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Is it necessary to learn all Japanese PLCs? how is the difference?

 It is not necessary to learn all Japanese PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) as each brand and model of PLC has its own unique features, programming language, and capabilities. However, having knowledge of the popular Japanese PLC brands can be beneficial, especially if you work in industries where these PLCs are widely used. The most popular Japanese PLC brands are Mitsubishi, Omron, and Keyence. Each of these PLC brands has its own programming software, language, and capabilities. Therefore, it is essential to have an understanding of each brand's strengths and weaknesses to choose the appropriate PLC for your project. For example, Mitsubishi PLCs are widely used in the automotive industry and are known for their advanced motion control capabilities. Omron PLCs are widely used in the pharmaceutical industry and are known for their advanced safety features. Keyence PLCs are widely used in the semiconductor and electronics industry and are known for their high-speed processing ...

Which Siemens PLCs are easy to learn?

 Siemens PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) are widely used in the automation industry and are known for their reliability, flexibility, and ease of use. However, some models are easier to learn than others, especially for beginners. The Siemens S7-1200 is considered the best Siemens PLC for beginners due to its simplicity and easy-to-use software. It is a compact and modular PLC that is ideal for small to medium-sized automation projects. The S7-1200 uses the Step 7 Basic programming software, which is user-friendly and easy to navigate. It also has a range of communication options, including Ethernet and Profibus, making it easy to integrate into your automation system. Another Siemens PLC that is easy to learn is the S7-200. Like the S7-1200, it is compact and modular, making it ideal for small to medium-sized projects. The S7-200 also uses the Step 7 Micro/Win programming software, which is easy to learn, even for those with limited programming experience. In summary, the Si...

How to quickly learn automation control technology?

 Learning automation control technology requires a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Here are some tips to help you quickly learn automation control technology: Start with the basics: Before diving into advanced topics, it's essential to understand the basic concepts of automation control technology. Familiarize yourself with terms such as PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), HMI (Human-Machine Interface), SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), and DCS (Distributed Control System). Learn through online resources: There are numerous online resources available that offer free and paid courses, tutorials, and videos to learn automation control technology. Some popular online learning platforms include Udemy, Coursera, and edX. Join automation control forums and communities: Joining online communities can help you get in touch with experienced professionals who can offer advice and insights into the field. You can also learn from others' expe...

Difference between KW and KVA

 In this post, we will learn the difference between KW and KVA in electrical engineering. Electrical power is a very important term which is commonly used in electrical circuits. When you are choosing or designing system, you first of all consider it’s power rating. In electrical power, two of the most general purpose terms are – KW and KVA. KVA is usually heard in generators and transformers. But, it is also used in many other types of electrical devices. Both these terms are power ratings used in every measuring the current characteristics. They are common electrical power abbreviations. In this post, we will see the difference between KW and KVA. Difference between KW and KVA KW stands for Kilowatts and KVA stands for Kilo Volts Ampere. KW is the amount of power that is converted into a useful output. Therefore, KW is usually also known as actual power or working power. KVA is the measure of apparent power. Basically, it gives an indication of how much total input power is being...

Career Scope in Civil Engineering

 In this post, we will discuss some future career opportunities in civil engineering. Engineering is a very vast field and has many branches for students to pursue their career in. Some courses are rare, some are very common. But, engineering finds it’s value in day to day life and it is impossible to work in an environment without engineers. There are many engineering fields where an under graduate can look to develop his career in. One such field is civil engineering. Career Scope in Civil Engineering Construction is a very basic requirement in any field. Be it any building, industry, highway or any commercial complex; good construction knowledge is a must. There are many challenges in this field; because any lag in construction can endanger the lives of people using it. And as the civilization is growing with times and recent advances in construction technology, this engineering field will always remain in demand. Not only for living purposes; but today, builders are looking for...

What is Eddy Current and Eddy Current Loss?

 Today in this article, we will learn about Eddy Current Loss which is widely used by Electrical as well as Instrumentation Engineers. Eddy Current Loss is one of the most important and interesting concepts. What is Eddy Current? When any magnetic material comes under the magnetic field generated by an alternating current, an emf is induced in the core material. The law which supports this statement is Faraday’s Law of Electromagnetic Induction. All magnetic materials have electrical conducting properties and the induced emf in the magnetic material causes the current to flow in the magnetic material in a specific direction. This current circulates within the magnetic material. The circulating current caused by Induced EMF is termed as Eddy Current. What is Eddy Current Loss? As Eddy current exists, heat loss will also definitely occur. The heat loss which is caused by the eddy currents in the magnetic material is termed as eddy current loss. Lenz’s law describes about the eddy cur...

What is a Laser Sensor? Principle

 A laser sensor is a very important technique used in electronics. As the name implies, it is a sensor that uses laser light or rays for sensing an object. It makes optics and photo electricity into pictures for working. As a transducer, it converts light energy into electrical energy. It is used in many industrial automation applications. In this post, we will the concept of a laser sensor. What is a Laser Sensor? A laser is a focused beam of light. So, this sensor emits laser light in a small bright dot form. This beam is very fine and provides a great level of accuracy. Laser light is emitted from the sensor to the object which is to be sensed. Light is reflected from the object back to the sensor. The sensor has an internal digital circuit that uses signal processing, to study light behavior. That means, it calculates the time taken for the light to emit and then reflect back to the receiver. And as the laser light emission speed is fixed, it calculates the distance of the obje...

What is IO-Link in Smart Manufacturing?

 In this post, we will learn the concept of IO-Link in smart manufacturing. Four Generations of Automation Currently, in industrial automation, the fourth generation of technology is evolving and being used. There are four generations of automation. The first revolution (1.0) dealt with shifting work from manual labor to systems working by steam-powered or water-powered engines and other machine tools. The second revolution (2.0) involved the use of steel and electricity in industries. Due to electrification, a huge amount of efficiency was increased and systems became more reliable. During this phase, production in assembly lines was started. In the third revolution (3.0), the use of computers, PLCs, robotics, digital automation, and networks played a bigger role in increasing and controlling production to a great extent. Now, the fourth revolution (4.0) has taken the third generation to a new level through the use of IoT (Internet of Things), cyber security, real-time data access...

What is a Photoelectric Sensor?

 In this post, we will learn the working principle of a photoelectric sensor, and the types, and features of these sensors. The photoelectric sensor is a very important technology used in instrumentation. It makes optics and photo electricity into picture for working. As a transducer, it converts light energy into electrical energy. It is used in many industrial automation applications. In this post, we will see the concept of a photoelectric sensor. What is a Photoelectric Sensor? A photoelectric sensor emits light from the transmitter, which consists of a light-emitting element. A receiver at the other end will detect this light beam. When this emitted light is cut by any object in between, the light beam intensity received at the receiver changes. The light intensity is continuously processed and converted into an electrical output. As the intensity changes, the electric output changes. This electrical output is then fed to any circuit and shows whether any object has passed bet...

Difference Between Single Core and Multi-Core Cables

 Cables are a very important part of industrial automation. You must know which cable to use and where to use it so that there is no goof-up in the instrument part or electrical part. There are many types of cables used, but it is important to categorize them based on various sections. Because it is not possible to define every type in a single section. In this post, we will focus on two types of cables – single core and multi-core. Here, we will see the difference between both of them. What is a Single Core Cable? Cables come with conductors and insulators. Conductors are the ones that carry current and insulators are the ones that insulate or protect the conductor from the external environment. In a single-core cable, as the name defines, only a single conductor or wire is used inside a cable. Basically, it will simply consist of a single wire insulated in an external coating layer. Because a single conductor is used, it can be used with a large and thick diameter. So, it is said...

What is Relay? How it Works? Types, Applications, Testing

 We use relays for a wide range of applications such as home automation, cars and bikes (automobiles), industrial applications, DIY Projects, test and measurement equipment, and many more. But what is Relay? How a Relay Works? What are the Applications of Relays? Let us explore more about relays in this guide. What is a Relay? A Relay is a simple electromechanical switch. While we use normal switches to close or open a circuit manually, a Relay is also a switch that connects or disconnects two circuits. But instead of a manual operation, a relay uses an electrical signal to control an electromagnet, which in turn connects or disconnects another circuit. Relays can be of different types like electromechanical, solid state. Electromechanical relays are frequently used. Let us see the internal parts of this relay before knowing about it working. Although many different types of relay were present, their working is same. Every electromechanical relay consists of an consists of an Elect...

Emergency Stop Switch Spurious Trip

 Today we will discuss about one of the most important components used in the Instrumentation system i.e. NC contact. This is widely used in Emergency Stop or Stop pushbutton as a fail-safe condition is needed there. Emergency Stop Switch Spurious Trip This system may lead to spurious trips in long run. Yes, you read it right SPURIOUS TRIP! Internal Components of Switch The switch Normally-Close (NC) contact used has a simple internal as shown below. The main components are spring and contact in a switch. Now as per the fail-safe concept, the stop button contact should be closed in non-actuated conditions for many hours and days as per the required application. Whenever the pushbutton is pressed, which is maintained mainly by a spring and contact, the contact should open. Now due to the aging effect, this spring may fail or its strength may be lost after some time. Sometimes these issues may create an open contact and actuate the pushbutton without actually pressing the stop button...

What is EDI in a Water Treatment Plant? – Electro deionization

 In this post, we will see the concept of Electro deionization (EDI) in a water treatment plant. Water treatment plants are used to convert bad wastewater into drinkable or usable water. The quality of the water coming out of these plants need to be maintained for proper human use. Such plants are used in almost every industry; as quality water demand is a must for the personnel to use or machines to operate. The water content is monitored by various types of sensors, which help in maintaining the final output. Without them, it is impossible to operate the plant. Many components are used in a water treatment plant to treat bad water. One such component is EDI (Electro deionization). In this post, we will see the concept of EDI used in water treatment plants. It is one of the most essential components used in these types of plants. Why EDI is required? Conductivity means the ability of water to conduct current. It is one of the important criteria in determining water quality. Low co...

Combustion Control – Series and Parallel Air-Fuel Ratio Control

 Steam pressure is the key variable that indicates the state of balance between the supply and demand for steam. If supply exceeds demand, the steam pressure will rise conversely, and If demand exceeds supply, the steam pressure will fall. The pressure controller with main header pressure, a controlled variable manipulates the firing rate demand to control the steam pressure at the desired Setpoint. In this case, for multiple boilers and only one common header. Here the term plant master is used because more than one boiler supplies steam to a common header. The plant master generates the master firing rate demand signal that drives the individual boilers in parallel. The primary function of combustion control is to deliver fuel and air mixture to the burner at a rate that satisfies the firing rate demand for efficient combustion. Due to insufficient airflow, the fuel is wasted which makes incomplete combustion and can cause an accumulation of combustible gases. And too much airflo...

Transmitter Proof Testing

 The purpose of proof testing is to detect the failures within the transmitter that are not detected by the regular diagnostics of the transmitter. Of main concern are undetected failures that prevent the safety instrumented function from performing its intended function. Proof Testing Method The frequency of the proof tests (or the proof test interval) is to be determined in the reliability calculations for the safety instrumented functions for which the transmitter is applied. The actual proof tests must be performed more frequently or as frequently as specified in the calculation in order to maintain the required safety integrity of the safety instrumented function. The following tests need to be specifically executed when a proof test is performed. The results of the proof test need to be documented and this documentation should be part of a plant safety management system. Failures that are detected should be reported to the manufacturer. The personnel performing the proof test...

MODBUS ASCII Communication Protocol Explained

 n this post, we will study the concept of the Modbus ASCII protocol. Modbus is a communication protocol that is widely used in PLCs. It is a type of serial communication. Nowadays, apart from PLC’s, it is widely used in various ranges of instruments like PID controllers, sensors, various types of electronic instruments, VFD’s, etc. Modbus works in master-slave mode. That means, suppose there is a PLC that acts as a master and three VFD’s which act as slaves. If you understand it in simpler terms, it is a turn-by-turn protocol. The PLC requests information from the first slave; then the second slave and at last, the third slave. It requests for data in a set period of time; and if the response is not received (timeout time), then it proceeds for the next slave and so on. After the last slave, it goes back again to the first slave. Also, apart from reading, it also writes data to slaves one by one. MODBUS ASCII Communication Protocol Modbus works on three hardware layers for serial ...

Types of automation

  Basic automation Basic automation takes simple, rudimentary tasks and automates them. This level of automation is about digitizing work by using tools to streamline and centralize routine tasks, such as using a shared messaging system instead of having information in disconnected silos. Business process management (BPM) and robotic process automation (RPA) are types of basic automation. Process automation Process automation manages business processes for uniformity and transparency. It is typically handled by dedicated software and business apps. Using process automation can increase productivity and efficiency within your business. It can also deliver new insights into business challenges and suggest solutions. Process mining and workflow automation are types of process automation. Integration automation Integration automation is where machines can mimic human tasks and repeat the actions once humans define the machine rules. One example is the “digital worker.” In recent years,...