How do you sense or switch loads up to 3 amps with each of the 32 points on a SNAP high-density digital (HDD) I/O module?

Here's how: the new SNAP-UDC-HDB-G4 breakout board.

Topics: Discrete control, optonews, New products, I/O, OptoNews 2016-01-06

In automation, proportional integral derivative (PID) control loops are common, useful, and tricky to get right. 

Each loop is different and each requires individual tuning for maximum effectiveness.

Now here's a new tool to help you tune your PID control loops: our online PID Control Loop Tuner.

Topics: Energy management, Process control, optonews, Integrators, Building management, OptoNews 2016-01-06

Did you miss any of these? Here are the 5 OptoBlog posts our readers found most interesting in 2015:

1. Sinking and Sourcing in DC Circuits

Topics: Process control, Internet of Things, optonews, PAC Project, OptoNews 2016-01-06

We've talked recently about digital and analog totalizing: getting total running values for on-time, flow, power production, and so on. 

The next step is using those totals in your PAC Control strategy—and in your groov mobile operator interface—to get the information you need.

Topics: Process control, Discrete control, Tips, optonews, PACs, PAC Project, OptoNews 2016-01-06

As 2015 draws to a close, all of us at Opto 22 say "Thank you!"

Thanks for your achievements in the automation field, your community contributions in OptoForums and the industry, and of course your interest in Opto 22 products.

Together we look forward to a new year filled with new opportunities.

Topics: Videos, optonews, OptoNews 2015-12-16

We've just released PAC firmware version R9.4c.

This updated firmware is for SNAP PAC controllers (S-series, R-series, and SoftPAC), SNAP PAC brains (Ethernet and serial), and G4EB2 and G4D32EB2 brains. 

Topics: Updates, optonews, PACs, Firmware, OptoNews 2015-12-16

It's the end of the year, and that means that Control Engineering's Engineers' Choice Awards voting will close soon.

Vote now for groov 3.0 and for your other favorite products of the year.

With groov 3.0 you can build your own mobile operator interface—your own mobile app—for just about any automation system or equipment.

Topics: groov, optonews, Awards and recognition, OptoNews 2015-12-16

Move up without changing racks or field wiring

Have you seen some of our newer high-density, high-speed, or multifunction I/O modules and wished you could use them in your legacy SNAP Ultimate or SNAP Ethernet I/O system? 

Have you wanted to build an easy-to-use groov mobile interface for your legacy system?

Or wanted to log a lot more data locally? 

If so, we have a tip for you: check out the SNAP-PAC-R1-B programmable automation controller. 

Topics: Updates, Tips, optonews, PACs, New products, Migration, I/O, OptoNews 2015-12-16

In an earlier OptoNews we defined the terms accuracy and resolution as they apply to analog I/O modules. 

These specs help you choose the right module for the job, so you get the results you need.

Some applications require highly accurate values or very fine resolution, while others do not. Choosing the right module for your application will save you time and money.

Topics: Process control, optonews, I/O, OptoNews 2015-12-02