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How PLCs Are Powering the IIoT

IIOT Industrial Internet of Things luminous lettering,text

Smart factories are transforming the way companies produce products. With an increasing push towards efficiency, safety, and speed, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is becoming one of the most important strategies today. To operate, this industry needs well-trained and educated professionals. For those looking for a new career path, the PLC Technician Certificate program at George Brown College could be the ideal path to consider.

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Peripherals: Tools and Devices for Efficient PLC Programming

technician holding robotic arm device

PLCs are designed to run application programs – the programs controlling industrial equipment or processes – quickly and consistently. But how do you write, install and update such a program? That’s where programming terminals come in. 

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Proactive Maintenance Strategies for PLC I/O Modules

Automation control module, part of PLC I/O Modules

If the PLC is the brain behind industrial automation, the Input and Output module (or I/O module) is the central nervous system.

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PLC's and Water Treatment Facilities

Aerial view Recycling-water-sewage-treatment-plant

It wasn’t that long ago that treating wastewater and delivering clean, safe drinking water to homes relied on manual processes. Today, water treatment is largely automated, thanks in no small part to the use of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and other electrical devices that can be programmed to complete many of the tasks required with little to no human oversight.

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The Difference Between PLC and RTU

Wiring PLC Control pane

It’s safe to say that we all benefit from process automation in some shape or form, whether we realize it or not. Many of the products and systems that we rely upon to feed our families, get us to and from work, and allow for a restful Sunday afternoon are made possible by process automation. More often than not, the devices that drive these processes will either be a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) or a Remote Terminal Unit (RTU).

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Variable Frequency Drives: Basics and Common Applications of VFDs

VFD Machine connected to a PLC

Electric motors are used in multiple applications of our everyday lives but require the right amount of electrical energy to provide optimal torque and speed. To control these motors, Variable Frequency Devices (VFD), are used to convert AC current into DC current from the power supply. In this article we will look at how these devices work, and how they are important

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Important Differences between PLC and DCS

Device with DCS workmanship

 

One of the most common questions in industrial control and automation systems is “what’s the difference between a PLC and a DCS? In order to fully understand the difference between these two systems, we must look at the history of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) and Distributed Control Systems (DCS), and break down their internal components. 

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Discrete vs. Analog I/O: What's the Difference?

discrete and analog I/O modules

When it comes to learning the foundations of PLC programming, it can be as easy as flicking on and off a switch. That’s the main difference between discrete and analog I/O modules! Discrete signals are simply on or off, whereas analog signals vary. 

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