Automation Blog: Theory, Practice and News

At first glance, choosing a variable frequency converter seems quite simple: select the correct voltage, sufficient power rating, and a device at a suitable price. However, in my daily work I occasionally come across situations where a customer has chosen the wrong frequency converter. The reason is usually not a poor-quality device, but rather that some important selection criteria have been overlooked. Let’s take a closer look at what really matters when choosing a variable frequency drive.

Photoelectric sensors have long been the “eyes” of production process control — they are used to check whether a component is present, whether a bottle is moving along the line, or whether a package is in the correct position. But technology does not stand still. Today, in addition to classic sensors, machine-learning-based vision sensors have also entered production. These sensors can not only detect presence, but also assess whether something has actually been done correctly.

In pumping stations, solar parks and other remotely controlled industrial sites, cellular connectivity is often the backbone of the entire system. When the connection is lost, it’s not just data that stops flowing — the whole process can come to a halt. That’s why it is essential to choose a cellular device that is designed to operate reliably even in harsh conditions.

When searching online for information on how to choose a frequency converter, the focus is usually on motor power, rated current, voltage and application. All of these are, of course, important parameters. However, surprisingly little is said about how to assess the actual reliability of a frequency converter. So let’s take a look inside the frequency converter.

Relays may be small components in industrial automation, but their impact on overall system reliability is surprisingly large. Can a relay that looks perfectly ordinary be the reason why a production line stops or faults keep recurring? At first glance, many relays seem identical — one or two contact sets, a 24 VDC or 230 VAC coil, … Let’s take a closer look.

When selecting a variable frequency drive for more demanding applications, vector control quickly becomes part of the conversation. Sometimes it may feel like just another fancy term used in sales talk to sound impressive. But is that really the case?

In the world of sensor cables, two materials are frequently encountered that may appear quite similar at first glance but behave very differently in real-world applications. Both PUR and PVC cables are widely used and each has its own well-defined role. The right choice depends on the operating environment, the application, and the expected service life of the cable.

During one perfectly ordinary meeting, amid equally ordinary agenda items, an idea surfaced — the kind you might at first take as a joke: “What if we made a blog? About automation? And everything connected to it?”