and fire are of....... More >

Should I Use an RTD or a Thermocouple?

Posted: 15 January 2008

The two most common ways of measuring industrial temperatures are with resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) and thermocouples. But when should engineers use a thermocouple and when should they use ....... More >

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