This index has been replaced by the DigiKey Field Guide for Industrial Automation. The Field Guide is organized by task and kept current.
This page provides a table of contents for DigiKey’s TechForum material related to industrial automation and control.
General resources
- Guide to Troubleshooting Industrial Control and Automation Equipment
- Photo-Indexed Gallery for DigiKey’s Automation & Control Components
- Product Selection Guide
- PLC Programming Language Introduction
- The Demise of Ladder Logic and the Blue Relay
- Exploring Open-Source Hardware from an Industrial Control and Automation Perspective
Test equipment
Maintenance
Control Panel Construction
- An Improved Trainer for Relays and Small PLCs
- DIY Programmable Logic Controller Trainer
- How do I select a wire ferrule?
- Use and Storage of Pre-Cut Wires for Industrial Control Panel Construction
- How to Locate Part Numbers for Front Panel Pushbutton and Switches
- Selection and Use of Terminal Block Jumpers
- Dual Wire Ferrule for Daisy Chain Connections
- Spring Terminal vs Screw Terminal Connections for Industrial Control Panels
- Programming the Banner K50 Pro Series Multicolor Touch Button
- Introduction to the Lighted Pushbutton for Industrial Control Panels
- Wireless Pushbuttons for Industrial Control Panels
- Color Blindness Accommodations in Industrial Controls
- Practical Example of Sourcing and Sinking Configurations in Industrial Control Circuits
- Programming and Connectivity Guide for the Banner Engineering K100 Beacon
- First Steps for DIN Rail Hardware
- What is the best way to tighten 22 mm industrial control panel indicators and switches?
- Optimizing Your Control Panel Using Sensor/Actuator Terminal Blocks
Relays
Practical
- Relay Logic for Industrial Control Panels
- Beginner's Guide to Selecting an Industrial Control Relay
- Relay Normally Open vs Normally Closed Contacts
- What is a DIN Rail Relay?
- What is a Multifunction Relay?
- Understanding Relay Coil Voltage Specifications
- Contrasting AC and DC relay specifications
- What is an Ice Cube Control Relay?
- Mastering Relay Flyback Voltage with the TVS Diode
- Guide to Converting a Traditional Relay into a Time Delay Relay using a Timer Module
- What is an electrical interlocking circuit?
Motor Starter
- Introduction to the Magnetic Motor Starter
- Introduction to the 3-Wire Start-Stop Circuit
- Use of an Interposing Relay for Increased Contactor Speed
- Permanent Magnets as an Energy Saving Feature of a 3-phase Motor Starter
- How Does a Motor Starter’s Thermal Overload Block Work?
- What is Single-Phasing in a 3-Phase System?
- Tutorial for the Start, Stop, and Jog Controller
Theory
- A Comprehensive Guide to Magnetic Field Behavior in Relays
- How long does it take to close a relay?
- How long does it take to open a relay?
- Importance of understanding the Cam, Drum, and Ratcheting Sequencer for PLC Programming
- The MOSFET Active Clamp: The Case Against a Relay’s Parallel Flyback Diode
- Enhancing Energy Efficiency Using PWM Drive for DC Relays
- Guide to Constructing a Time Off (TOFF) delay using a Time On (TON) Delay Relay
Sensors
- Proximity Sensors - Industrial
- Applications of Type PNP and NPN Sensors
- Modeling PLC Digital Inputs: Transitioning from the Microcontroller to the PLC World
- Introduction to the Inductive Proximity Sensor
IO-Link
- What is the difference between a Class A and a Class B IO-Link port?
- Understanding the IO-Link IO Device Description (IODD) File
Motion and Control
- Beginners Guide to the Quadrature Encoder
- Quadrature Encoder System Integration
- Maximize Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) Lifetime with Proper Link Capacitor Care
Arduino Opta PLC
- How to connect and communication with the Arduino Opta
- How to View I/O Status on the Arduino Opta
- Beginner's Guide to Connecting Digital Inputs to the Arduino Opta PLC
- https://forum.digikey.com/t/beginners-guide-to-connecting-outputs-with-arduino-opta-plc/35375
- https://forum.digikey.com/t/mastering-non-blocking-arduino-delay-by-adapting-plc-techniques/35742
- https://forum.digikey.com/t/arduino-opta-plc-ladder-logic-memory-structures/38864
- https://forum.digikey.com/t/ladder-logic-udfb-in-the-arduino-opta-plc/38891
- https://forum.digikey.com/t/software-compatibility-between-the-arduino-opta-and-the-schneider-electric-modicon-m171-m172-plcs/40707
Crouzet PLC
- https://forum.digikey.com/t/crouzet-programmable-logic-controller-thermistor-selection/37591
- https://forum.digikey.com/t/prevent-unexpected-equipment-start-up-with-defensive-plc-programming/37802
- https://forum.digikey.com/t/plc-finite-state-machine-control-using-a-sequence-cam-block/37783
- https://forum.digikey.com/t/introduction-to-crouzet-plc-sequential-function-chart-sfc-programming/37860
- https://forum.digikey.com/t/crouzet-sequential-function-chart-macro-for-a-three-phase-motor-starter/37891
- https://forum.digikey.com/t/power-on-safety-macro-for-the-crouzet-plc/38122
KUNBUS PLC
Modicon PLC
- https://forum.digikey.com/t/single-pushbutton-on-off-control-including-a-ladder-logic-demo-in-the-modicon-plc/38520
- https://forum.digikey.com/t/introduction-to-the-modicon-plc-udfb/39543
- https://forum.digikey.com/t/how-to-configure-the-modicon-plc-for-a-quadrature-encoder/39629
- https://forum.digikey.com/t/integrating-the-banner-k50-pro-optical-series-touch-button-with-a-schneider-modicon-plc/39841
Zelio (Modicon) Smart Relay (PLC)
