Tech & Buying Guide

Modern factory automation relies heavily on robust Industrial Ethernet communications. Control system engineers deploy managed Ethernet switches to connect programmable logic controllers (PLCs), distributed control systems (DCS), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), and field I/O devices. Selecting between Layer-2 and Layer-3 switching architecture directly impacts network throughput, routing capabilities, and overall cybersecurity defense in operational technology (OT) networks.

Modern industrial control systems (PLCs, DCS, edge nodes) are rapidly adopting cloud-native architectures, generating vast operational data. OpenTelemetry offers an open-source framework that unifies metrics, logs, and execution traces, enabling standardized observability across industrial automation and IT systems.

In modern process control and factory automation, managing operational risk is a top engineering priority. High-speed machinery, high-pressure vessels, and continuous processes present constant hazards to personnel and equipment. Modern plant operations rely heavily on functional safety strategies to mitigate these risks. This guide breaks down the essential functional safety terminology that every control systems engineer should master.

Mastering contact switching principles is essential for reliable control panels. Field devices and PLCs interface through dry or wet contacts. This technical guide examines the mechanics of dry contacts, explores their wiring architectures, and evaluates their key advantages in industrial automation.

Commissioning is the most decisive phase of an industrial automation project, transforming control hardware and software into an operational facility. Thorough testing prevents costly startup delays and builds customer confidence. This guide covers essential checklists, electrical standards, and best practices.

Unplanned downtime poses a major financial threat to process manufacturing. To prevent costly interruptions, engineers deploy redundant PLC and DCS architectures that ensure continuous operation when hardware fails. This technical guide explores redundancy principles, critical system nodes, and real-world scenarios.