Sensing and control
Machine vision passes inspection on the production line
Vision sensors, in contrast to traditional photoelectric sensors, help machines inspect, analyze, and reject faulty parts....
Recent Articles in Sensing & Control
Making sense of Temperature sensing
Temperature measurement basics Tips from Omega Engineering Inc., Stamford, Conn. Temperature can be measured using a diverse array of sensors, all of...
Safety first
One of the most important aspects of industrial automation is keeping workers and equipment out of harm's way. Whether safeguarding involves physical...
Sensing for perfect packaging
Most products are shipped at one point or another, so must be securely contained to prevent breakage, spillage, and contamination. Sensors on packaging...
Maximizing efficiency with encoders
In the last installment of this two-part series, we explored how permanent-magnet brushless dc servomotors (PMBDCs) provide the highest continuous torque...
Selecting a vision system
Cognex Corp., Natick, Mass. With so many vision systems available today, identifying the most suitable for a particular application can be daunting. Vision...
Maximizing efficiency with encoders
Permanent-magnet brushless dc servomotors (PMBDCs) provide the highest continuous torque density and efficiency of any electric motors, which is why they...
Embedded control
As we covered last month, embedded motion control is operation-specific code targeted to microprocessors, FPGAs, and PLCs. As hardware becomes increasingly...
Temperature sensors
Fiber optic infrared transmitters The OS4000 series of industrial high-speed infrared transmitters measures temperatures from 392 to 2,912 F using three...
CCDs for seeing
Machine vision begins at the sensing device, and the original and most prevalent design the CCD camera or charge-coupled device recently earned its inventors...
Embedded control
Noun: Application-specific software and custom-integrated circuits specifically designed and implanted to generate commands that bring forth the best...
Color sorting quick facts
Sensing color: Many products (from automotive parts to food packaging) either have color requirements or are color-coded. Industrial color sensors are...
Considering electromagnetic delays
Magnetic actuators and sensors are used to produce and control motion. Applications include systems such as automotive anti-lock brakes, computer disk...
Sensing focus
Material science revisited Engineers: Learn about the fundamental makeup of plastics, metals, glass, and papers used for packaging and how their physics...
Connection guaranteed: Choosing the right sensor interface
During the relatively brief history of electronic motion control systems, a number of communications and networking schemes have been introduced. Not...
Position sensing primer: Direct vs. indirect load monitoring
In the field of automation, a motion control system consists of mechanical hardware coupled to a prime mover, the operation of which is governed by a...
